New CNC Mill on the horizon

**fvfdrums** · 31-03-2014

The bow in this case is consistent along the entire 7.6metre lengths of the steel when they arrived (more of a sag left to right if that makes sense, very subtle but needs to be levelled. The welding process has not accentuated this at all its not in twist intact its very straight as every joint and opposite joint was well held anddidnt really move much after welding due to the short periods of welding

The tacks then weld opposite is pretty much what I did but I did about a 30mm weld on one side then went back to the other then moved to the diagonal opposite part of the frame always checking then diagonals etc and angles for squareness so end result I am extremely happy!

Thanks for the comments :)

**EddyCurrent** · 31-03-2014

looking very nice, you won't break your back leaning into it at that height.

**fvfdrums** · 26-01-2015

So its been a bit of a while since the last post ..........

...... Anyway things have moved on a little bit and this coming weekend I am about to lay down the x rails for the final time on a bed of epoxy, weather is not treating me to nice temperatures but have a nice set up in the garage now to maintain a good heat source for a couple of days to aid with the curing.

In the mean time I have a question I am about to order the spindle for the machine, originally I was going to go with the 2.2kw WC chinese style spindle however I was wondering if there would be any benefit in going for the 3kw version? I am looking at mainly machining aluminium on this machine and wondered if the large powered unit would be any better? Is it worth the extra?

I shall be putting up some more pictures etc once I have the rails and everything on the machine after next weekend and then probably posting every 5 min asking about wiring the damn thing!

**Jonathan** · 26-01-2015

Originally Posted by fvfdrums

In the mean time I have a question I am about to order the spindle for the machine, originally I was going to go with the 2.2kw WC chinese style spindle however I was wondering if there would be any benefit in going for the 3kw version? I am looking at mainly machining aluminium on this machine and wondered if the large powered unit would be any better? Is it worth the extra?

In short.. yes as the extra torque helps when operating in the lower speed range.

**fvfdrums** · 26-01-2015

Thanks Jonathan, I thought that might be the case I was not sure how much difference it would make but really the cost at this stages makes no real difference so I think I will go down that route many thanks.

**routercnc** · 26-01-2015

In case you weren't aware the 3kW spindles are usually 100mm diameter, rather than the more familiar 80mm diameter of the 1.5 and 2.2kW units.

**njhussey** · 25-02-2015

It's generally a good idea to separate power from signal cables but that would mean 2 lots of e-chain...

**routercnc** · 25-02-2015

I'd agree with separating power from signals
My machine has echain down either side of the X axis carrying each type.
The machine before this one has some of them together and tripped out quite a lot. The new one is much better but the long Z home cable occasionally still causes a trip.
I must point out that the previous machine and the current machine both use cables direct from the BOB so they end up being long especially Z. How much of this can be improved / removed further by using relays etc I will soon find out because that will be of my electrical upgrade in progress.
Back to your question. I started with 50mm or so but these are quite bulky so latest machine has something like 20-25mm width and is much more compact whilst still taking the cables. Helped by splitting runs down each side as mentioned.

**fvfdrums** · 10-03-2015

Right,

I am about a week away from getting the control box wired up so I am just ordering some parts last min.

The PSU I have ordered is http://www.airlinktransformers.com/c...nge/CM0625225/

I wanted to check if these parts are going to work ok with this coil.

Bridge Rec:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KBPC3502-B...item35e3aaabd5

Capacitor:http://uk.farnell.com/vishay-bc-comp...uctSubstitutes

I know Rapid do a cheaper one as do Farnell however they have indicated it probably won't be back in stock for a good 10 days which is too long for whats planned in the diary!

If I am a mile out please let me know :)