3 Axis CNC router

[JoeHarris]

Cheers,
yeah that is just what I want - from what I can see though those bits and pieces are not available as accessories - I can't even find anything on eBay.

Don't see how I could make them without a lathe...

[Wobblycogs]

I'm sure someone with more metal working experience than me will say this won't work but I see 4 parts in that pulley assembly. The pulley, which you would have to buy and the arm which you'd make from three pieces. I reckon you could but bar of the right diameter for the pulley and the machine holes then you just need to fabricate the arm. A scrap of steel, hacksaw and file would probably be enough. Drill and tap the bar and bolt it to the arm, a weld would be better if you have the facilities. Would be an interesting little project.

[JoeHarris]

Went and had a chat with chap at rotagrip (awesome collection of machines there) and seems my drill speed issue is only going to be solved by buying a better drill! Ah well.

On happier note, feels like this is now becoming a build log rather than a drawing log - pics of progress so far (marking and cutting.)

I am AMAZED by the rage2. 6mm plate and 80x80 box is child's play. Spend most of the evening sweeping up though!!

[CraftyGeek]

I am AMAZED by the rage2. 6mm plate and 80x80 box is child's play.

I know - i'm amazed by mine as well...i've been chomping through 10mm flat bar without any issues.
What's even more surprising is the quality of cut. I got my steel yard to cut some of my steel to size for me on their large, fluid cooled automatic reciprocating saw thingummy...my cuts are smoother, more accurate & SQUARE in comparison to theirs...lesson learned :-p

[mekanik]

Hi guys
Had a look @ that model, are you cutting steel with the TCT blade or using an abrasive disc ?

[CraftyGeek]

Hi guys
Had a look @ that model, are you cutting steel with the TCT blade or using an abrasive disc ?

I've actually got the 255mm Rage 3 - just using the stock multipurpose blade that came with it.
I use that blade for most rough jobs & have a decent quality wood blade for more important diy jobs.
I've used it to cut wood, plastic, aluminium & steel - does a decent job on all of them.

There's a video on youtube of a guy in the USA demoing it cutting through loads of different materials & comments on cutting finish & material temperatures etc Its worth a look if you're considering getting one.

[JoeHarris]

Slow but steady progress - grabbing an hour here and there...

[JoeHarris]

First parts drilled, tapped (and fit!) decided to weld plates to the inside of the box sections to increase thickness for tapping... Thanks Jazz for the idea

[JoeHarris]

[JoeHarris]

A word of advice to anyone buying a tap wrench - don't buy a cheap eBay jobby like I did - they are crap. Just ordered the real deal from starrett... :) same applies with centre punches - buy a starrett you won't regret it!