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View Full Version : BUILD LOG: 8x4 router build. Steel base & Aluminium gantry gantry



D-man
22-11-2014, 09:04 AM
We'll guys, after a couple weeks deliberating about an imported machine, I have decided to take it upon myself to just build bug myself.

router will be mainly constructed from the following

steel box section for the base
160x80 extrusion for the gantry
cnc router parts rack and pinion drives on the X
planetary gearbox on the Y
16mm ballscrew and 15mm Hiwin on the Z (thanks lateatnight)
20mm hiwin on the X & Y

Renderings and pics to follow.

D-man
22-11-2014, 11:16 AM
OK so... We start off with a nice and heavy base.

Base is constructed of 100 x 100 Cold rolled box section for the main legs and 100 x 60 on the base table.

80 x 80 Extrusion will run alone each side of the table with smll slots in the box section to allow for slight adjustment. then locked off with angle brackets

http://www.mycncuk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13897&stc=1

Im still not sure if i should lose the leg in the centre to allow me to run a brace under the table to help a little more to aid the crabbing of the gantry. this will also open up the possibility of using rotating ball nuts in the future.

JAZZCNC
22-11-2014, 11:51 AM
Over complicated derek with not enough support for the bed. The spacing of the cross beams is too far apart and I would make them full width and support from under side.

Less is more.? Go bigger on the steel structure but have less of it. Check this out to get an idea what I mean.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G90OmSleLAo

D-man
22-11-2014, 12:05 PM
Now. you have really threw a spanner in the works! after seeing that i just want to buy one outright! haha

In terms of not enough support, shall i just run the crossmembers striaght through as you say? i had planned on putting an Ali extrusion bed over the top of this also...

D-man
22-11-2014, 12:21 PM
Is this what you had in mind?

Ive turned the bed supports vertically to give a little more support and transfered the long one to the bottom to support

http://www.mycncuk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13898&stc=1

charlieuk
23-11-2014, 11:21 AM
Very keen to see how this goes as I'm thinking a 8'x4' machine could be my next build and have probably enough steal kicking around to build one. What are you designing it to cut?

Are you not tempted by ball screws for the long axis as well?

I'm thinking that by the time you do all the rack and pinnion stuf ball screws would probably not be much more?

D-man
23-11-2014, 11:27 AM
Hey Charlie thanks for the interest.

I would live ballscrews but can't be chewed to sit and design the rotating nut for the screws. I already have the rack and pinion drives so it's not a problem just a case of getting some longer mod1 rack.

The toughest thing I plan to cut is ali. But the machine will mainly be for wood and acrylic.

JAZZCNC
23-11-2014, 11:47 AM
Is this what you had in mind?

Ive turned the bed supports vertically to give a little more support and transfered the long one to the bottom to support

Yes and No. Yes to one piece supports but the spinal beam needs supporting from below not just fastening under the bed supports as that's doing nothing really.!

D-man
23-11-2014, 12:03 PM
Yes and No. Yes to one piece supports but the spinal beam needs supporting from below not just fastening under the bed supports as that's doing nothing really.!

Yeah pal there is 3 pieces under the spine as per drawing 1. I ain't so quick with solidworks just yet so thought I would see if that's what you meant first.

It's a shame your not closer Charlie, could of welded them both up in one shift haha not bad for the steel either. Total cost of just under 200 notes.

D-man
23-11-2014, 12:19 PM
Unlimited supply of tea and coffee and access to on site cafe if anyone wants to venture down to help hold this thing together while i weld it up haha

charlieuk
23-11-2014, 01:01 PM
Cnc4u have 2500mm x 20mm screws which I was wondering about using although I do also have enough mod 1.5 rack here that needs a home or selling.

were about's are you?

D-man
23-11-2014, 01:05 PM
Im In Hebburn, Tyne & Wear.

Ive just changed the pinions over on the drives to mod 1 pinions so not really any use to me pal.

charlieuk
23-11-2014, 01:16 PM
I thought you had used those drives on another build? The rack and pinnion does seam nice on my build I have done but I was thinking that screws would be the way to go posable. if you have the drives already though then your half way there.

D-man
23-11-2014, 01:26 PM
Yeah they are on the 4x4,it was a 3mtr but had to cut it down due to a large contract coming in and needed the space. ive now sorted the shop so that it would not get in the way

D-man
23-11-2014, 04:01 PM
OK ive managed to get a little more done this morning before the wife started chewing my ear.

Fingers crossed if all pans out, i can have the frame uilt for friday and into powdercoat for saturday/Monday.

Im thinking about servos on the X & Y and a leadshine on the Z. any suggestions?
http://www.mycncuk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13902&stc=1

EddyCurrent
23-11-2014, 04:07 PM
Best advice with regard to Z axis is to put rails on front plate, bit where the spindle mounts, and bearing blocks on back plate, i.e. opposite to what you've shown.

D-man
23-11-2014, 04:19 PM
Is this to make it more rigid..? From the commercial ones ive seen they are all mounted like this. as i thought with it being the Hiwin rails with less play than the SBR stuff

I dont suppose anyone knows what this bar is for on the bottom of the gantry of the Techno machines do they? Im guessing that when its tightened it pulls it square of some sort?

http://www.mycncuk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13903&stc=1

D-man
23-11-2014, 04:21 PM
Nevermind ive found ou what it is

"a special steel backing beam and torsion bar are integrated into the axis for added stability. The torsion bar acts like a sway bar on a vehicle, which in turn keeps everything straight and taut when cutting loads change. The steel backing beam provides extra support to the linear rails, greatly improving the router's rigidity."

mekanik
23-11-2014, 05:30 PM
Hi D man
I would wait for conformation off one of our more experienced members but i would think the Z needs to be on the other side of the gantry so it is better centered over the X axis bearing blocks.
Regards
Mike

D-man
23-11-2014, 05:41 PM
Yeah ive been thing about this myself, The setup works on my 4x4, however thats only cuttin MDF and light plastic. i have been toying with the itea of vertical ones on this one, but the side to side motion worries me as im not connecting the gantry under the table.

JAZZCNC
23-11-2014, 06:15 PM
Best advice with regard to Z axis is to put rails on front plate, bit where the spindle mounts, and bearing blocks on back plate, i.e. opposite to what you've shown.

Normally Eddy I'd 100% agree with you but with such short travel then no I'd go with something like how it's set out now. Thou I would have the bearings on the front plate lower with next to no overhang and extend the spindle down in the clamps. This will give full support to spindle/front plate from the rear plate.
If longer travel then I'd set it out other way.

Derek I wouldn't mix servos and steppers and go with same on all axis. Not that they can't mix but it keeps electrics all the same and there won't be much difference in price. If your going with servo's or even steppers for that matter then suggest you get a decent motion control card. Definately will need one for servo's to get decent performance out of them.

D-man
23-11-2014, 06:25 PM
Any suggestions pal? I had read a post where you suggestion leadshine and some tricked up card from the US but I can't seem to find the thread

JAZZCNC
23-11-2014, 10:58 PM
Any suggestions pal? I had read a post where you suggestion leadshine and some tricked up card from the US but I can't seem to find the thread

With servo's then Kinco's are ok. Regards Motion control then it's a no brainer for me it's the Cslabs Csmio-IP-S. It's just not cheap but by far the best in this price range.

One more thing with frame I swap the sections around and make couple of length changes. I'd use single piece top rails from square section and rectangle section for lower pieces see pic to see what i mean.
13906

D-man
23-11-2014, 11:18 PM
Nice on Dean, I had originally drawn something similar in, but I was wondering if the extrusion would sit level incase a bit of warp creeped into it.

The way I have it I thought may compensate for any un level beams or warping

JAZZCNC
23-11-2014, 11:44 PM
Nice on Dean, I had originally drawn something similar in, but I was wondering if the extrusion would sit level incase a bit of warp creeped into it.

The way I have it I thought may compensate for any un level beams or warping

No I wouldn't have it like you have at really because any bending or warping of the cross beams will directly affect the profile and rails and take away accurecy. I drew it without the cross beams more to show the single piece top rather than 2 pieces but other than that it's meant to be just same as you drew it.

I wouldn't do it your way at all because it will make getting rails on same plane harder and any movement of cross beams will directly affect profile. The surface bed sits on isn't so critical as you will surface the bed parallel to the spindle but the surface the profile/rails sits on must be flat and on same plane each side or allow for the profile to be adjusted onto same plane.

D-man
24-11-2014, 08:24 AM
I'm not sure I follow what your saying pal... I understand removing the vertical from the centre and putting a cross base in as the sides. Are you saying not to use the 9 cross members on the top now? If so what would be the best way to mount the extrusion

D-man
24-11-2014, 09:05 AM
Is this the board you mentioned Dean? Looks a nifty unit

Clive S
24-11-2014, 09:24 AM
Is this the board you mentioned Dean? Looks a nifty unit

I don't think you put the link in but here it is :- http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/electrical-products/cnc-motion-controllers-18/motion-controllers-from-cs-labs/csmio-ip-m-4-axis-ethernet-motion-controller-step-dir.html there are 3 models. ..Clive

D-man
24-11-2014, 09:41 AM
I don't think you put the link in but here it is :- http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/electrical-products/cnc-motion-controllers-18/motion-controllers-from-cs-labs/csmio-ip-m-4-axis-ethernet-motion-controller-step-dir.html there are 3 models. ..Clive

Oops! morning brain fart!

This is the link http://www.cs-lab.eu/en/produkt-18,2-CSMIOIPM_4axis_Ethernet_Motion_Controller_stepdir_ with_connectors.html but its the same Clive cheers pal

IanS1
24-11-2014, 09:52 AM
I think Jazz is saying that using the 9 cross beams will make levelling the extrusion very difficult. In effect you will be creating 9 points along the length of the machine which will need to be perfectly level to get the extrusion flat. Looking at Deans drawing you can place the extrusion directly on the frame length or even better, do away with the extrusion and fit the rails directly to the frame.

D-man
24-11-2014, 10:02 AM
I think Jazz is saying that using the 9 cross beams will make levelling the extrusion very difficult. In effect you will be creating 9 points along the length of the machine which will need to be perfectly level to get the extrusion flat. Looking at Deans drawing you can place the extrusion directly on the frame length or even better, do away with the extrusion and fit the rails directly to the frame.

Yeahi understand that bit, however bolting the extrusion to the box section would pove difficult without the need for brackets along the extrusion. The way i was looking at it was i would be able to bolt directly into the extrusion bu going into the crossmembers to add the nuts.

Something i havent mentioned, and i apolagise is the fact i would of been bolting the cross members onto the top of the frame. for ease of removal and any smimming that possibly would of been needed...

D-man
24-11-2014, 10:10 AM
This is what i mean

http://www.mycncuk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13907&stc=1

IanS1
24-11-2014, 10:25 AM
I would have thought bolting the 9 cross pieces to the frame would be just as much hassle and a real pain to get them all in the same plane.

If you drill access holes on the underside of the top beam you will be able to use a T Bar allen key to bolt the extrusion directly to that quite easily.

charlieuk
24-11-2014, 10:30 AM
Oops! morning brain fart!

This is the link http://www.cs-lab.eu/en/produkt-18,2-CSMIOIPM_4axis_Ethernet_Motion_Controller_stepdir_ with_connectors.html but its the same Clive cheers pal

You need the ip-s if you are going to run two motors on the x axis. I got the m for my build and it does seam a very nice bit of kit and made a lot of other things a lot easer to do with all the built in features.

D-man
24-11-2014, 10:40 AM
I would have thought bolting the 9 cross pieces to the frame would be just as much hassle and a real pain to get them all in the same plane.

If you drill access holes on the underside of the top beam you will be able to use a T Bar allen key to bolt the extrusion directly to that quite easily.

Yeah i see your point, but its easyier than wedling it, warping it slightly then having to grind it off. once bolted its no hasstle to add a little tack weld that accessable for a grinder should i need it.

Good point on the hole on the underside of the beam!

D-man
24-11-2014, 10:40 AM
You need the ip-s if you are going to run two motors on the x axis. I got the m for my build and it does seam a very nice bit of kit and made a lot of other things a lot easer to do with all the built in features.


You running servos too Charlie?

D-man
24-11-2014, 10:46 AM
Jesus, just looked at the Kinco servos and drivers and have no idea where to start! i was just starting to get my head around steppers haha

D-man
24-11-2014, 11:48 AM
Ok so all the parts for the table had been ordered and i was too late to cancel it, so i will have to work with what i have an modify the best i can.

charlieuk
24-11-2014, 01:08 PM
No just steppers I'm using the ip-m

jimbo_cnc
24-11-2014, 05:06 PM
Ditch those vertical supports along the centre that just drop to the middle of a beam below. Instead triangulate them back to the feet.

Or have crossbeams that are stiff enough by themselves.

In other words, proper support or no support.

JAZZCNC
24-11-2014, 09:30 PM
I'm not sure I follow what your saying pal... I understand removing the vertical from the centre and putting a cross base in as the sides. Are you saying not to use the 9 cross members on the top now? If so what would be the best way to mount the extrusion

Ok well seeing your other post about already ordering stuff and the fact I can't be arsed to explain then just crack on. . .Lol

The controller you want for servos is the IP-S because of it's much faster frequency that high count encoders require to get the best from servos.

BUT just for clarity then the latest IP-M Beta Firmware now does slaved motors, all be it in a cut down way to the IP-S. (I haven't tried it yet so can't vouch for how well but I will and report)
The way the IP-S handles slaved motors is different to typical way slaved motors are done with other controllers in that when it hits the switches it's got an option to measure the difference between each switch contact then applie an offset movement to one motor to square the gantry. That said with servo's you'd home using the encoder index which is much more accurate than switches but it works well for steppers without encoders.
Other controllers like the ESS require you to manually adjust the switches to square the gantry.!

D-man
24-11-2014, 09:54 PM
Ok well seeing your other post about already ordering stuff and the fact I can't be arsed to explain then just crack on. . .Lol

The controller you want for servos is the IP-S because of it's much faster frequency that high count encoders require to get the best from servos.

BUT just for clarity then the latest IP-M Beta Firmware now does slaved motors, all be it in a cut down way to the IP-S. (I haven't tried it yet so can't vouch for how well but I will and report)
The way the IP-S handles slaved motors is different to typical way slaved motors are done with other controllers in that when it hits the switches it's got an option to measure the difference between each switch contact then applie an offset movement to one motor to square the gantry. That said with servo's you'd home using the encoder index which is much more accurate than switches but it works well for steppers without encoders.
Other controllers like the ESS require you to manually adjust the switches to square the gantry.!

i like the sound of that! Do they require much setting up and wiring like steppers do? If you like I can get them, you can do your review and then send them back all wired up ready to go haha

JAZZCNC
24-11-2014, 10:31 PM
i like the sound of that! Do they require much setting up and wiring like steppers do? If you like I can get them, you can do your review and then send them back all wired up ready to go haha

If your talking about servo's then yes and no. Yes there's still signal wires from drives to controller but from drives to servos then you'll buy cables ready made up.
To be honest derek if your not familiar with servos and PID tuning which can be tricky at times then you will be better sticking with steppers as they are simple easy and just has accurate if sized and run within there parameters.
Yes modern servos and software are making it easier to tune them but compared to steppers there is still much more to them and more to wrong.!!

And No before you ask.!! . . . Lol . . . Far far too busy.

firetrappe
25-11-2014, 08:14 AM
BUT just for clarity then the latest IP-M Beta Firmware now does slaved motors, all be it in a cut down way to the IP-S. (I haven't tried it yet so can't vouch for how well but I will and report)
The way the IP-S handles slaved motors is different to typical way slaved motors are done with other controllers in that when it hits the switches it's got an option to measure the difference between each switch contact then applie an offset movement to one motor to square the gantry. That said with servo's you'd home using the encoder index which is much more accurate than switches but it works well for steppers without encoders.
Other controllers like the ESS require you to manually adjust the switches to square the gantry.!

Good to hear that the IP-M will support slaved motors soon. If that had been the case 12 months ago then i'd have jumped on it rather than the PMDX/ESS combo.

For reference though, the last few plugin versions for the ESS (ESSv10r2d1d being the latest) support misaligned home switches. You can now apply an offset in the 'advanced homing config' dialog rather than having to physically adjust the switches.

13911

Boyan Silyavski
26-11-2014, 11:52 PM
BUT just for clarity then the latest IP-M Beta Firmware now does slaved motors, all be it in a cut down way to the IP-S. (I haven't tried it yet so can't vouch for how well but I will and report

Now that's great news.

D-man
28-11-2014, 09:40 PM
Well, I've managed to get a good start on the machine over the past couple days. This thing is solid!

13937139391393813936

Boyan Silyavski
29-11-2014, 02:50 AM
What a beauty. My heart warms looking at big steel structures :hysterical:

D-man
29-11-2014, 09:08 AM
Thanks, I have the same warm heart feeling haha gets warmer when I try and move it. Haha

Decided to go with Adtech servos and drives. With the edingcnc board.

GEOFFREY
29-11-2014, 10:17 AM
Looking great - very purposeful, workshop looks soooo tidy, but I guess it is your works unit and not your garage.
Well done.G.

D-man
29-11-2014, 10:23 AM
Cheers G,

TIDY... you should see behind the camera haha

gavztheouch
29-11-2014, 10:25 AM
Wow that was fast!

Let me know how you get on with the adtech servos I was thinking about using them on my thermwood router retrofit.

D-man
29-11-2014, 10:40 AM
Will do Gav,

What can i say, i fabricate every day, however its been a quiet week, plus the fact i ad them cut to size haha +/-2mm so was a case of trimming them up and welding. the welding took some time due to having to jump on different parts to stop and warping etc.

JAZZCNC
29-11-2014, 01:10 PM
Love the Trolley jack Big "D" precision engineering at it's best. . .:hysterical:

Regards Servos then good choice but the EdingCnc software I think is shit I just can't get on with it.! . . . Also which board is it because last time I looked the fastest board they had was only 125Khz which will be restrictive to RPM with servos with high count encoders.?

IE: Presuming 3:1 gear ratio with standard 2500ppr quadrature encoders so 4x 2500 = 125000/(10,000x3)=4.16 rev/sec x 60=250Rpm you'll get from Servos before frequency runs out.!
To get full 3000rpm which most servos run at you'll need 1.5Mhz frequency with 2500ppr encoders.!! . . . . .Unless you use electronic gearing but then you lose resolution so it's a trade off.!

D-man
29-11-2014, 01:32 PM
Yeah was proving difficult to hold one side of the steel up whilst trying to get it level haha

and regarding the board.... shit! this is the one... http://www.edingcnc.com/products.php?productid=55

JAZZCNC
29-11-2014, 08:48 PM
and regarding the board.... shit! this is the one... http://www.edingcnc.com/products.php?productid=55

Sorry to shit on your parade but Nah that won't cut the mustard with servo's I'm afraid.
I've got the CNCUSB card which is essentially the same but without Ethernet and the software is shite for me. It's personal thing I'm sure as others like and use it fine but for me we just don't click after using Mach3.!

For steppers the card will work fine and even at a push low count Servo's with electronic gearing but to me one of the points using servo's is increased resolution and accurecy. I also like some overhead so things are not stressed or struggling to keep up when at full chat.! . . Which 125Khz and servos would be most all the time.!

viper
11-12-2019, 09:56 PM
hi d-man i wish to make a bigger machine, do you work from plans are do you have some idea in your head that you work with...thanks viper wallsend

JAZZCNC
11-12-2019, 10:20 PM
hi d-man i wish to make a bigger machine, do you work from plans are do you have some idea in your head that you work with...thanks viper wallsend

Derek (D-man) gave up with the build in the end I think and bought a chinese machine, well actually think was from radecal but they are just Chinese imports with there stickers on.!!

viper
13-12-2019, 10:43 AM
thanks for your quick reply