Thread: CNC Gantry Router #A

Rod,
I look forward with great interest to see how it all works out ...luuv to see a video!

What is the best place to buy energy chain ... I am not quite at that stage, but I am thinking ahead (a bit more dangerous than ordinary thinking!). I have worked out where the cable tray will go and how the transitions will work, but haven't decided on a final size for the energy chain or where to get it.

Cheers,

Alan

I am also looking forward to some video.

Alan here is a PDF on chain that can be bought in Melbourne,

http://web.aanet.com.au/greolt/cable%20chain.pdf

Others have done well on ebay. Cable chain is one of those things you want the correct size and especially radius to suit the application. So I would prefer to buy new as it is not that expensive.

Greg

Greg,
Thanks for that info ... are you able to give me the name of the Melbourne supplier?
Also as my table is a similar size to yours, can you give me an idea as to what size chain you used? I want to make provision for a spindle down the track and at this stage, depending on how Rod goes with his air cooled spindle, probably will go for water cooled. I have been using my Milwarkee die grinder for some polishing work and whilst it is certainly powerful, boy, does it make some noise!

Cheers,

Alan

Alan

PM sent. We don't want to clutter Rod's build log thread.

Greg

Cluttering is good - reminds me of working in the shed.
Cable management is important and can be one of those things you put off to see a new machine run.

Gentlemen I need some help and advice; I have constructed my frame and have used 40x40 box welded for this. I have then bolted some 100x10 ally together at 90 deg to make the x axis beds , these will run down both sides and have the bearings bolted to it (hope this makes sense) the problem I have is I need to fix these ally angle iron sections to the frame (bolt and glue, I know don’t laugh but that what it advised in the plans I got off the net) I can do all this but these ally pieces need to be perfectly level and parallel to each other??? Now I know a spirit level will not give the accuracy I need can any one suggest anything???
I know a laser would be ok but am just unsure about the right approach as both sides have to be spot on

HELLLLLLLLLP


TONY

Laser levels come in many shapes and sizes. So it kind of depends on the type of level on how you approach the leveling exercise.

If the laser level is a simple red laser that rotates around, you could place it in the middle of the structure and try to determine the low spots, by referencing the level to the highest corner. Packing the low spots to meet this high corner.

If the level has a receiver mounted on a stick that detects the laser, then simply mark the stick and check the corresponding levels from the reference mark you made.

Alternatively you could mount the unit to the base and run the gantry across the table.
A board used as a reference base and a cutter in the router will do for a start.
Run the router up and down, looking for high spots and then repeat the process for the across/left to right level.
The spots that dig in of course are high, so try shimming the opposite side until you get as close a tolerance as possible.

You can then cut the face of this board with a fly cutter to give you a level playing field for anything you mount to it.

Remember, you'll never get it 100% perfect.

Just a couple of ideas i could think of that may be useful

/M

Hi Tony,
This is a problem for all of us and I haven't read of any sure fire way to do it easily. I use a machinists level and winding sticks to make sure there is no twist in the frame. I then make the table top adjustable and use a dial gauge off the gantry for the last bit. Read my earlier posts to see how I make the table adjustable.


Took a few photos tonight showing the cable trays and energy chain installed. Sorry about the quality of the photos but that's what you get when I take them.
I have tried to show the transition between X and the Y,Z energy chains. I made the Y axis cable tray wider to provide some protection for the rails and ballscrew. The trays were really handy to hold drills and other things while I made them so I might make a tray to hold spanners and other bits for working with the machine when it is finished. Horizontal surfaces are good storage areas.

As you can see from the photos I haven't made the perspex covers for the pulleys yet. I glued up three 30mm thick blocks on the weekend and are pleased with the result. I learned a lot about laminating perspex and by the time I got to the third one it was clear all the way through.

Hey Rod,

I'd be sending that machine straight to the poolroom. It looks fantastic, almost like a bought one but better. Looks good with the rail behind the gantry beam and how it is boxed in. I sure hope i can get some work done on mine this weekend, all these builds moving along and mine isn't sorta makes you feel out. lol.

Keep up the great work, and again you've stepped up the level. Great work and look forward to seeing a video of it cutting.

Daniel

Hi Rod,

Nearly there now

Haven't done any cable routing yet so the info is well received here, I will have to get it sorted soon. Still got to do the electronics too but there is no rush and while xylotex is still working I will probably leave it a while longer

Thanks for the encouragement.
I still have to sort out how to duct the wiring across from the control box to the dangling X axis cable chain. I have some aluminum square tube and will look at that tonight.
Probably only another twenty hours to go then I will have to work out how to slave the second X axis.

I have finished all the wiring but alas no movement. I have full power to the motors (they lock up) but they do not move. One axis just grunts - well I think it does but it might have been me. Looks like the breakout board or the computer comms is my problem.
I have a mate who is an Electronic Engineer dropping over tomorrow night and I am sure he will fix it with a bit of his mumbo jumbo. The high voltage side has already been checked over with the spindle running so it is just the low voltage side that is giving me grief.
So no video tonight.

Yuck!

Hope it is something simple then.. I was sure it was going to be going

I'm waiting for a Gold Leafing kit to arrive today, I have a job that is waiting on it New experience.....

Hi Bob,
I think I know what it is but I am not game to experiment just for the sake of it. It should be going tonight.