Thread: Newbie questions.

Blue ray

Where are you located? Perhaps you may have an experienced builder nearby.

Take some time and do a lot of reading. CNCzone has an enormous amount of info but it takes a lot of trawling through the dross.

Don't be tempted to rush out and buy anything yet.

I think realistically you need to expect to spend at least $2000. Others may differ on this point.

Look around and try to spot the type of machine that you think is within your capabilities to build.

And as I said do lots of reading. Then you will be able to ask more concise questions.

Greg

Originally Posted by Greolt

Blue ray

Where are you located? Perhaps you may have an experienced builder nearby.

Take some time and do a lot of reading. CNCzone has an enormous amount of info but it takes a lot of trawling through the dross.

Don't be tempted to rush out and buy anything yet.

I think realistically you need to expect to spend at least $2000. Others may differ on this point.

Look around and try to spot the type of machine that you think is within your capabilities to build.

And as I said do lots of reading. Then you will be able to ask more concise questions.

Greg

Campbelltown, NSW, Australia (45mins south of syd)

I run a small business so 2k is not much as said I was once considering the smaller commercial unit for much more.

Yea, been reading around and some awesome machines some of you have made.


Do you happen to know if anyone is close?

Originally Posted by blue^ray

Campbelltown, NSW, Australia (45mins south of syd)


Do you happen to know if anyone is close?

No but someone might stick their hand up.

Greg

What would you like to do with the machine?

Originally Posted by AV Elec

What would you like to do with the machine?

cut/engrave perspex
cut wood
cut sheet metal

is this all possible?

The sheetmetal will be the issue. Aluminium can be done. You are pushing the capability of a router if you would like to do mild steel or stainless.

Originally Posted by AV Elec

The sheetmetal will be the issue. Aluminium can be done. You are pushing the capability of a router if you would like to do mild steel or stainless.

Shouldnt be a problem then as I love perspex so it will be mostly perspex that is done.

BTW been reading up on the best kit and xylotex always comes up and just looking at their prices it doesnt look like a bad entry kit.

I was thinking of either of these

3 Axis System Kit (269 oz.in. motors)
======================
(1) 3 Axis System Kit(269) $325.00
(1) USPS Shipping $47.00
TOTAL $372.00

3 Axis System Kit (HT) (425 oz.in. motors)
======================
(1) 3 Axis System Kit (425) $325.00
(1) USPS Shipping $47.00
TOTAL $372.00


Is it better to get the bigger motors? I plan to make a mid sized cnc nothing too big. Being no price difference I dont know which one I should get.

Also the Drive Boxes are only a system kit setup in a box correct? Why are they $140 more?


Sorry for so many questions. If anyone can answer them I would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Blueray,

There is a bloke at nowra who has a CNC Router, I will try and get him over here it a little bit away from you but he is closer than Greg or me. He is decent chap too

Hi Blueray

The Xylotex is a good kit and proven to be relaible so long as you read and follow the instructions. Never connect or disconnect a wire or motor with the power on or you will smoke the board. This is not unique to Xylotex.

For a mid sized machine go for the 425oz kit. The control box is the same kit made up to a plug and play unit. The additional $140 is for wiring, plugs and labour cost to assemble and test.

As has been suggested try to see a machine that way you know what you need to do. Don't worry about asking questions as we all did when we started - actually I still ask questions.

Originally Posted by crocky

Hi Blueray,

There is a bloke at nowra who has a CNC Router, I will try and get him over here it a little bit away from you but he is closer than Greg or me. He is decent chap too

Thanks , my granny lives in nowra.

Originally Posted by rodm

Hi Blueray

The Xylotex is a good kit and proven to be relaible so long as you read and follow the instructions. Never connect or disconnect a wire or motor with the power on or you will smoke the board. This is not unique to Xylotex.

For a mid sized machine go for the 425oz kit. The control box is the same kit made up to a plug and play unit. The additional $140 is for wiring, plugs and labour cost to assemble and test.

As has been suggested try to see a machine that way you know what you need to do. Don't worry about asking questions as we all did when we started - actually I still ask questions.

Thanks for your input Might just grab the basic edition and if all goes to plan I can make a control box out of plex once its put together.



A couple more days of reading and ill place the order will see what type of design I want to build first. BTW is the official site the best site to order these off? http://www.xylotex.com or is there a reseller of theirs which is best to order from? if any.

Yes the official site is where you order xylotex. Look for the Aussie flag and click on there.

I think he is away on course at present and I have left him a message with this one attached so hopefully he will contact you. His name is Daniel by the way and I think he is really from Bombaderry and if you have granny at Nowra you will have reason to visit

Xylotex is a good buy and far better than anything else at a similar price

Just a few more questions.


Does it matter what the motor ratio to the amount of turns is, is it all programmable via the program used? as I was thinking of maby going with a belt driven X and Y axis to save on costs (Yes I know the problems with belt driven useually a slower production eliminates all problems). Also does anyone know the best place to buy attachements for the motors?

Also I was thinking of using 25mm perspex for the main base. Is perspex acceptable as a replacement for MDF as I hate using wood for any project. The main body parts that require 100% accuracy will be cut professionally by a local laser/router cutting company (not cheap but its accurate).

My budget is $1000 or well trying to keep it under $1000 for the complete frame. I'm going with a basic dremel router and going to have a go with my own design.

Hi Blueray,
You calibrate your machine in the software so any screw/pulley ratio can be used.

Your table surface can be steel or aluminum plate, mdf or perspex so long as it is flat. I have found perspex to vary a bit in thickness so be aware of this. Most use mdf becasue it is flat and if there is an accident with a cutter then you do not loose too much sleep over the cost.

Simso had his machine laser cut and it looks a treat. By laser cutting you can be a bit creative with the design as things like feet and curves in the design are no problem.