Greetings. I have been lurking here for a while and have finally amassed enough knowledge to attempt a router build.
3D Model:
Y table:
Chassis:
Chassis with X and Y:
Y Motor Mount:
Full unit, without motors:
Routing Test:
Pocketing:
Video:
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRi4odrPyVQ"]YouTube - CNC Router Ripping It Up. Full 3 Axis[/nomedia]
Parts:
Motor Driver: Gecko G540: 250
Motors: 3x Vexta PK266 166 oz-in: 75
Linear rails: 250
ACME Leadscrews 1/2x10 single start: 70
ACME Nuts (Plastic): 30
Flex couplings: 30
MDF: 60
Aluminum: 60
Hardware: 100
PC: 200
Mach3: 150
Power supply 24V 10A: 30
Bosch Colt Router: 100
Bearing blocks: 85
Total Cost: ~1500
The unit can do 100 IPM rapids.
I'm not happy with the rigidity of the X and Z rails, the next one will use fully supported rails.
The G540 is an excellent drive. I have burned up a few of the cheap Chinese drives before biting the bullet and getting the real thing.
I'm using Algolab R2V to convert bitmap files to DXF, and using master cam to generate the G-Code.
One question. What is the proper technique for routing out plexiglass?
I'm cutting at 50 IPM with the router at the lowest speed, and it still melts.