3 Axis CNC router

[JoeHarris]

What drill press is that lurking in the background?...looks incredibly similar to mine :-p

It's an Axminster but I can't remember the model - small but pretty good so far only real limit is the minimum rpm is 500 - I'd like to be able to run it slower for some of the big holes I'm going to need...

[CraftyGeek]

It's an Axminster but I can't remember the model - small but pretty good so far only real limit is the minimum rpm is 500

Thought so - that's what i've got...although I think i've got a lower model.
Yep - rpm is limiting...also now i've started drilling steel i'm finding it doesn't have as much torque i'd like (it stalls/gets stuck quite easily - mine only has a 150W motor...wondering if I can retro fit something with a bit more oomph in there...

[JAZZCNC]

...also now i've started drilling steel i'm finding it doesn't have as much torque i'd like (it stalls/gets stuck quite easily - mine only has a 150W motor...

Buy some cutting paste when drilling steels makes quite a difference to ease of cutting, won't replace lack of power but does help some with lower power motors.

[JoeHarris]

Thought so - that's what i've got...although I think i've got a lower model.
Yep - rpm is limiting...also now i've started drilling steel i'm finding it doesn't have as much torque i'd like (it stalls/gets stuck quite easily - mine only has a 150W motor...wondering if I can retro fit something with a bit more oomph in there...

Slightly meatier on mine - 370w. It's not the power that's the issue for me it's the speed - it looks like there is a hole for a third gear - photo - anyone know if you can retrofit them?

[JoeHarris]

Awesome. What short of price was that?

The saw was just shy of £200 and the steel was £210 including delivery which I was really chuffed about, was expecting to pay quite a bit more considering the quantity!! Started cleaning it all up and marking out last night - feels like proper progress finally!

[JoeHarris]

Cheers,
yeah that is just what I want - from what I can see though those bits and pieces are not available as accessories - I can't even find anything on eBay.

Don't see how I could make them without a lathe...

[Wobblycogs]

I'm sure someone with more metal working experience than me will say this won't work but I see 4 parts in that pulley assembly. The pulley, which you would have to buy and the arm which you'd make from three pieces. I reckon you could but bar of the right diameter for the pulley and the machine holes then you just need to fabricate the arm. A scrap of steel, hacksaw and file would probably be enough. Drill and tap the bar and bolt it to the arm, a weld would be better if you have the facilities. Would be an interesting little project.

[JoeHarris]

Went and had a chat with chap at rotagrip (awesome collection of machines there) and seems my drill speed issue is only going to be solved by buying a better drill! Ah well.

On happier note, feels like this is now becoming a build log rather than a drawing log - pics of progress so far (marking and cutting.)

I am AMAZED by the rage2. 6mm plate and 80x80 box is child's play. Spend most of the evening sweeping up though!!

[CraftyGeek]

I am AMAZED by the rage2. 6mm plate and 80x80 box is child's play.

I know - i'm amazed by mine as well...i've been chomping through 10mm flat bar without any issues.
What's even more surprising is the quality of cut. I got my steel yard to cut some of my steel to size for me on their large, fluid cooled automatic reciprocating saw thingummy...my cuts are smoother, more accurate & SQUARE in comparison to theirs...lesson learned :-p

[mekanik]

Hi guys
Had a look @ that model, are you cutting steel with the TCT blade or using an abrasive disc ?