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

[njhussey]

Put some material back on that front plate it will help with resonance. You only need to remove what you need to remove for the screw to clear.

Cheers Dean, I'll alter that tomorrow.

Quick question. I was going to use the DIY spindle that I've made but seeing as I'm not paying ill probably get a water cooled spindle and VFD, now is it worth getting the 2kw or 3kw one and which VFD (without going overboard on cost that is!) to get and any recommendations where to get them?

[Wobblycogs]

Keep in mind this info is a bit over a year out of date but I got a 2.2kW water cooled spindle and VFD from Chai for £216 ex VAT. There were places that were a little cheaper but as I was getting other parts from Chai it made sense to get them all together. I also found a load of suppliers on ebay that I wouldn't touch with a barge pole, YMMV, worth a google pre-purchase though.

[njhussey]

Front plate re-drawn with smaller pocket in it...

[njhussey]

Dean, you did realise that the front plate is a 40mm thick plate? The pocket is 20.6mm deep so 19.4mm still remains in the middle.

Anyhow....managed to get another few minutes on the CAD....put together the assembly and surprisingly it all fits together!

[njhussey]

One last pic before home time.....the Z axis on the gantry....

[njhussey]

Not sure if this will work but I've just created a 3D PDF of the router which I'll try to attach...I know I've not done the 50x25 cross members yet...or put things like steppers, ballscrews etc but it's just the basic frame and gantry.

[mekanik]

Opens OK in Foxit Reader
Mike

[Wobblycogs]

Well it worked for me. I didn't know PDF's could do that, I must investigate more. The rendering is as good as you get in something like SolidWorks. The design is looking good and really coming on a pace now.