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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Nowra
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    32

    Default 2009 the time to build

    Hi to all

    I've finally started construction of my CNC. I have had the plans for a long time as well as a lot of the components just never enough time.

    Finally I started the construction yesterday. I am building the same machine as shown at buildyourowncnc.com.

    In my hast to get going I drilled some of the holes the wrong size, luckily it was on some small parts so as cutting new ones won't be a problem.

    I am taking my ime and converting the imperial measurements to metric as well as drawing them in solidworks to make sure everything fits.

    Looking forward to completeion and your comments.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    649

    Default

    Awesome, rememeber to take many many pictures. Even now a couple of years after my first build, I glance back through the pictures and I still get as much satisfaction today from looking through them as I did back then making it.

    The cnc bug will bite. I have at home a cnc router and a cnc metal lathe. looking for more things to cnc, the wood lathe I think may be getting a make over soon

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Port Huon
    Posts
    2,685

    Default

    I'll be watching with interest as well.
    Like you, I've had the majority of the components for a while but not the time to do anything with them.
    I'm also planning a buildyourcnc.com design.
    A metric Solidworks design would be very useful.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Nowra
    Posts
    32

    Default

    Thanks for the kind words.

    I was able to get out to the shed again and do some more. I have now fitted the angle to the 2 pieces of 18mm MDF to make the table.

    Even though I drilled the wrong size holes in the gantry sides I have for the time being left them so as I could do a mock up of the machine.

    So far I have done most of the conversion to metric but from the plans there was a lot of dimensions missing from different parts. It is great to design in 3D as i can do the adjustments within seconds and figure out the missing numbers or change things to suit.

    I have attached some photos of the progress including the stuff up on the gantry sides ( note to self SLOW DOWN and don't get excited). Only problem is that I return to work tomorrow and this will have to wait another week before I can get to it.

    Mick

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Port Huon
    Posts
    2,685

    Default

    Mick,
    Were 2 x 18mm MDF necessary for the table? I was planning on using a single sheet of 18mm.
    (No firm dimensions as yet for my build - probably 1mt for the X axis.)

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    988

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by snowyskiesau View Post
    Mick,
    Were 2 x 18mm MDF necessary for the table? I was planning on using a single sheet of 18mm.
    (No firm dimensions as yet for my build - probably 1mt for the X axis.)

    I think its more to make the MDF thick enough for the angle aluminium and the bearings to slide along.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Port Huon
    Posts
    2,685

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ch4iS View Post
    I think its more to make the MDF thick enough for the angle aluminium and the bearings to slide along.
    Hadn't thought of that!
    The aluminium angle I have is 25x25x3 so that would make the necessary thickness a bit over 35 mm.
    Back to the drawing board...

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Nowra
    Posts
    32

    Default

    Geoff

    I think it is neccesary to use 2 sheets as to give to table strength and sone rigidity from flex. I am using 20x20x3 angle and it works.

    You will end up with over hang from the angle anyway on the Y axis using the angle.

    I can't see why you couldn't use 1 sheet, just adjust the chamfer and securing holes to suit. If you think you can get away with 1 sheet then give it a go but I would look at some other way to strengthen it fro flex. My X axis is 1218mm in length, the exact width of the MDF sheet.

    Mick

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Port Huon
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    Default

    I'd planned to use a torsion box to get the rigidity required, hopefully with a reduction in weight.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    649

    Default

    Looking good mate, I think the biggest problem is people over plan the design and try to incorporate to much ridgity etc into the design. Now thats fine if youve built them before because you know what your doing, but if its the first one, then just build the basics, when its assembled and has any weak spots you can accomodate for it then.

    Dont get me wrong, over design and over engineer if you want, but the goal is to get one made.

    So far yours is coming along really nice. No need to slow down, get into it, just think in a week or two you could be carving up some jobs, now thats when it becomes lots of fun

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Nowra
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    Default

    Thanks for the encouragement Simso.

    Geoff, I don't think you are going to save weight with this design if you are planning a trosion box. You must be looking at heavily modifying the design to suit.

    What size do you think the torsion box will be as there is limited space under the table to do this even when using 10mm MDF. I think 10mm MDF is the minimum thickness I would use. Having a top and bottom then the spars and stringers would need to be 20mm high giving a total thickness of 40mm. The price would work out to be comaparable to that of 2 bits of 18mm MDF and less hassle.

    My power supply and limit switches arrived the other day. I have an Alien CNC 4 axis board and 3 steppers I got of Ebay. Still need to get my threaded rod etc.

    Just starting off cheaply and if all goes well and I learn a lot hopefully the next build will be a larger machine that can take a full 8' x 4' sheet.

    Till next time, straight grains and lots of sawdust

    Mick

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    649

    Default

    Yeh over thinking it is the killer I believe, if you find something isnt strong enough later then replace that piece with ally or steel.

    Its all a thrill in the early stages. I remember a couple of years ago I was contemplating making a cnc router, then I found a cnc post before this cnc board from rod, who emailed me straight back and said come on down and have a look.

    Having never met the guy, I was blown away by openess and frankness, heart of gold will help anypone. He carved up a basic simple name plate for me while I was there and I was hooked. That night I got home and started construction. 2 Weeks later transform-a-bot was made and finished. Never have I had so much fun with such a simple machine, I recommend it for anyone.

    For info Ive carved engarvings onto musical instruments, to routing foam for cases to mirrors for gifts to name plaques and labels for friends. You are only limited by your own imagination.

    Hopefully my little blurb has motivated you even more to get your butt out from behind the computer and back into the shed.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Moss Vale NSW
    Age
    80
    Posts
    317

    Default

    Simso,
    You mentioned "routing foam". I have been trying to track this stuff down but keep on drawing blanks. What product are you using? Is it any good? Where do you get it?
    Sorry for the questions, but the best stuff I came up with comes from Italy, but no local supplier that I can trace!

    Cheers,

    Alan
    4 out of 3 people have trouble with fractions.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    649

    Default

    High density foam from clark rubber

    Feeds and speeds are the important things, youll see when you try out, I run mine at 200mm/min and about 6000rpm I also use a multi faced cutter, that is it has 8 cutting faces

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Port Huon
    Posts
    2,685

    Default

    The need to accurately cut hi density foam is what started me looking at CNC stuff.
    I wanted a better home for my telescope bits and pieces so got some camera (hi-density) foam. I found that cutting this with a knife was not that easy and the results were not that attractive.
    When I finally get my CNC router finished, redoing the foam inserts will be near the top of the list of things to do.

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