I have the Bosch Colt on my 4x4 and it works great, especially since i added the Super-Pid controller. I can accurately select RPMs from 5000-30000. I've been cutting 3/4" Oak in.25" passes at 150 ipm. I can cut faster, but i don't feel like i need to. I picked up the 1/8" collet kit from Precise Bits and I'm very happy with that too.

I would definitely recommend the Super-Pid and the collet kit for your Colt.

 

Here's a few update pictures. These are of how I'm handling the material restraining part of the challenge.



Attached files

 

I'm still a couple weeks away from cutting anything. Patience needs to be the main virtue to make sure everything works the way it should and in a safe manner. Attached files

 

I too like the way you did the hold-down, LaVerne. I'll steal that idea too, if you don't mind!

 

I like the way your U channel holds down the foam. Looks well thought out.
Your machine build looks really neat and professional.

Keep up the good work. I think it's gonna be an AWESOME part making CNC machine.

Cheers.
GHB

 

VERY NICE JOB BUT I MUST ASK WILL YOU BE CUTTING IN TO THE TABLE ON EACH PASS :flying:

 

Paule, yes, each cut on the white foam will cut into the pink foam spoiler about 1/16". At some point, when the pink foam is messed up enough, I'll just flip it over and use the other side. I think it will be a good use of about $9. for the 4x8 sheet of pink foam.

 

I'd like some feedback on the size of the vacuum system people have been using. Is a 5 HP unit sufficient to keep the router area clean?

 

I would think so, I use a 6.5 hp sears vacuum.
I think as long as you have a decent dust shoe it should be fine.

 

You know what this picture means. Yep, it cut some foam today. And it was awesome.



Here's a video of it in action. The bigger the machine gets, the slower it looks like it's going. It was actually moving at 100ipm.

Attached files

 

!! OUTSTANDING !!

Your machine looks great and looks like it cuts as good as it looks.
I know you're going to enjoy making all kind of things with it

Keep posting stuff as you make things.

Great job.
George H. Boyd

 

AWESOME!!

Nitro

 

Here are a couple of updates to my machine. I refined the corner pieces used to secure the material. I used the new machine to cut the new corner pieces out of 1/4" mdf. I made 2 sets. One set has 10" sides for larger material, and one has 1 1/4" sides to use with pieces down to about 3" in width. With these corner pieces and the spring loaded hold down clamps, I can safely cut within a 1/2" of the outer boundaries of a sheet of foam. So, on a 24" x 48" sheet, my safe cutting area is 23" x 47". I also completed my dust boot assembly. The machine did a great job cutting the 1/2" plywood pieces.





Attached files

 

Nice Work, LaVerne! What goes into the cutout in the dust shoe?

 

Thanks Mark and Yoram!! The cut out is a window to look inside. It uses a piece of plexiglass as the window. I like Mark's idea of a laser. Would be kind of cool to put a miniature video camera/transmitter there just to watch whats going on. Although I am gaining more and more confidence that it knows what to do in there and I really don't need to watch it.

 

why wouldn't you just make the whole plate of plexi? You would be able to see everything using a single peice.

 

LaVerne,

did you by any chance make a Bill of Materials for your build? As soon as school lets out, I want to start gathering components to build a router for myself. I was looking to buy a used PhaltPrinter III but seems everyone loves their too much! So I might as well plunge into the process and get one started for myself...

Thanks for posting your build, it has both assisted and inspired me!

 

Robert, I made an attempt to keep up with materials I purchased. However, not everything seems to get added. I know I made a lot of trips to Menards and Lowes for various nuts and bolts that don't show up anywhere. I know things like a material list can be very helpful so I'll post what I have. If more pictures or close ups of some area would be helpful, please let me know and I'll snap some more pictures. I really enjoy the OpenRail version of the CNC machine. I'm sure you will too. Good luck with your project and don't hesitate to ask questions. This was my first attempt at something like this and I learned a lot along the way.

I just discovered that the site does not allow Excel .XLSX files so I've attached a zip file.

Attached files PartsList.zip (72.3 KB)Â