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

[njhussey]

Ok so pulled the gantry apart and machined the front and bottom plates (M8 counterbored hole in each)



Put it all back together and it's nice and solid...



Control cabinet and bits arrived just now so more stuff to play with



Going over to Wobblycogs tonight to have a catch up, talk CNC Routers and look at his control cabinet to get some inspiration...

[njhussey]

OK quick question. I'm now coming to the end of the mechanical build so my mind's turning to all things electrical

When connecting the CY cable to the stepper how do you folks do it? I was thinking of either via a chocolate block as near to the stepper as possible or probably I'll go with soldering the wires with heat shrink over them and then heatshrink over the whole lot?

[Jonathan]

I'd expect soldering+heatshrink to be the most reliable way to do it.

[JAZZCNC]

I'd expect soldering+heatshrink to be the most reliable way to do it.

Agreed it's the most hassle free way I find.!

[routercnc]

I went with a small project box over the area on the stepper motor where the wires exit, making it look a bit tidier. Also adds a bit of impact protection. Inside the box I used a choc-box.



But solder and heatshrink, with the option of netted sleeving also work.

[njhussey]

I went with a small project box over the area on the stepper motor where the wires exit, making it look a bit tidier. Also adds a bit of impact protection. Inside the box I used a choc-box.



But solder and heatshrink, with the option of netted sleeving also work.

The Z axis stepper will be covered by a cover ill be making from sheet metal to cover the entire Z axis (Jazz's idea) and the Y stepper is enclosed in the gantry (or will be) so the only stepper exposed will be the X axis one, I might look into a cover for that once the machine is up and running. It'll also be tucked away at the top of the router (it's going 80° vertical on its side) at the back so hopefully out of the way.