[murphy625]

Metal Stamping and prototype industry.

It would be nice to have someone to talk to who is familiar with the industry in this area.

Murphy

[skippy]

Hey Murphy, I realise this isn't connected with your above request BUT your statement: "My machine is NOT a typical CNC machining center. Its a "programmable hoist" thats almost 65 feet long, 13 feet tall and 12 feet wide.." has stirred my curiousity. Do you have any picies of this beast? What's it used for exactly? If it's one of those "I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you" things, then just be vague in your reply ok!
Skippy

[murphy625]

Its like an overhead bridge crane that goes to different locations, picks up a load and takes it to another location based on a set of process parameters.

No pics yet because we are building sections of it in a 2 car garage. It will all bolt together when we get into a real building. (2 - 3 more months?)

Here is a photo of the upright's that hold it up... 6 inch sq tube.

Murphy

[ynneb]

Ok Murph, now I am curious too. Come on you can do better than that. I want pictures of the cad drawings you have for it, etc.

What will be its purpose?

[murphy625]

I'll post a bunch of pics once its up and running...

If I told you to much, your life would be in danger....

As I get closer to finishing, I"ll be posting more...

Did you see the panel control box for it?? Its in the photogallery...


Murphy

[skippy]

That control box is a serious bit of work. Judging by the number of components inside it I'd say that this machine is intended to do far more than just lifting things and depositing them at various points. Anyway I (we) hope you'll "spill the beans" about it further down the track when it's no longer a commercial risk to do so. Good luck with finishing it and commisioning it!
Regards
Skippy

[murphy625]

Thanks Skippy.

Its been a lot of work but we are almost finished.

Yes. It does alot more than just point a to b..

Will keep you updated!
Murphy

[HillBilly]

It looks very impressive and thanks for includind me in your mentor list (Another post.). My post on the other forum did get consumed, it basically said I know what you are up against.

Darek

[NeoMoses]

Mechanical Engineer here, experienced in building machines (and robots). I also grill a mean steak. :cheers: Feel free to contact me.

[murphy625]

I wrote you an email.

Murphy

[dmartin95]

Hi all,
I am from the Detroit area as well! White lake to be exact. I am new to the world of CNC's and could sure use some tips also!

I have my machine built, the controller assembled and a superfast computer to run it from... I am planning on using Mach2 from Artsoft...

[ger21]

I have my machine built, the controller assembled and a superfast computer to run it from... I am planning on using Mach2 from Artsoft...

Is it a router, or a mill?

[dmartin95]

Thats funny you ask, because I really don't know.... I "think" it would classified as a 3 axis wood router....

Here, I added my machine to the gallery... Could you please tell me what I built?

http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/data/500/medium/CNC1.jpg

[ger21]

Looks like a router. What kind of tips are you looking for?

[dmartin95]

Well, as I mentioned... the hardware part is almost done.. Except the limits&Home switches...

I need advice (opinions will work) and tips on the best software to start with. I have none and don't know how to program, so eaisiest is my best choice. Plus I am really cash strapped...

I was thinking of Mach2 to for a starting point. The kind of tips I am really looking for I guess is I need someone who is familiar with the software and my PIN outs and help me configure everything... Like I could snap a picture and with some paint program draw the connections for me... then show me what pins to select in Mach2..

I dunno... I really need a long term mentor who is willing to help me over time. I am really new to this and have come to learn that there is people doing it for over 30 years and still don't have it all down... So I need lots of help :cheers:

[ger21]

There arte forums here for just about everything you need to learn. Ask your Mach2 questions in the Artsoft (Mach2) forum. There's a g-code forum, CAD forums.

You can write g-code from scratch if you don't have any software. There is a good free CAD program, at http://www.a9tech.com that you can save files as .dxf and load them into Mach2. That should get you started.

What types of parts (things?) do you plan on making?

[dmartin95]

Cool CAD program! Thanks.

I plan on manufacturing wooden Doll house furniture. My asscociate makes miniatures out of clay for scenes such as food amungst a plethra of other things.. And I have to buy the actual furniture for the stuff to get displayed on. If I could manufacturer those parts myself I could save a bundle.

I initially built the CNC to prototype Circuit Boards (Mechanically etch the copper) however my part was to build the CNC, my partner was supposed to figure out how to run this thing and come up with the schematics for the circuit boards. However things fell through so....

Doll house parts