Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Re: New to DIY cnc , Looking for some guidance and advice on first CNC

« on: March 13, 2020, 08:12:40 PM »

Hi,
if this is a new build then I would recommend Mach4. All development on Mach3 ceased six years ago, if you are going
to invest several thousand dollars on machine hardware it doesn't make sense to use obsolete software.

I use an Ethernet SmoothStepper by Warp9. It has arguably the best and most complete Mach4 plugin and realtime
features of any of the Mach4 controllers.

I use two single port bi-directional breakout boards. They have no opto-isolation, relays nor PWM outputs, I add those
features as I require. This results in best flexibility and lowest cost but requires you be prepared to make a few
simple electronic additions to the boards.

If you prefer a 'ready to rock and roll' breakout board with all three ESS ports fully developed then the MB03 by
CNCRoom is recommended.

Craig

Thanks for your help Craig.

I will look at it over this weekend.

Darko

12

General Mach Discussion / Re: New to DIY cnc , Looking for some guidance and advice on first CNC

« on: March 13, 2020, 11:12:32 AM »

Hi,
that is quite an impressive hardware list, ballscrews and rails all very good.

I'm a bit questionable about the Clearpath servos, they are good quality, no doubts there, but rather that they are expensive for what you get.

May I suggest you look at B2 series Delta (Taiwanense manufactured in China) or DMM (Canadian manufactured in China) as good quality brands
that won't break the bank and much more powerful for the same money.

I favor Delta servos. A 400W Delta B2 series servo and drive has 230VAC input, no power supply required....they kick arrsse! with considerably more power and control
flexibility than Clearpath's.

Craig

Thanks for your reply,
What appealed to me the most is the ease of setup. There are a lot of videos online about clear path servos, and look like they are easy to setup.
I am clueless about electronics so I decided to go this way. I will definitely look up companies your suggesting.

Do you have any recommendations on 5axis controller?

Darko

13

General Mach Discussion / New to DIY cnc , Looking for some guidance and advice on first CNC

« on: March 12, 2020, 08:54:45 PM »

Hello everybody

I am in the research stage of my build and this is what I have so far:

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO RIGHT NOW:

I am looking to build a solid and sturdy MDF-Plywood frame with a 24x48 working area to start and option to machine the vertical edge of the material. In the beginning, I would like to machine hardwoods and some plastic.

So this is what I'm thinking

• 4 CPM-SDSK-2310S-RLN ClearPath Integrated Servo Motor 4 NEMA 23
• 350/500 Watt DC Power Supply Output: 75 VDC - 350W / 500W(fan-cooled) cont; Input: 108-250 VAC
• Y-axis 1500 mm rail and 2010 ball screw with double nut
• Y-axis 1500 mm rail and 2010 ball screw with double nut
• X-axis 1000 mm rail and 2010 ball screw with double nut
• Z-axis 400 mm rail and 1605 ball screw with double nut

• 2 pcs Hiwin rails HG20-400mm with 4pcs HGH20CA bearing blocks
• 2 pcs Hiwin rails HG20-1000mm with 4pcs HGH20CA bearing blocks
• 2 pcs Hiwin rails HG20-1500mm with 4pcs HGH20CA bearing blocks
• I already have a router

The rails and ball screws are Chinese made. (ebay)
(called clearpath customer support and tech I was talking to told me I should not spin the 1500mm 2010 ball screw more than 1800rpm)



WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IN THE NEAR FUTURE:

• Build a super sturdy frame with a combination of aluminum and steel and then transfer all hardware to a new machine.
• Upgrade to a 2.2kw water-cooled spindle
• add MPG
• add rotary
I'm sure there are going to be other things just, can't remember right now.

So this is what I'm not sure about:

So at first, I wanted to go with Acorn board, I really liked their interface and looks like good support, however, only 4 axes, did not want to pair two y-axes together.
My understanding is, with servos, I do not need the drivers, only 5axis BOB

I feel lost here. What 5axis bob should I go with? I'm looking for something that a lot of people use so if I run into the problem I can possibly find the solution from others.

Electronics is not one of the things I know much about, so if you have any suggestions please share.
Forgot to mention, I'm going with the MACH4, it seems like a lot of people are using it.

Thank you very much

Please excuse me, English is my second language

Darko