Thanks for the comments. This is the place to share ideas. I'm still hoping to see other projects so I can see what I should have done. :questions: I'm installing the steppers next. That part won't take long, but adding and routing those long cables back to the drivers, the limit switches cables. I think there will be over 50 ft of cable. (shielded of course).
First Contact!! I mean, First Movement!! On 2 axis. The X steppers are moving, just don't have the chain drive hooked up yet. Also, need to work out the cable carrier.
Way to go LaVerne! can't wait until your cutting now Congrulations on your first steps Mark and Trish Attached files
Thanks Mark!! It was a very exciting evening. The video was it going thru the motions of cutting one of my 24" saucers.
Looks great- but I must ask -what is the piece of OpenRail doing on the back of the -main OpenRail -x- axes-I guess
Paule, I'm not sure what piece you are referring to. The gantry is not positioned as far back as it will be when I hook up the chain drive. Is that what you are talking about?
I think he means the Z axis set up lifting the rail instead of a plate. @ Paule Its nice because t slot is easy to mount things to like for instance the router holder. Mark and Trish
Need some help. Does anyone have a picture of how they mounted a limit switch on an OpenRail system? I have seen the picture on the OpenRail.net site, but, for some reason, that did not help me. Thanks.
LaVerne, In the setup on the part store the switch mounts to the carriage plate (drill holes) and meets up with the stud in the rail shown here: However... we are working on a new design, that will allow the switch to be mounted on the rail and lined up to hit the carriage or v-wheel. We think this will be a better design because it removes the switch from the plate. We have added the SketchUp so that maybe you could Phlatprint one for now until we finish getting these manufactured. Hope this helps Attached files Limit Switch_Bracket_example.skp (3.2 MB)Â
Mark, I like the bracket idea. For my X axis, I don't plan on the limit switch cable moving. I will be routing it thru the extrusion in some manner. After I get my unit cutting, I'll cut some of these out. Thanks! Also, I will be installing the X axis chain drive this weekend. I hope to see all 3 axis moving very soon.
Here's how I'm doing an economical router mount. I think the next item to work on will be the material retaining frame. I'd sure like to see some other projects get posted. Attached files
You have such a nice sturdy looking machine built, you need need more muscle in a spindle choice imho. Go at least 2.5 hp router Porter cable or Bosch so you can get a real nice precision collet system for it.
That sounds like a nice enhancement to do. Tell me more about how the precision collet system would be a benefit over the Colt?
With a full size router and the collet kit you can run 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 in shank bits. It also has very minimal runout (wobble). You will need to surface your spoilboard before you cut and with a table your size you would want a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inch spoilboard cutter and those only come in a half inch shank diameter (at least that is all I can find). No matter how hard you attempt to get a flat surface to cut on the only true way to make sure it is flat is to cut it. I have a 2 1/2 hp bosch router on my table and doing heavy hog out cuts you can really hear the router work, I am sure it would stall a 1 hp model. If you are sticking with foamy type materials or balsa only then my point is moot, but I found being able to cut hardwoods at a decent speed is a blessing.
Hey KX-5 Your project is looking very cool. I got some motors from the same company also... I'm working on a 2x4 machine.. before diving into a 4x8 which I definetly will build also. Can I get your input on the extrusion... Did you compare the pricing on the misumi extrusions vs. 8020? I'm kinda lost at all the numbers and options.. so I'm not sure how to compare it. As far as you know.. is it 10% cheeper? is it more? and is it of comparable quality as 8020? on my 2x4 machine i'm just trying out the cnc world so I'm using threaded rods for the drive screws... Did you find a good place to buy decent lead screws. Thank you for the photos and all you shared. Good Luck... you seem to know exactly what you are doing... Frank
one other question kx-5... I noticed you seemed to secure your leadscrews in your own bearing blocks... Is it possible to post more close ups of that? I'm a carpenter.. so I will be making a lot of things out of sheet materials or wood materials. I'm looking at ways to secure the bearing outside circumfrence to the bearing block. As well as securing a 1/2"ID bearing to the leadscrew shaft... I'm thinking of using washers then nuts to lock down onto the inner bearing race. Anyone's comment are welcome. Thank you in advance.