[GibbonsRock]

Can you post a video of the train as it runs over the 8020?

JoeyB

Ask, and.... [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B96sSAsK_s8"]ye shall receive[/ame].

It was just like that, only the 8020 got slightly dirty, and the train is now a scuba attraction in the Potomac river.

Cheers, Jimbo

(hoping tomorrow can be a productive CNC building day!)

[GibbonsRock]

More parts! The router holder and the bearings.

There's a company out there that machines these beautiful router holders for us DIY CNCers. They make a variety of sizes compatible with whatever routers are out there. This one fits the popular Hitachi M12VC, which is handy because that's the model router I'm going to use. It's a gorgeous part and, at $60, surprisingly inexpensive.

The bearings are hardened V-groove bearings, and they cost a small fortune. They're going to be worth it.

[GibbonsRock]

Alrighty, a few posts ago I wrote up a lengthy primer on protecting steel parts with a spray-on coating of some sort.

Well, now it's time to make those parts sharp and holy.

I have a friend whose father works in the clergy, so I took the primed steel rails to him to make them holy. That guy mumbled a few things in some strange language, made a few gestures and sprinkled a little water on them. He said that was all there was to it, but I was skeptical.

When I got home, it still wasn't clear to me how they would be attached to the superstructure, so I tried a more straightforward approach. My drill press.

When drilling steel, take your time. Lubricate the cut with oil and don't let the bit smoke too much- it'll last longer.

That made all the difference- once drilled out, they bolted to the industrial erector set pieces with little fuss!

The last pic is of my gantry piece and that's a printout of the official Joe plans in the back. I printed mine on 11/17 paper, but I believe the genuine article ships on much larger paper, and is probably suitable for framing.

[CanSir]

There's a company out there that machines these beautiful router holders for us DIY CNCers. They make a variety of sizes compatible with whatever routers are out there. This one fits the popular Hitachi M12VC, which is handy because that's the model router I'm going to use. It's a gorgeous part and, at $60, surprisingly inexpensive.

Yes, the router holders that K2CNC produce look to be top notch! Couple that with a Paul Jones Instant Z Axis and you'll have a great looking, bulletproof (?) top end.

Good luck with the assembly!

- Dean