[thunderdork]

Hi, I'm creating a new thread for my build. I'll be using this one to post updates to my site thunderdork.com where I am documenting the build. I have another thread but its a bit clogged with questions and answers I have. This one will be more for just the updates.

Here I have all the ones I've posted so far:

My first post about the parts I got from Automation Technologies and Moore Gear:
ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Servos, Controllers and Cables, Oh My!

Here is a post about the KL-7220 power supply:
ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – I have the POWER!!! (…and gear racks)

My tutorial about setting up the US Digital E5 encoder:
ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Servo’ing it up with the Encoders.

The majority of parts I got before building the contoller box:
ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Controller Box Parts

My totally over built heatsink setup:
ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Heat Sink Overkill

The first version of my Input/Output board:
ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Enclosure input and output board

Cutting and paiting the enclosure:
ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Enclosure Cutting and Painting

Testing the wiring of the KL-7220 power supply:
ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – KL 7220 Power Supply

My final version of the Input/Output board:
http://thunderdork.com/diy-cnc-route...interface-2-0/

[thunderdork]

Milestone 1 now achieved! Got my control box finally built and all the motors are whirling away. Feel free to point out anything I'm doing wrong:

ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – It’s Alive! Control Box and Servos up and Running.

More posts to come soon.

[thunderdork]

went ahead and did a more thorough walk through of my break out board wiring:

ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – CNC4PC.COM C11 Wiring

This is for the C11 Breakout Board from CNC4PC

[thunderdork]

Got a new posting on how I have the Gecko g320x drivers wired:

ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Gecko g320x

[thunderdork]

ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Homemade Linear Bearings

Just put up a post of creating my linear bearings which are a modified version of the cncrouterparts ones. Having gone through the whole process, might be better just to buy from them since they make great products.

But in my post I go through how I did the multisided milling, creating my cnc and drill press jigs and all the pitfalls I ran into. Hope you like it!

[thunderdork]

ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router

Put up a post on the anti-backlash housing I created for my ebay chinese rolled ballscrews.

[thunderdork]

I finished my layout designs in Sketchup. I am going for something with a moveable / removeable bed. You can see more detail here:

ThunderDork » DIY CNC Router – Intial Designs

This is it with the shallow bed



This is it with the deep bed.

[thunderdork]

I've been able to get the z-axis going. Here is my build.

And here is my video:

[lukewarm]

Looking good TD, question though how are you going to support your top bed? I have a large machine myself and I found I needed a lot more steel frame work than I expected to keep my bed stable.

[lukewarm]

Also what are your calculated max velocities and acceleration? I noticed your Z axis seems to have a fine pitch ball screw. You might find your Z feed rate limiting your machine. This had been an issue on my machine.

[thunderdork]

Yeah, since a single start with 5mm pitch it's a bit slow. Thankfully, I can always swap pulleys and belts with this configuration if I need to.

As far as bed stability I was gonna create a moveable bed out of 4x4 steel cross members but I'm currently redesigning. Contemplating a hydraulic lift table that can latch on to the main pillars when positioned.

[lukewarm]

I also have a 3mm pitch ball screw on my Z axis with a 3:1 overdrive belt drive and the highest speed I can coax out of it is 300 ipm which really sucks considering the rest of my axis go 5X faster. I notice it especially doing intricate 3D contouring. It effectively caps my 3D cutting speeds at 150 ipm when doing complex textures. I would prefer to be cutting then at closer to 1000 ipm in most cases. Sorry for the wall of text just my personal observation.

Also good luck with the bed, mine was an afterthought and I paid for it! I'm glad to hear you've got a plan

[thunderdork]

Thought i'd update this thread. I got the rack and pinion based x axis done:

DIY CNC Router - Rack and Pinion X Axis - YouTube

Here is my blog entry about it:

DIY CNC Router ? Rack and Pinion X Axis | ThunderDork

[thunderdork]

Another update. I finally got my 3rd final main axis complete.



Here is the post on my site were I will answer comments and post more information as questions are asked

DIY CNC Router ? Y Axis and Frame | ThunderDork