[Drakkn]

A quick question about using aluminium instead of mdf - what thickness of aluminium could be used

[joecnc2006]

A quick question about using aluminium instead of mdf - what thickness of aluminium could be used

I would imagine 1/2" and 3/4-1" for side gantry, but i have not done this so just my guess.

Also you would need to beef up the motors, the alumn. will get heavy, altho this is a stout machine to start with, maybe other who built this one can post and log their progress, I know a few have already completed it.

joe

[kosymailman]

Just checking to see if anyone has the parts for Joe's machine in Vcarve .crv format? I have Vcarve and figure that is my best way to go to cut out the parts.

thanks

[silver4dracs]

The length of cable is 10'

Joe do you have the dust collector in a cad file, I need to make one i got dust everywhere. hahah

[David Da Costa]

Kosymailman,

can't help you much on that as my existing CNC Router (IMService) only has a 12"x12" envelope so I am limited in what I can cut on it for the "BIG" CNC router.

Anyway here are the .crv files for the dust collector.

[hugo carradini]

Hello David.
¿How can I open the dust collector files? If you don't mind I am very interested also in making one, but cant open the files.
Thanks
Hugo Carradini

[joecnc2006]

here are the dwg files, and g-code so you can see it in a cnc simulator or in mach3. I also added some tabs for you. Use 1/8" End mill.

For those who ask, if i cut a 2'x4' piece i usually add some tabs if needed, and also use clamps on the far router end, and carpet tape on other end to hold entire piece in place.

[joecnc2006]

The length of cable is 10'

Joe do you have the dust collector in a cad file, I need to make one i got dust everywhere. hahah

Lorenzo you going to post a log? like to see some pictures, how does it run now?

[joecnc2006]

Just checking to see if anyone has the parts for Joe's machine in Vcarve .crv format? I have Vcarve and figure that is my best way to go to cut out the parts.

thanks

You should be able to import the files into v-carve.

[David Da Costa]

Indeed you can import them, that is what I did with the dust collector then you have to create the toolpaths in VCarve.

[kosymailman]

David & Joe, thanks for the help. I have been trying to open the dwg files in Vcarve and they do not show up as files to open. As you suggested I went to the import files and see that dwg files are an option.

thanks again

[Tony Mac]

Hi,

VCarve Pro will Open and Import ‘most’ DWG files if you enter the extension manually in the “file name:” dropdown on the Open file dialog. If you enter *.dwg as the filename and press enter, the dialog will show the .dwg files.

However we do NOT officially support this capability and don’t advertise it on the web site. The reason for this is that the DWG is AutCAD’s proprietary file format and they continually change it with each release. We do not have the resources to keep trying to track these changes, so although we can open most .DWG files from AutoCAD 2004 and earlier, we do not advertise or guarantee it.

By all means try the facility and if it works that is great, but if it doesn’t work I’m afraid you will need to get the files translated to DXF format.

I hope this helps,

Tony

[joecnc2006]

if you do not have a way to convert back to 2000 format or others, or just DXF the files, here is a free Lite Cad program, which has the look and feel of AutoCad.

http://www.softlookup.com/download.asp?id=77551

Joe

[ger21]

You can also try the free converter at www.a9tech.com

[silver4dracs]

Lorenzo you going to post a log? like to see some pictures, how does it run now?

Joe I am unable to cure that skipping step problem. I have had to slow the machine to 40ipm and it is fairly reliable at this speed. Any other ideas? I have pulled the y lead screw off of the bearing block on one end and it does not center in the hole. I am trying to resolve this as this is probably one of several problems with my machine.

I will post some vids and pictures once I get it running well, its kinda embarrasing to have a machine that is not functioning right.

[joecnc2006]

Joe I am unable to cure that skipping step problem. I have had to slow the machine to 40ipm and it is fairly reliable at this speed. Any other ideas? I have pulled the y lead screw off of the bearing block on one end and it does not center in the hole. I am trying to resolve this as this is probably one of several problems with my machine.

I will post some vids and pictures once I get it running well, its kinda embarrasing to have a machine that is not functioning right.

if the machine is loosing steps, its either the alignment or the power input feeding the motors, you did set the board vref's correct? (the power supply is the 24v 10amp providing 33vdc +/- end result?).

on the y axis leadscrew the carriage hole and gantry sides should line up perfectly, and this will have the leadscrew centered. the carraiage can how ever be slightly higher or lower if the top 4 5/16" bolts are not adjusted properly, by loosening or tighting the screws in pairs, front two or rear two.

with the power supply even if you are loosing steps on the z-axis then there has to be electonic problem.

Are you able to turn eaisaly by hand or using a variable speed drill to spin the leadscrews?

I would like to see pictures, from angles, and also it moving?

joe

[kosymailman]

I have downloaded your Solidworks drawings but cannot measure the parts. I can measure the .easm files but not the .sldprt ones. Am I doing something wrong?

[mindstorm88]

Joe I am unable to cure that skipping step problem. I have had to slow the machine to 40ipm and it is fairly reliable at this speed.

I may have miss it but What is the TPI of you leadscrew ??? if you have around 20 TPI ,at 40 ipm it's about the max RPM you'll get from step motor without loosing step !!!

[jxdunker]

I have downloaded your Solidworks drawings but cannot measure the parts. I can measure the .easm files but not the .sldprt ones. Am I doing something wrong?

I hade the sam problems, I was using "eDrawings 2007"
after I put in the frree registration code under Help->Registration it was working ok...

[silver4dracs]

ok, so yesterday I took the entire machine apart and basically reinstalled the gantry, the bearing blocks and the lead screws. I finally have the machine working properly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it appears that there was a small misalignment in the gantry. Once i reinstalled the parts I was able to get the lead screws to align properly with no binding. I have the machine runing smoothly at 90ipm. I will post a video shortly.

I have triple checked the Vref and it is set at 2.5amps for the keiling motors on the X and Y axis. The Z axis is set for 3 amps. Everything appears to be runing normally now. I will post a video later today.

Lorenzo