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wallyblackburn
09-10-2017, 05:52 PM
Initially posted here:
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/11310-1st-CNC-Router-Overwhelmed-Some-advice-please

Decided I'm at the point where a build log is in order. Still looking at wood only, but would like to toss 3D carving into the mix. Table is built from 2"x2" square tube steel, 1/8" thick. I will be adding steel strips for more thread engagement where needed.

Ordered linear rails and ballscrews for Y-axis (X-axis?, still haven't figured that out) from Fred at BST. Trying the 20mm Chinese ones. Saving the 35mm NSK surplus ones I ordered before for a later project.

I know I'll get bruised up a bit for this, but I am somewhat "designing as I go". Getting handier with F360 though, so I'll finalize a gantry design before going that far. Here's what I have for now:

22993

Ordering epoxy to provide coplanar place for mounting rails. Gantry thoughts are something similar to what Joe Harris is building. Looking at 1.5kW water-cooled spindle with ER16, 4 bearings, real HY VFD.

Questions:
1. More bracing needed? I am thinking of angled supports for top rails.
2. Any experience with the Chinese rails from BST?
3. What should I be thinking about now to avoid headaches later?

Thank!
Wallace

routercnc
09-10-2017, 06:33 PM
Hi Wallace,

I would brace the underframe a bit with either some vertical pieces mid span, or diagonal across each side.

1.5kW spindles often come with ER11 collet (max 7 mm), although some are ER16 (max 10 mm). But my advice is go for 2.2 kW and ER20 (max 13 mm) as it will give you more options. The extra power will help with the torque at lower speeds. They are all 80mm diameter for the main body so shouldn't effect your design.

If the gantry will ride on those side members is there enough clearance in Z movement to the bed? Check they are going to be high enough.

wallyblackburn
09-10-2017, 07:31 PM
If I did a couple vertical braces mid-span, you think I'd have to then add legs in the middle too?

You are dead right on the collets. I have an ER32 shank for my Bridgeport and was thinking ER16 was ER32 (powers of 2...damn computer geek :). I'll look at 2.2kW spindles.

Not sure I understand the Z clearance question... I'm planning on a beam gantry (if I have my terms correct), so wouldn't taller sides give me the clearance needed? Within reason of course.

Thanks,
Wallace

Nr1madman
10-10-2017, 10:39 AM
Taller sides will get you there! And from what I understand that's perfectly alright for wood routing.
If you plan on aluminium then raising the frame sides are a more rigid solution then taller side plates for the gantry.

Glad to see that you are progressing :D

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Nr1madman
10-10-2017, 10:43 AM
Also the braces that routercnc mentioned are most likely diagonal braces.
If you brace diagonally in as many directions as possible it will reduce flex in the entire machine when you are routing full speed later.

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wallyblackburn
10-10-2017, 08:46 PM
Added these:
23015

Epoxy should be here this week...

Nr1madman
10-10-2017, 08:50 PM
That's good in front to back direction.
Side to side could use some diagonal lovin aswell ;)

What epoxy have you ordered?

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wallyblackburn
10-10-2017, 10:15 PM
Yeah, you're probably right. Sigh, I never thought I'd get tired of welding!

I may get some grief, but I ordered Totalboat 5:1 epoxy. Supposed to be equivalent of West at about half the price. Actually, it wasn't so much that it was cheaper - they had a nice kit on Amazon with resin, slow hardener, metered pumps for each, and mixing containers. Specs have viscosity with slow hardener at 700 Cps, which is actually lower than West's 1000 Cps. So should flow as well or better.

Thanks,
Wallace

AndyGuid
11-10-2017, 02:15 AM
I may get some grief, but I ordered Totalboat 5:1 epoxy. Supposed to be equivalent of West at about half the price. Actually, it wasn't so much that it was cheaper - they had a nice kit on Amazon with resin, slow hardener, metered pumps for each, and mixing containers. Specs have viscosity with slow hardener at 700 Cps, which is actually lower than West's 1000 Cps. So should flow as well or better.

Thanks,
Wallace

Being a skin-flint I'm very curious how successful different cheaper epoxies are at self-levelling, so please report back when done.

Had a look on the web and wonder whether you've gone for just the Slow-Hardener or the Extra-Slow-Epoxy-Hardener which seems to me to be closer to the West system that the successful pours on this forum have used?

5:1 Slow Hardener ~ http://www.totalboat.com/product/51-slow-hardener/
• Excellent thin-film characteristics provide smooth flow-out and self-levelling ideal for coating and laminating
• Pot life @ 75°F: 20 minutes
• Set time @ 75°F (thin film): 10 hours
• Cure time @ 75°F (thin film): 1-4 days

Tropical Extra Slow Epoxy Hardener ~ http://www.totalboat.com/product/tropical-hardener/
• Excellent thin-film characteristics provide smooth flow-out and self-levelling ideal for coating and laminating
• Pot life @75°F: 46 minutes
• Set time at @75°F: 20-24 hours
• Cure time at @75°F: 4-7 days

Nr1madman
11-10-2017, 05:29 AM
I used reactive resins slow kit. Don't remember the exact specs for it but it worked real good :)
It was about half the price of West 105/209 and it shipped to Sweden without hassle!

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wallyblackburn
11-10-2017, 01:23 PM
Being a skin-flint I'm very curious how successful different cheaper epoxies are at self-levelling, so please report back when done.

Had a look on the web and wonder whether you've gone for just the Slow-Hardener or the Extra-Slow-Epoxy-Hardener which seems to me to be closer to the West system that the successful pours on this forum have used?

5:1 Slow Hardener ~ http://www.totalboat.com/product/51-slow-hardener/
• Excellent thin-film characteristics provide smooth flow-out and self-levelling ideal for coating and laminating
• Pot life @ 75°F: 20 minutes
• Set time @ 75°F (thin film): 10 hours
• Cure time @ 75°F (thin film): 1-4 days

Tropical Extra Slow Epoxy Hardener ~ http://www.totalboat.com/product/tropical-hardener/
• Excellent thin-film characteristics provide smooth flow-out and self-levelling ideal for coating and laminating
• Pot life @75°F: 46 minutes
• Set time at @75°F: 20-24 hours
• Cure time at @75°F: 4-7 days

I went with just the slow - not extra-slow. It will likely be in the 65F temp range here when I pour...

wallyblackburn
12-10-2017, 10:07 PM
Well, I have it about ready to pour epoxy:

2302123022

Can't figure out why my pics are upside down now...

wallyblackburn
13-10-2017, 03:55 PM
Brushed a thin coat on to seal joints, seams, etc:

23029
23030

Still trying to get pics right-side-up. I think it has something to do with iOS 11

wallyblackburn
13-10-2017, 07:38 PM
Read over more epoxy-related posts before pouring and came across the one by Boyan Sylvaski discussing shrinkage of centered bridge causing distortion in the middles of the rails! Well, I wasn't tearing it down and starting over. So, I did the pour, gave it time to flow out, and then blocked the bridge entrances with razor blades:

23037 23038

Used a heat gun multiple times to get rid of bubbles. I was surprised at how well that worked. You could see the bubbles pop and disappear as you waved the heat gun over. Top looks like glass at this point.

Wallace

wallyblackburn
18-10-2017, 06:56 PM
Pulled forms off today. Not sure if this was because I used the Totalboat epoxy, but I was surprised at the size of the meniscus. I have one side pretty much cleaned up, but I'm guessing I had to file in maybe 5mm from the edge to get rid of it. Does this sound like what most of you see? Nothing to base this on, but I expected it to be a narrow and steep meniscus. I'll try to get a pic of the other side before cleanup.

Linear rails supposed to arrive from China this Friday...

AndyGuid
19-10-2017, 02:50 AM
I've not done epoxy before but your query may be answered in this excellent epoxy thread :
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/8197-Use-of-epoxy-for-levelling

IIRC others have suggested pouring epoxy 40mm wide for 20mm rails to allow for a miniscus of about 5mm and then some.

Nr1madman
19-10-2017, 03:57 PM
Wow.. fast progress! I had my moat on for 8-10 days for guaranteed cure..
But you didn't have the super slow stuff?

I used reactive resins and had about 4-5mm meniscus.

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wallyblackburn
19-10-2017, 05:42 PM
Or maybe I just rushed it :(

It seems super hard though. I used the slow - not extra slow. Sounds like the meniscus on mine was about right then. Still amazes me how this works. I could not get the frame level in all directions due to an apparent twist. But no matter which way I put this level, all I see is:

23082

Granted, that is just a (high quality) carpenter's level, but still pretty cool.

Thanks,
Wally

Nr1madman
19-10-2017, 05:54 PM
Yeah I know :D
I was amazed with the glassmooth level surface..
Awsome stuff for DIY applications.
I was a bit stupid as I built my moat out of masonite and the epoxy merged with it. Proper hell to clean :)
Did the tape you used come of easy?

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wallyblackburn
19-10-2017, 05:59 PM
No, it was also proper hell also! I'll use packing tape backwards next time as Clive and others suggest...

driftspin
28-10-2017, 10:22 PM
No, it was also proper hell also! I'll use packing tape backwards next time as Clive and others suggest...I was not aware of this requirement.

Never had thought of this simple solution myself.

I will use cheap packing tape for my pour.


thx guys.



Grtz Bert.




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wallyblackburn
01-11-2017, 03:09 PM
Got the rails and ballscrews for Y-Axis from Fred at BST. Got epoxy cleaned up and mounted first rail. Tried to rough-align second rail using some equal length bars between them and could not get them lined up. Took one off and put it on my surface plate. Nice and flat on top and bottom, but crooked as a politician in the horizontal plane. Getting 12 thou out towards ends.

Thinking this is to be expected when you pay $282US for 2 rails, 4 trucks, and 2 ballscrew assemblies. Anyway, guessing some others have dealt with this? What did you do?

I'm thinking of tightening down in middle, and then working my way out trying to pull the rail to a straightedge and cinch it down. Maybe make a saddle kind of jig that will give me a screw to adjust the rail before tightening it down. Sounds dodgy.

Thoughts?
Wallace

mekanik
01-11-2017, 04:04 PM
Hi Wally
Nice work with the pour, i explained this a while back but have not been able to find the thread it was on, but you are correct, fix the centre of the rail first then work your way outwards setting your rail to your straight edge, clamping the rail, drilling and tapping and then securing as you go.
Regards
Mike

wallyblackburn
01-11-2017, 04:09 PM
Allow me to retract at least most of my last entry and apologize to our Asian friends. Oh...and admit to being a dope that goes off half-cocked...

I was looking at the edge along the base near the mounting surface - which is not really a reference surface, I don't believe. In checking the side of the rail where the balls ride, I get less than a thou over any 6-8 inches. At this point, I am just going to start on the gantry mounting and check it at different points as I go.

Regards,
Wallace

mekanik
01-11-2017, 04:17 PM
I think you will find some marking on the rail depicting the master/reference edge, once you have that set to your straight edge it would probably be better to use your gantry to align the second rail.
Mike

Nr1madman
01-11-2017, 04:43 PM
At this point, I am just going to start on the gantry mounting and check it at different points as I go.

Regards,
Wallace

This is how I did it.
First rail as straight as possible then I mounted the gantry and slid it back and forwards as I was drilling.
Then I took it off and tapped all holes.
Then remounted for tightening the screws and worked as close to the gantry as possible :)

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Neale
01-11-2017, 09:19 PM
This is how I did it.
First rail as straight as possible then I mounted the gantry and slid it back and forwards as I was drilling.
Then I took it off and tapped all holes.
Then remounted for tightening the screws and worked as close to the gantry as possible :)

I have a feeling that that is also suggested in the Hiwin manual. Certainly worked for me!

Nr1madman
01-11-2017, 09:33 PM
I have a feeling that that is also suggested in the Hiwin manual. Certainly worked for me!Oh! Haven't read that one..
I have noulei cheapo bearings (no manual) ;)
I read the mycncuk diy manual. It's quite a read but lots of good pointers.
And the best part.. it got pictures! :D


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Neale
01-11-2017, 09:39 PM
I did read the manual but all the warnings about how accurate you need the mountings to be worried me so much that I closed the manual and just carried on anyway!

Nr1madman
01-11-2017, 10:01 PM
That sounds sane! Sometimes you just have to check what works hands on..

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wallyblackburn
02-02-2018, 07:13 PM
Wow! I was thinking it had been over a year since I last posted - but then realized the dates are DD-MM-YYYY and not MM-DD-YYYY! Anyway, got sidetracked somewhat with a surface grinder I picked up at auction. That, along with a surface plate and measuring tools pulled me into the world of tenths. A scary, but fun place. I like This Old Tony's description of his surface plate: Where dreams go to die... Anyway, gotten back to the router recently:

23704 23705 23706 2370723708 23709 23710

Now, I know it isn't pretty. Please keep in mind my goals for this are to learn and gain experience. I would like it to cut wood at a reasonable (woodworking) level of accuracy at some decent speed, but I'm mostly having fun and building skills and knowledge to make a better one after this - if I decide I want to.

I just ordered rails and ballscrews that are 50mm longer than the ones in the pics. I intend to move the existing ones to the gantry and put the new ones in their place. This should give me bit more travel and get the ends out where I can get pulleys on them. I am thinking of driving the two Y-axis screws with a single NEMA 34 and timing belt arrangement. The X- and Z-axes will be NEMA 23.

Can I get opinions on this kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/FEEE-Ship-3Axis-Nema-34-Spindle-Shaft-1600oz-3-5A-4wires-Nema23-425oz-3-0a-CNC/161348233513?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.M BE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D49893%26meid%3Df193d62e60be48a 9b7bf12521a08f8f8%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D 6%26sd%3D161370296300%26itm%3D161348233513&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

I'm leaning towards a Centroid Acorn controller.

So, given the above, I'd love some input, guidance, even criticism.

Thanks,
Wallace

Desertboy
02-02-2018, 07:30 PM
Wow! I was thinking it had been over a year since I last posted - but then realized the dates are DD-MM-YYYY and not MM-DD-YYYY! Anyway, got sidetracked somewhat with a surface grinder I picked up at auction. That, along with a surface plate and measuring tools pulled me into the world of tenths. A scary, but fun place. I like This Old Tony's description of his surface plate: Where dreams go to die... Anyway, gotten back to the router recently:

23704 23705 23706 2370723708 23709 23710

Now, I know it isn't pretty. Please keep in mind my goals for this are to learn and gain experience. I would like it to cut wood at a reasonable (woodworking) level of accuracy at some decent speed, but I'm mostly having fun and building skills and knowledge to make a better one after this - if I decide I want to.

I just ordered rails and ballscrews that are 50mm longer than the ones in the pics. I intend to move the existing ones to the gantry and put the new ones in their place. This should give me bit more travel and get the ends out where I can get pulleys on them. I am thinking of driving the two Y-axis screws with a single NEMA 34 and timing belt arrangement. The X- and Z-axes will be NEMA 23.

Can I get opinions on this kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/FEEE-Ship-3Axis-Nema-34-Spindle-Shaft-1600oz-3-5A-4wires-Nema23-425oz-3-0a-CNC/161348233513?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.M BE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D49893%26meid%3Df193d62e60be48a 9b7bf12521a08f8f8%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D 6%26sd%3D161370296300%26itm%3D161348233513&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

I'm leaning towards a Centroid Acorn controller.

So, given the above, I'd love some input, guidance, even criticism.

Thanks,
Wallace

I don't care what you say she's a looker ;)

nice work, personally I'd go with 2 nema 23 for the Y and get AM882's or equiv but I'm scared of belts lol.

Nr1madman
02-02-2018, 07:53 PM
Well done ;)

I looked at the kit you linked to.
Have no clue about specs for the nema34 so it might be good but the nema23 is really high inductance and will perform poorly.. the ones from zapp or cnc4you are much better!

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wallyblackburn
02-02-2018, 08:18 PM
Well done ;)

I looked at the kit you linked to.
Have no clue about specs for the nema34 so it might be good but the nema23 is really high inductance and will perform poorly.. the ones from zapp or cnc4you are much better!


Thanks for the info. I quickly get overwhelmed when I start looking at motors and drivers. Especially if you throw closed loop steppers and servos in the mix! If I do go with open loop steppers, what are some guidelines for max inductance for nema23 and 34 motors?

Regards,
Wallace

Nr1madman
02-02-2018, 08:20 PM
Thanks for the info. I quickly get overwhelmed when I start looking at motors and drivers. Especially if you throw closed loop steppers and servos in the mix! If I do go with open loop steppers, what are some guidelines for max inductance for nema23 and 34 motors?

Regards,
WallaceFor nema23 and 3-4nm strength then no more than 4mH. Less is better!

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wallyblackburn
02-02-2018, 08:21 PM
I don't care what you say she's a looker ;)

nice work, personally I'd go with 2 nema 23 for the Y and get AM882's or equiv but I'm scared of belts lol.

Lol - and I'm scared of slaving axes! It is sounding like Centroid will have separately homed, slaved axes in an upcoming release, but I'd like to keep that 4th axis available.

Thanks,
Wallace

Clive S
02-02-2018, 08:21 PM
Can I get opinions on this kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/FEEE-Ship-3....c100005.m1851

Kits are never a good idea as the are never matched. The motors are too high in inductance, you would be better off with higher voltage drives and power supplies. The machine look bigger than 24"x24". It would be nice if you could rotate the pics.

wallyblackburn
02-02-2018, 08:49 PM
Kits are never a good idea as the are never matched. The motors are too high in inductance, you would be better off with higher voltage drives and power supplies. The machine look bigger than 24"x24". It would be nice if you could rotate the pics.

I'll keep that in mind. I was thinking it might be cheaper - but if it's wrong... I still don't understand why my pics get rotated 90 degrees when uploading. I guess I'll try rotating them 90 the other way *before* I upload.

Thanks,
Wallace

m_c
03-02-2018, 08:29 PM
Given you're on the other side of the pond, I would of thought Gecko drives would be a reasonable first choice, as you won't have the issue of import tax and VAT to worry about, which makes them poor value here.
However Leadshine AM/EM drives might be worth considering for the sole benefit of having stall detection, which I'd recommend for any twin screw axis (should a single screw axis stall, it's not normally a major problem machine wise, but on a twin screw axis, you risk twisting the gantry if one screw stalls and the other keeps going - even with stall detection you'll likely still get some twisting, but all motion should stop far quicker minimising or eliminating damage).

Gecko used to also sell some pretty low inductance Nema23 motors, but I see they've stopped selling them.
I'd have a search of the more American based forums to see where people are sourcing motors.

Nr1madman
03-02-2018, 08:59 PM
Hmm keling is us based I think.. they have good motors! :)

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wallyblackburn
03-02-2018, 09:23 PM
Given the "hackfest" nature of this build, I went ahead and ordered this for the twin-screw axis:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Ship-1axis-Nema-34-stepper-motor-1090oz-in-34HS9456-5-6A-Driver-256Micsteps/161340864780?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Says 1090 in-oz. (I get 7.7 Nm) and 4.1mH inductance. My intention is to mount it underneath and between the 2 ballscrews and come up with a timing belt arrangement to drive both from one motor. If I can get the Y-axis moving under power, it will give me encouragement to drive forward.

Thanks,
Wallace

wallyblackburn
08-02-2018, 10:36 PM
Not as easy as I thought to find timing belt pulleys and belts. What width belt would I need to drive this? I see XL, L, HTD, etc. - what do you guys typically use?

Thanks,
Wallace

Clive S
08-02-2018, 11:42 PM
Not as easy as I thought to find timing belt pulleys and belts. What width belt would I need to drive this? I see XL, L, HTD, etc. - what do you guys typically use?

Thanks,
Wallace

I use HTD belt and pulleys

Nr1madman
09-02-2018, 05:59 AM
Htd is supposed to have much lower backlash then the other profiles (backlash free?)
Go with 5mm pitch.. seems a popular choice. I got 3mm pitch delivered and Im hoping thats fine.
15mm width belt is a good choice.
Saw a spreadsheet that demonstrated that 10mm width is fine for routers but it seemed close so I chose 15mm :)

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wallyblackburn
09-02-2018, 02:54 PM
Thanks guys. Well, I find a ton of them on eBay - of course they are all from China and seller is away until 02/20. Oh well, I guess our friends in Asia need time off too :)

I am just looking for 1:1 I think. I just want to drive both screws from one motor. Given that I was going to pick 3 20 tooth pulleys and 2 idlers. Any reason to use more or less teeth?

Thanks,
Wallace

Nr1madman
09-02-2018, 03:29 PM
Thanks guys. Well, I find a ton of them on eBay - of course they are all from China and seller is away until 02/20. Oh well, I guess our friends in Asia need time off too :)

I am just looking for 1:1 I think. I just want to drive both screws from one motor. Given that I was going to pick 3 20 tooth pulleys and 2 idlers. Any reason to use more or less teeth?

Thanks,
WallaceHow about belting online? I think they are uk based?

20tooth pulleys are generally recommended here.
Good size to strength to tooth engagement.
Larger pulleys have higher inertia
Smaller pulleys have smaller boss for setscrews

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wallyblackburn
08-03-2018, 09:50 PM
Well, here is what I ended up with:

23895

23894

Sorry the 2nd pic is rotated (again) - but I think I figured it out now that I have one that is and one that isn't...

Anyway, I am thinking of an adjustable tensioner. Seems like a long span there on top - you guys think that'll be a problem? I really have no experience with timing belts like this.

Thanks,
Wallace

Nr1madman
09-03-2018, 05:59 AM
Well, here is what I ended up with:

23895

23894

Sorry the 2nd pic is rotated (again) - but I think I figured it out now that I have one that is and one that isn't...

Anyway, I am thinking of an adjustable tensioner. Seems like a long span there on top - you guys think that'll be a problem? I really have no experience with timing belts like this.

Thanks,
WallaceHey Wally!

I have no experience with such long belts, but I can imagine that the top part will flap if going fast?
A tensioner on top might be a good stabilizer ;)



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Desertboy
09-03-2018, 06:51 AM
More importantly is that a Mustang in the rear of the photo? Camaro and Firebird man myself but could slum it with a mustang whilst I wait for a 67SS to drop from the sky or a 77 Trans Am ;)

The commercial printers we scrap always have tensioners on and the belt lengths are measured in inches (Short), if you can get tensioners easily enough than I'd fit them. They're sprung to apply constant tension and are adjustable.

wallyblackburn
09-03-2018, 02:14 PM
More importantly is that a Mustang in the rear of the photo? Camaro and Firebird man myself but could slum it with a mustang whilst I wait for a 67SS to drop from the sky or a 77 Trans Am ;)


It is actually a '65 T-Bird. I went to an auction with the intention of buying a '63 Impala SS, and somehow came home with that over-engineered POS. Auction fever, I guess!

I think I will try to fab up a tensioner for the top span.

Regards,
Wallace

m_c
09-03-2018, 08:24 PM
I'd try the setup as is. The worst case scenario is the belt flaps far too much and causes resonance problems, and you then have to add some idler pulleys.

If it does need a couple idlers added, I would probably add a couple rollers to the top, to drop the belt down in the middle and increase wrap on the ballscrew pulleys.

wallyblackburn
09-03-2018, 08:29 PM
Rigged up a tensioner using stuff on hand - including a Subaru timing belt idler bearing:

23897

wallyblackburn
10-03-2018, 10:31 PM
First movement!!!


https://youtu.be/HMjVgd4S_KA

Clive S
10-03-2018, 11:38 PM
First movement!!!

I don't think it will cut anything without a Z axis:applause:

JAZZCNC
11-03-2018, 09:12 AM
Rigged up a tensioner using stuff on hand - including a Subaru timing belt idler bearing:

23897

Be careful not to over tension because will deflect the ball screws causing whip when at opposite end of travel. It would have actually been ok without a tensioner thou it's better down out of the way.

JAZZCNC
11-03-2018, 09:15 AM
First movement!!!

Thats not movement that's a twitch.!. . . . Let it have it's head to shake the gremlins out.:smiley_simmons:

wallyblackburn
11-03-2018, 02:31 PM
Be careful not to over tension because will deflect the ball screws causing whip when at opposite end of travel. It would have actually been ok without a tensioner thou it's better down out of the way.

Interesting. I’ll back off the spring pressure and adjust as needed when it’s actually working.

Thanks!


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Davek0974
11-03-2018, 04:05 PM
Interesting. I’ll back off the spring pressure and adjust as needed when it’s actually working.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, that long run of belt, I would have probably around 10mm of easy deflection in it - you really do not want to "twang" timing belts like guitar strings ;)

As long as they are not flapping in the breeze, the tension does not affect accuracy as much as you might think, but it will wear things out, cause resonance and generally not be good.

wallyblackburn
12-03-2018, 07:10 PM
What do you guys typically use for steps per revolution on your drivers?

Thanks,
Wallace

Davek0974
12-03-2018, 07:37 PM
What do you guys typically use for steps per revolution on your drivers?

Thanks,
Wallace

Totally dependant on the mechanical setup - pulley sizes etc

JAZZCNC
12-03-2018, 08:54 PM
What do you guys typically use for steps per revolution on your drivers?

Thanks,
Wallace

Step per rev isn't a setting you can pick or choose. It's an absolute calculation that is derived from several factors. The pitch of the ballscrew, Microsteps set on drives and any mechanical ratio.

If your unsure mach3 can do this for you. Go to settings tab and just above Reset you'll see Set Steps per button. Click this and select the axis want to set. It will then ask for distance to move. Enter a value, make it small to start with, then measure how far it actually moved and enter the amount. Mach3 will then calc and set the steps per for you.
Do this for each axis using a small value to start then repeat and set over a longer distance. Very important you measure accurately.

wallyblackburn
12-03-2018, 09:50 PM
I think I asked wrong question. From this reply, I think I meant to ask what you typically use for microsteps? On my DM560B clone from Long's, you set dip switched for pulse/rev - that's what I mean. Oh, and I'm not using Mach3 - I'm using Centroid Acorn.

I have it at 400 and empirically determined a setting (turns/in. I think it was) in the Acorn config wizard to get 0.100" movement for 0.100" called for (oh yeah, I'm using Imperial measurements too...lol). But, when I ask for 0.100", it will sometimes go to 0.1004" - I assume because of resolution limitations.

<steps away>

So, I just went and set the dip switches on the DM560B to 2000 pulse/rev and updated it in Acorn controller too. I set up a dial indicator and am getting pretty damn good accuracy for an initial setup. After 5 moves of 0.100" my DTI reads about a needles width off - maybe couple tenths. If I go back, it is dead on zero again. AND, now I get a readout on Centroid of 0.1000" for a move instead of 0.1004" or something.

But, what am I sacrificing with the tiny microsteps? I seem to remember you lose torque - but is there a rule of thumb as to what we can get away with? I know it would depend on material and such, I was really wondering what most folks used for microstep.

Long way around there! And also, the irony of a Yank asking Brits about how to get good Imperial movement from metric leadscrews?! You folks put the Empire in Imperial! LOL.

Thanks,
Wallace

JAZZCNC
12-03-2018, 10:14 PM
ok makes more sense now. When it comes to MS then speed of controller comes into play because the higher the MS the more pulses are required. So some lesser controllers cannot provide enough pulses to allow high feed rates a router requires. In which case you'd use a lower Ms amount.
In your case you have more than enough pulses so can afford to go higher on the MS. However going much above 2000 is wasted because steppers cannot resolve to much more than this.
The main advantage of higher MS is smoother motor action. Yes you'll lose little torque with high MS but not enough to worry about or even notice.

Typical MS for router is 1600 or 2000.
However the drives/motors and how they are affected by resonance can come into play when selecting MS. Some motor/drives combo's don't perform very well with certain MS settings because of resonance. This is esp true of some Analog drives which I think the Long's DM560B are, they are basicly Leadshine DM copies. So in cases like these you some times have to select different Ms setting to try move out of the resonance range.
Resonance will and does cripple performance so if you start getting stalling motors or struggle to get good velocity then chances are resonance is affecting the drives/motors.

Digital drives handle resonance much better so are not affected as much, if at all, it's also big reason why they perform so much better than Analog drives.

wallyblackburn
14-03-2018, 06:53 PM
Thanks for the info, Jazz. I am fiddling with it. At this point, I have it at 2000. So far, I am at 200 IPM with no apparent problems. Obviously, this is very preliminary, but I'm pretty happy:


https://youtu.be/M6a3rZEUpZo

Regards,
Wallace

wallyblackburn
22-03-2018, 10:11 PM
Got X-Axis moving today!


https://youtu.be/K5v0Z2IYLTQ

I have to back off a little and clean up. Shop is a disaster area. Then on to Z!

Has anyone tried the prefab Z-axis units from Fred at BST? I'm getting anxious (and lazy) and that might be a way to speed things along. Something like this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Linear-Stage-Slide-Module-150mm-Travel-Length-1610-ball-screw-BK12-BF12-Support-Nema23-Bracket-for/314742_32586358414.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.4719 6cadq6FoR8

Regards,
Wallace

Nr1madman
23-03-2018, 06:16 AM
Nicely done :D

How fast are you going in that YouTube vid?

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wallyblackburn
23-03-2018, 01:37 PM
Nicely done :D

How fast are you going in that YouTube vid?

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I think that is 200IPM...

Nr1madman
23-03-2018, 01:41 PM
I think that is 200IPM...Cool :D

Have not played with my speeds yet. Think mine is set to 2000mm/min. Yours seemed FAST in comparison :)

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wallyblackburn
05-04-2018, 09:41 PM
Working on my control cabinet. Not the neatest ever by far, but latest power up did not release any smoke :).

24033

Had to bag these 4-pin microphone connectors. Got the female side hooked up OK, but no way in hell these old eyes and fingers are going to get the wires soldered on those tiny little tabs on the male connector side.

24034

For now, I'll just hardwire them. What do you guys use to connect steppers to control side?

Got my spindle and VFD from BST (actually came from Huan Yang directly.

Getting there!
Wallace

wallyblackburn
06-04-2018, 01:40 PM
Had to bag these 4-pin microphone connectors. Got the female side hooked up OK, but no way in hell these old eyes and fingers are going to get the wires soldered on those tiny little tabs on the male connector side.

24034

For now, I'll just hardwire them. What do you guys use to connect steppers to control side?

Wallace[/QUOTE]

Sigh, just looked at the connector for the spindle motor. This old-style microphone connector seems like a really poor choice for power to a 2.2KW motor - anybody tried to replace these?

Thanks,
Wallace

Neale
06-04-2018, 02:31 PM
I use those litle 4-way connectors for signal connections (limit switches, etc) - they are fiddly to wire, aren't they?

For stepper connections, I personally use 4-way XLR latching connectors, which are a bit chunkier to handle! Not sure what other people use but XLR are readily available and not too expensive compared to some of the more exotic connector types.

wallyblackburn
06-04-2018, 03:26 PM
A little more modern to boot. I just took another look at the spindle connector - it is actually a larger version of the 4-pin mike connector. Doesn't look too bad to solder to and seems a bit heftier.

Decided to affix the spindle to my surface plate and check it out while I was messing with it. The inner contact surface of the spindle is nuts on - I get under a tenth of runout - very nice! The included collet, not so much. More than 2 thou (once the needle on my tenths indicator starts moving that much, I don't bother to get an exact measurement). Probably worrying too much for a primarily wood machine, but that collet goes in the trash. I'll order a Lyndex or Royal...

This is getting fun!
Wallace

wallyblackburn
11-04-2018, 04:46 PM
First cut! The requisite circle :)


https://youtu.be/OvcXHagAsHY

24051

Still so much to do, but that is definitely encouraging!

Regards,
Wallace

Nr1madman
11-04-2018, 05:00 PM
Wally!
Good work and well done :D

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wallyblackburn
18-04-2018, 02:01 AM
More test cuts. Doing calibration.


https://youtu.be/LhO3nABnEpA

Thanks,
Wallace

Davek0974
18-04-2018, 07:14 AM
Nice, looking good.

Is that a Fusion tool path??

wallyblackburn
18-04-2018, 12:21 PM
Nice, looking good.

Is that a Fusion tool path??

It is. I have to say, of all the hurdles so far Fusion 360 has been the biggest. But, I am finally starting to get the hang of it.

Makes sense, I suppose. I have lots of experience with building stuff and electronics. But, CAD is new to me.

Thanks,
Wallace

Davek0974
18-04-2018, 03:47 PM
Its a steep curve but once you get over the top, the fun really starts - there is great satisfaction in designing a part in 3D then converting to tool paths and watching your machine turn it out. :)

wallyblackburn
18-04-2018, 08:31 PM
Its a steep curve but once you get over the top, the fun really starts - there is great satisfaction in designing a part in 3D then converting to tool paths and watching your machine turn it out. :)

Yes it is!!! I made a dust shoe top! Getting ready to try the bottom here in a few.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw_H8ifVLu4

Thanks,
Wallace

wallyblackburn
11-05-2018, 08:45 PM
Well, I'm at the point of cutting real stuff:


https://youtu.be/ILxyh3d0wrA

24202

And - of course - thinking about what I want to do to make this one better AND what I'll be doing for the next one! :)

I am leaning towards a 4x8+ made out of extrusions. Wood-only, so I think extrusions will be fast and adequate. Want to be able to put a whole sheet of plywood on at once. But, just thinking/dreaming at this point.

For this one, I am planning the following:

- 1/2" steel table with a 3/8"-16 hole pattern for bolting down MDF wasteboard, Aluminum pieces, etc.
- 3 or 4:1 belt drive on X- and Y-axis. The X and Z are direct connected. The Y is belt, but 1:1
- More rigid gantry with 1/4" steel end plates and 2040 Rexroth crossbars. With a slanted design to allow more real estate to be accessible
- Maybe filling some of the frame members with something - mortar maybe? Sand?

Thanks to all for the advice gotten here,
Wallace