Starting to design out my build, looking for critique

[Chrono]

You've got till the end of Jan - I'll give you good odds on that :)

Looks good - Although read the VFD manual about switching it on and off with a relay - mine specifically says not to. I'm hoping UCCNC will drop the spindle enable when it receives an E-Stop command, but have yet to test this.

I'm also planning to use FA/FB/FC for a fault signal feedback from the VFD to the UC300eth - I figure I'd rather use this function for stopping the CNC when the spindle faults (and therefore stops rotating) than running the water pump - which can just be run continuously anyway. I don't like the idea of the spindle stopping and then the CNC trying to force the bit through stock.... that sounds like a bad situation.

Guess I really need to take a better look... With the F-Terminals, and with the whole schematic to be honest, I took a look at JoeHarris' build and for the most part copied it over, and slightly changed it to fit my setup. Thanks for making me aware that that might not be the best option. Time to dig out the datasheet.

Cool. Also look for an electronics cab which will help you start placing components etc. I used Tempa Pano - rather cheap, but not perfect quality.

Yep, already got that covered. Most likely my helper will be able to source one for cheap, that is excess or old stock.

Don't forget to look into breakout boards. I really like my UB1. May as well buy them at the same time. Why is the UC300 time-sensitive? Usually its best to get the mechanicals in order and built before starting to buy the big ticket electrical components - you never know whats just round the corner in terms of new models, and you'll end up ticking away your warranty while you're still building.

Looking forward to it! :)

The urgency was more from the time of writing, since I did not know, at the time, that I would have till January, and these are the parts I need to get from the UK, since they are massively more expensive here.

I actually wanted to ask about BOBs, but completely forgot. As far as I understand, they step up the controllers signals to 24V and handle isolation between the electronics and the controller? The UB1 looks great, but the price is another 200€ on top (on that note: Where did you buy your BOB, if I may ask? I can only find a couple shops, some of which sell it for twice as much as others)... if only i had a schematic, then i could just roll my own :D

But you are right, it makes more sense to get the mechanical side figured out first... And since that setup is ready to go, I guess it is time to clean up the workshop and get the space cleaned out that I want to put the router in. Then order the alu, sheet metal and the linear motion equipment and put that together, before moving on. One step at a time.

Regarding the linear motion: With both the 25mm rails and the ballscrews, I have the choice between HIWIN stuff and "mainland china" rails with "C7" ballscrews. The difference is 670$ to more than 1000$... Are there any verdicts on the quality of the chinese alternatives?