[willy]

Hi all

Would these drivers & software be any good ? I use auto cad.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Three-CNC-2-5A...QQcmdZViewItem

I plan on building a router with a cutting table of 36" X 24" approx. Z axis around 6"

IM not sure of the stepper motors but I have found these,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nema-23-steppe...QQcmdZViewItem

I plan on using laminate trimmer or full size router.

As for linier guides I will probably use several sealed bearings running along 2" square tube, but undecided. I need to keep cost down so probably wont be able to afford linier slides.

Again for the same reason IM not sure of type of lead screw to go with.

I have ordered the following book to help me as I ain't got much of a clue on this stuff. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239

I have Approx £600 ($1100) that I can put into this project initially, so I can buy some of the bits to get me going, & buy other bits & pieces over the next few months to finish the machine off. Materials for frame will be first & motors, bearings etc.

Any comments welcome, & any recomended plans of sensible priced machines would be of great help, but I want metal framed not mdf.

[RASPNC]

Hi Willy

I've recently started buying parts for a similar project, I got some second hand ball screws from ebay and some linear bearings and shafts from the following US website.

https://www.vxb.com/Merchant2/mercha...782d4d2de2747&

I am now designing the frame for my machine around these parts.

I also bought the book you ordered. Its a pretty good book, lots of tips to cut cost however it seems a little dated when it comes to the electronis side of things.
It guides you through the entire process of building the machine on the front cover.

Just about everything you could ever want to know RE. building your own CNC router can be found on this site and if its not here just ask and someone will hopefully respond.

Can't really help when it comes to the drivers your suggesting.
I'm looking at the Gecko G202
http://www.geckodrive.com/product.cfm?pid=9

From what i've read they seem to give the best value for money.

You may get some inspiration from the following website.
http://www.k2cnc.com/
I think they also sell router mounts driver etc.

If your going to go for a full size router check out the new bosch GMF1400CE on www.bosch.co.uk
I'm thinking about buying one of these american style routers as they look simple to mount. They are also 240V and available in the UK.

Those stepper motors would be ok for what your suggesting. You just have to make sure you use appropriate leadscrews if directly driven or you use approppriate gearing.

Stepper motors generally have 200 steps per revolution therefore if your leadscrew has a 10mm pitch. It moves the nut 10mm every turn. Therefore the smallest increment you could make it move would be 10mm/200steps = 0.05mm

Decide on the leadscrew then choose a motor to suit or vice versa.
Some drivers allow you to microstep the stepper motors so that they have more steps which result in smoother machining.
Gearing may be required for high pitch leadscrews uncurring more cost.

You could also consider second hand ball screws, these may reduce friction and allow faster travel compared to leadscrews. They are quite expensive

You could also look at using T-Slot framing to construc the main base/frame of your machine to reduce machining cost.
There are many different profiles to chooose from and many fixtures available.
http://www.8020.net/

You may actually find it cheaper to buy a K2 barebones machine in the long run. However wheres the challenge in that.

What are you hoping to machine with your finished machine.

Good luck
Let me know how you get on

Nik