Thread: new build:: 1200x2900x150 (pt2)

apparently because I've been a slack tart and haven't updated in 112 days I couldn't reply to my original thread. hahaha, oops. (original post: new build:: 1200x2900x150)

I still have the 12mm flat bar steel bed in my front yard. it has to live there for now until I can sort out the garage as I've just finished building my own router table in order to finish the furniture items for the nursery and a couple of commissioned projects.

I've got the steel for the linear rails sitting and awaiting welding and mounting. The only thing is my brother in law is helping with that and he's preparing to go to vegas for SEMA to show of his new expandable catch cans. we'll get onto the welding closer to Christmas once he's back and finished a few of his projects.

I also have the sheet of MDF for the wood components of this build but I'm really struggling with the quotes I'm getting from CNC services and I'm not really keen on cutting it out with a jigsaw. I will if I have to and if I do I will cut a template out of hardboard first so that I can route everything to shape.

Is there anyone in Brisvegas that might be willing to help me cut the parts from a single sheet of 23mm MDF? If yes, please PM me and let me know how much you'd charge to do it.

more updates as I get things done (which is slowly considering we're preparing for the arrival of our first child mid november)

so tonight I took delivery of a new computer, well it's second hand but it came free from the IT guy at work. He's seriously blessed me with a decent machine, Pentium core duo, 2gb ram, 150gb hdd, 256mb ati radeon graphic etc etc.

I've had a 22" openframe LCD laying about from an old touch screen project for a client and a keyboard, plus a logitec joypad that I plan on using for the remote controller. The LCD panel doesn't have the touch overlay but I can easily add that later (requires a purchase).

I hooked it all up and began to set things up, sans mouse (which I'll get from work tomorrow).

I've also order the caster for the legs of the table (mostly so I can bring it in from the outside for now). The more I look at my workshop and the table, the more I'm thinking of having this laying fairly low to the ground so I can roll it away underneath my workbenches when not in use. This however requires more thought about how I am mostly going to be physically interacting with it and the rest of my workshop.

Here's a few pics.


the resolution is pretty darn good


that's a thin openframe right there. It's screaming for a nice perspex enclosure.


the whole shebangabang


the joypad controller

just got a call from mate and he's going to give me his copy and license of Rhino 4 + Rhinocam 2. I think I got the version numbers right, it was a very quick call from the airport as he heads out to sydney for the week.

so I'm collecting more and more pieces each week for the build. Placed an order for the v-bearings with VXB last night seeing as though the dollar is back in parity.

I'm going to place an order for this kit once it becomes in stock again:
4 Axis CNC Kit (G540, 425 Oz-in Motors, 12.5A 48V PS) - $671.00

I'm pretty sure it'll be big enough to drive the machine for what I want to cut. I'm having trouble trying to locate end mill bits though at a reasonable price and am not really sure I know which ones to get for 2.5d cutting of wood (ply/mdf and some hardwood) and plastic.

If my stock material is 2" do I need an end mill bit that has a 2" cutting length? Or is that dependent on how I plan to cut said stock.

I'm also waiting for a decent ballscrew to come up on ebay that's about 350mm, has the nut and end supports.

That's about it for now. unfortunately no fancy pics to show at this stage.

Originally Posted by newflavour

I'm also waiting for a decent ballscrew to come up on ebay that's about 350mm, has the nut and end supports.

You can grab a C7 Ballscrew from china

eBay Australia Shop - linearmotionbearings:

Chai can supply what you need just send him a message, he can also machine them.

Thanks Chais, send a message via ebay now.

so after a bit of a wait on this project I'm full steam into the build again. I've now got the finance sorted for the remainder of the parts and will begin ordering everything tomorrow.

I am lost as to which motor kit to get though. Any ideas on which of these I should get? One has relays and one does not. Is it required for the G540?

4 Axis CNC Kit (G540, 425 Oz-in Motors, 12.5A 48V PS) - $627.00
G540 Stepper Controller Package (inc 4 x 387 oz.in Motors) [CC-07] - US$620.00 : Homann Designs, The Preferred CNC Component supplier

stay tuned as I begin to get things sorted. I am seeking help though with CNC cutting of some parts though. Anyone in Brisbane that can help me cut 23mm MDF?

The relays are handy to have if you intend to use the G540 to switch on and off other devices. A VFD spindle or mill (router) perhaps. I have the G540 with two relays. One controls the spindle when I'm using my large CNC. The other is a 240v switch for a Kress Mill router when I have the controller box connect to my Widgetmaster CNC. They usually cost around $10 each.

Brad.

Thanks brad. In which case I'll get the larger motor kit and add relays later.

quick update:
- G540 kit ordered.
- Ballscrew ordered.
- V-Groove Bearings ordered.

now I sit and wait patiently.

just ordered the ansi chain from a local supplier and the gears/sprockets from mcmaster carr. I'm getting pretty excited that its all coming to fruition now.

presents arrived in the post today. my wife sms'd me at 10am and I had to wait ALL day before I could open it. Patience is a virtue, apparently.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._7860874_n.jpg

time to go buy a printer cable and begin bench testing.

so I started wiring everything up tonight but have run into a little bit of a snag. I'm unsure as to the size of the current set resistor I should be using.

I'm basing the wiring off http://www.homanndesigns.com/EN010_V8.pdf and two others listed here G540 wiring diagram for dummies? - Page 2 - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!

I've got a 12.5a 48v power supply and 425oz/in steppers which read 24H290-28-4B on the back of them. I really wished the g540 came with some sort of instructions as the gecko site isn't working at the moment.



Any ideas folks as to which resister would be appropriate or is it not required?

i think i've figured it out via the motor spec sheet. 2.8k 1/4 watt axial lead resistors should do it i think.

2.8K ohm is correct, normally a 2.7K + a 100 Ohm to get the 2.8K ohm, but 2.7K on its own will also work fine.