Comments sought on new build: A CNC Router for RC Gliders and Planes

[njhussey]

Just one thing done in lunch today, the second cable tray/bracket/energy chain on the X axis...

[njhussey]

Ok so managed a bit more this afternoon....cut the Y axis back plate, only 2 M6 bolts in at the moment...don't worry Clive ill be putting lots more in soon!!!





Put one bit of energy chain on the Z axis to get the cable tray bracket mounting height....



Slowly slowly catchy monkey....

[Clive S]

don't worry Clive ill be putting lots more in soon!!!

Just wondering why you need two X chains!!

[njhussey]

Just wondering why you need two X chains!!

One for power and one for signals and water of course....

[routercnc]

Looking good Neil. I also went for 2 chains with power down one side and signals down the other. Even with this setup I had a few false e-stops but I'm pretty sure it was because of the long limit switch cables to the Z axis straight into the breakout board. Hopefully with my new 24V limits through the relay it should sort that one -when I get round to wiring them up!

[Clive S]

One for power and one for signals and water of course....

This is the way I have done it because I wanted the chain out of the way. All of the signals and motor power, water etc run through it without any problems. Although I am thinking of removing the water tube and fitting a small rad. with a fan on it on to the Z axis.
.
Dean has done this and it works very well ( Just a small sealed system about 1 pint of water).

[njhussey]

Clive, my router is going vertical so that's not really an option for me, looks a great solution though! I'm going to build a frame/enclosure to put it in which will eventually be fully enclosed with interlocked doors (safety because it's at work) which will also stop the chips from being flung all around the shop floor!



I like the idea of keeping the water cooling on the Z axis, might look at small PC radiators and fans....

[njhussey]

Did a little bit this afternoon...









Cables still need tidying on the end plates and something put there to stop and chafing....





Stocked up on WD40 ready for cutting Ali.....

[njhussey]

Unfortunately not had a chance to do any more on the machine as real work has got in the way. Still I ordered the steel for the frame (re-designed it to a basic frame that I can then box in if required) which came today.

[njhussey]

Frame re-design....hopefully I can keep the number of re-draws to below 6 this time. router is held to the frame with 4 off M12 bolts



The frame is going to be mounted to the wall and floor rigidly and adjustably so it can be mounted level and slightly off the wall to get access to the botls holding the router to the frame (I can see a re-design on its way already...)