'Otter'. Build log.

[Blazing Black Beard]

Hi B3
Welcome to the forum
The first rule of any build is not to buy any of the electrics until you have everything designed in CAD/Sketchup. then offer it up for the guys to look over, they will put you right regarding things you might have overlooked. Most of the guys tend to buy ther rails and ballscrews from Fred, He will supply Hiwin and the cheaper generic stuff, best to get it all in one shipment, you will have to pay import duty ect, but he has a good reputation on the forum and will rectify any problems with gear thats not as described.
If i (or some other kind soul) can find a link to Freds shop i will post it.
Good luck with the build.
regards
Mike
Just a couple of links i had saved not sure if the first one is Fred's


https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...612.0.0.PXFXn5

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/HIWI...999.263.UMYDXN

Thanks for that mekanik. After reading a few builds the motors I chose seemed to be what everyone else is using. Would you say I made a bit of a rushed decision to get NEMA 23 3NM motors and drivers?

I got the steel box section as I thought it would be more rigid and provide the extra weight needed to machine harder materials and minimise vibration. I didn't think architectural construction steel (which is what this seems to be) would be any less suitable than other types as it's already way more rigid than aluminium extrusion. Is there anything you or anyone else can offer regarding this choice or alternatives?

I will be sending images of my initial design for you guys to look at and see if I'm doing OK or missing some fundemental considerations.

Thanks again for the links. I'll check them out and compare prices and as always, I'm looking to shave anything off the costs of this build as long as it doesn't take away too much quality or precision. I want to get it right :-)

[Neale]

Black Beard - take a look at my "Avor" build. I wouldn't necessarily recommend that you (or anyone else) tries to copy it, but you might get a feel for the kinds of things that go into a machine like this. For example, those stepper drivers will very significantly limit performance.

As suggested, ask more questions before buying too much more, but welded steel box, Hiwin-style rails and ballscrews can give a very capable machine - I've recently been profile cutting small steel components with mine. Good luck with the build!

[Blazing Black Beard]

Black Beard - take a look at my "Avor" build. I wouldn't necessarily recommend that you (or anyone else) tries to copy it, but you might get a feel for the kinds of things that go into a machine like this. For example, those stepper drivers will very significantly limit performance.

As suggested, ask more questions before buying too much more, but welded steel box, Hiwin-style rails and ballscrews can give a very capable machine - I've recently been profile cutting small steel components with mine. Good luck with the build!

Thanks for the info. I'm checking out your build now. I don't have any experience with any CNC stepper drivers. If they are going to severely limit the machine they can be easily replaced with something more capable. I'm open to suggestions and any other information about stepper drivers that may help. Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for with better drivers?