3 Axis CNC router

[JoeHarris]

Good to see you back at it Joe - hope you sort those spacers out without too much hassle :)

I'm still using this thread as an awesome source of information - I've got a couple of questions though:

Your electrical diagrams are awesome - can you point me towards the software you used?
Your cabinet looks pretty decently sized for the layout - could you share the dimensions? Would you go bigger/smaller if you did it again?


Thanks!
Andy

Hi Andy, I have an updated circuit diagram that I will upload as I had a few mistakes on the last one... take it with a pitch of salt though as I’m no expert!! I just used the cad software we use at work for the diagram, which is archicad. Not ideal but did the job ok!

The cabinet is a decent size, I got it second hand off eBay and it had a few bits in it and the rotary switch already installed. I’d defiantly go big if you have the space. I found mine to be about right. I’ll try and get some dims for you.


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Hi Andy,

My cabinet is about 790 x 790 x 275 deep. As I said in previous posts, please take this circuit diagram as a guide as to how I have wired my machine - it is from research on here and other places and is not an expert guide and may not be best practice, correct or even safe!? It may also have mistakes in it. I found it useful looking at other peoples diagrams and that is why i'm uploading it, but please do your own and be sure in your own mind that everything is correct before you wire things up. I don't want to be blamed for that infamous magic smoke!!

Cheers

Joe

[john swift]

after having a quick look at the wiring diagram
I would consider wiring two 24V fans in parallel instead of having the two 12V fans in series

not sure about the long term reliability of running fans in series

John

[JoeHarris]

after having a quick look at the wiring diagram
I would consider wiring two 24V fans in parallel instead of having the two 12V fans in series

not sure about the long term reliability of running fans in series

John

Fair comment John, I was just working with what I had already.

[Nickhofen]

Neat control box and design!

[AndyUK]

Hi Andy,

My cabinet is about 790 x 790 x 275 deep. As I said in previous posts, please take this circuit diagram as a guide as to how I have wired my machine - it is from research on here and other places and is not an expert guide and may not be best practice, correct or even safe!? It may also have mistakes in it. I found it useful looking at other peoples diagrams and that is why i'm uploading it, but please do your own and be sure in your own mind that everything is correct before you wire things up. I don't want to be blamed for that infamous magic smoke!!

Cheers

Joe

Thanks Joe, that's extremely helpful.

Don't worry, I'll be sure to place a sticker on the inside of my cabinet that ensures any faults or issues are referred back to you! Any magic smoke captured will be posted directly to you - refunds are expected :)

On a serious note though - you're very correct to point that out :) I'll be cross referencing every connection to the manual, and redrawing from scratch for a different breakout board and axis layout.

[AndyUK]

Hi Joe,

Currently puzzling over the implementation of the PNOZ X1.

My understanding of your diagram is, if the coil in the PNOZ has +24V (i.e. E-Stop not pushed), we get:

• The coil contactor closed for the drive PSU
• A +24V E Stop signal to the IP-M
• A lit up E-Stop reset switch light (?!)
• The 24V pilot light is off

With the E-Stop pressed, all the above reverse.

Am I reading that correctly? I would have expected the two lights to be the other way around.

Thanks,
Andy

[JonnyFive]

Hi Joe,

Great thread and videos, it's really helping me in the planning of my CNC design. I've been watching your videos on routing aluminium and am thinking this would be a good cost saving way for me to go. I have the same router as you (Dewalt DW621) but mine only has a 1/4" collet, you mentioned yours has a 1/2" collet in your video - did you get an adaptor or fit a new collet? I don't think I would trust a 1/4" shank bit to be strong enough routing aluminium.

Keep up the good work!

Cheers!

[JAZZCNC]

I don't think I would trust a 1/4" shank bit to be strong enough routing aluminium.

1/4" shank handles cutting aluminium no problem. I cut ali with 6mm tool all the time.

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[JonnyFive]

Really? That's good to know. What sort of cutter do I need and what depth of cut can I expect?

Thanks for your help!

[JAZZCNC]

Really? That's good to know. What sort of cutter do I need and what depth of cut can I expect?

Thanks for your help!

Single flute cutter works well for aluminum if your new to cutting because gives better chip clearance. Regards Depth of cut and feeds etc then can't tell you because it's very machine and material dependant. What works for me probably won't work for you.
Lots of variables come into play and machine stiffness along with spindle power play big role so you'll need to use trial and error. Expect to snap a few cutters.

To practise don't use cheap Aluminium like 1050 sheet as it's more difficult to cut because it's sticky like chewing gum and not easy to cut without gumming up cutters unless know what doing.