1st Build, Steel, Epoxy 24"x24" for Wood

[Neale]

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]

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]

First cut! The requisite circle :)





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

Regards,
Wallace

[Nr1madman]

Wally!
Good work and well done :D

Skickat från min SM-G955F via Tapatalk

[wallyblackburn]

More test cuts. Doing calibration.



Thanks,
Wallace

[Davek0974]

Nice, looking good.

Is that a Fusion tool path??

[wallyblackburn]

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]

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]

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.



Thanks,
Wallace

[wallyblackburn]

Well, I'm at the point of cutting real stuff:





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