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General CNC Chat => Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) => Topic started by: zarzul on June 04, 2007, 03:59:56 PM

Title: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: zarzul on June 04, 2007, 03:59:56 PM: Well after cnc'ing my mini lathe and then my mini-mill it is now time to get going on something a little larger.

I am just getting started on a cnc router. I have one question right from the git-go. My frame has a lot of twist-ability in it. I can lift one
corner about 1" before the other legs start to move.

I was planning on stiffening it up by welding strut criss-cross between the channel and the unistrut just below it, and probably diagonally
corner to corner on the channels, flush to the bottom of the channel. Then strut every 12" parallel to the shortest side flush with the top of the channels.

Any other ideas on stiffening this up more?

I am sure I will have more questions as I go. My rails are drilled and tapped 1 1/2 bars 4' long. I got some matching linear bearings and poured some aluminum castings that I am almost done machining on my mach 3 enabled mini-lathe.
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: Brian Barker on June 05, 2007, 09:56:30 AM: Looking good :)

Thanks for the pic
Brian
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: Chaoticone on June 05, 2007, 10:21:10 AM: Hey Arnie,
I looked at this the other day right after you posted it and replied but I see it didn't make it. :(

Keep the pics coming. I hope to build a gantry router before too long and like seeing others designs. Looking good.

Brett
Title: more progress pics
Post by: zarzul on July 02, 2007, 03:44:45 PM: I got a little more done this weekend,

Welded cross supports - this stiffened up the table real well.
Welded table top supports
Installed rails
Finished machining bearing castings
Mounted bearings & gantry risers

I am trying to keep the weight down on the gantry components by using mostly aluminum.

Arnie
Title: got'er done
Post by: zarzul on October 03, 2008, 03:13:34 PM: Finished up to the point I can do some cutting.

I have a few unusual characteristics, note the y Axis drive system close-up.
I haven't had time to do any linearity tests but it seems to run real nice. I can do 400ipm on the
y with no loss steps.

The x has a lot of power but the ballscrew has a little bend in it and it starts wobbling real
bad at anything over 200ipm. I think I will probably put a larger screw on it.
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: zarzul on October 03, 2008, 03:19:02 PM: some more pic's

note the cable system to prevent racking
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: 57phillip on November 20, 2008, 09:10:24 PM: Wow! What a Machine I am trying to get my Vanguard 7000 working correctly to do engraving on homemade watch dials that is my retirement hobby repairing watches and putting together special watches for special people. Does anyone here think Arnie's machine will engrave on a 1" circle of gold.
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: DennisCNC on November 20, 2008, 09:22:40 PM: His machine sure will but if you only need a small work area, then a mini mill will be best for you. Maybe refitted with some new ballscrews and will have a fairly accurate machine for that type of work.

Dennis
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: 57phillip on November 20, 2008, 09:36:12 PM: Yes a have the machine I need and it is almost working right, I was kidding about Arnie's machine I never saw such a big engraver. All of this is new to me, I was a autobody shop owner in the working life. Have fun.
Phil
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: RICH on November 21, 2008, 06:48:55 PM: ZARZUL,
Must be nice to have space. So what's the first project?
RICH
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: DennisCNC on November 22, 2008, 12:16:10 AM: Phil,

I was in autobody for ~13 years doing crazy collision work that others didn't do. Now in the granite countertop business. Get to use my creativity much more in machine related area.

Here is one of machines:
http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27147
all the pics http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/denniscnc/

Dennis
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: zarzul on November 25, 2008, 11:15:49 AM: Rich,

I have been making a few Yard Elfs for my wife. They are pretty simple mdf cutouts with accent lines that she is painting for Christmas decorations at her work place (the bank).
She is really enjoying the fruits of my efforts, she is just mesmerized watching the machine just cutting away.
Now she wants to learn how to run everything, starting from the clip art to the finished pieces.

Arnie
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: 57phillip on November 25, 2008, 12:09:55 PM: Boy ! Way to go Arnie I am almost ready to show mine something she might like soon thanks to your help getting my machine to even move for me. This is a great Guy on this forum don't anybody TEE him off please. I want him around for a long time.
I will be visiting the forum more often soon as I will need help using the programs I have. I bought Mach3 and ViaCad but I have not tried them too much because all my time was to get the machine wired correctly. Thanks to Artie. See you guys and gals soon with stupid questions Later Phil :)
Title: Re: Arnie's CNC router build (just getting started)
Post by: RICH on November 25, 2008, 06:04:50 PM: Arnie,
Sounds like you may be able to add some additional bonding there with the better half.
So teach her well. ???
Just watch out if she starts making too many Elfes. >:D Can't trust those little guys, heck, before you know it
they'll just be standing there taking up the best spots in the shop. ;)
RICH