BuildingAfloat

[BikerAfloat]

Ok lets get this out of the way

Information Overload

Ok this is really hard for me to write, I have to say what I have to say or I will have to stop posting. Without going into too many details, it has taken me a tremendous effort to post what I have posted so far. Lets just say, that if things had gone differently on the 2 days leading upto my first post, I may not have made my introduction ever, let alone any subsequent posts.

When I say I am struggling with overload, I really am, with every new bit of information I find it harder to see a way forward with this project. I never used to be like this, having a label and a knowledge that it is a bit of chemical imbalance does help, but I don't really understand how or why it fecks me up this way, So I don't expect you guys to.

I don't want to sound ungrateful or ignorant and all previous advice is stored for when I am better able to deal with it.

So how do I move forward?

I really need some structure to this, so I think what I will do, is start at the cutter tip or rather the router itself and work backwards as that is the way I have worked when designing the first draft of the machine, not sure if this is odd, but hey ho! I will explain my reasoning as to how each decision was made.

Given I want to build a machine witin the pillar drill only build parameters, how can you help?

Well for a start, please bear with me and let me go through this bit by bit. If I set the pace I'll get there in the end.

If at any point my reasoning is dangerous, completely flawed or the machine cannot work because of it, please tell me! I will then ask for more help to fix that area.

I have tried to find the best prices in the UK and EU primarily for the bits to build this, nothing against the ROTW, just a preference for supporting the local guy. After much hard thought I am going to go for Ballscrews will have to redesign accordingly. Since you all seem to buy from Chai (?) and all seem happy with him, it makes sense for me to do the same. Any help in beating the prices I've found would be gratefully received. Second hand is not at ruled out, neither is eBay if I can beat you lot to the bargins :-) Free, while being awesome is not what I am expecting here. I want to pay my way properly or be able to at least help someone, somewhere in exchange for goods if they are FOC, even if it is not the supplier directly and I will of course want to pay P&P. Not Karma exactly, but I'm not after a free ride either.

In an ideal world I'd have all the cash together before I start the build, but unless I am very lucky this won't happen. This is a very vague hope, but I guess I am looking for a strategy to make this peicemeal gathering of the stuff at least bearable.

Since there are flimsier (flimsyer ? No that looks worse!) machines out there and no one has shouted "No! don't do it, it is a complete disaster" I guess I am at least the right ballpark for a working machine.

Ok to support my choice and ambitions, Amongs the dozens of videos of machines in action, this video of a Heiz S series machine Milling In Steel caught my attention. These machines are neither the gruntiest or the sturdiest out there, but here is one cutting steel at what to me is a totally acceptable pace - I couldn't do it with a fret saw or jig saw at that speed or accuracy, so I would be very very happy with this as an absolute peak of my ambitions for this machine. It hasn't got to do it all day, every day. Just be able to do it occaisionally. The speed accuracy and finish are not critical on any material, I want to be making more artistic stuff than I do engineering components and a bit of hand finishing is a lot better than a lot of hand cutting.

I started with a combination of the Heiz & Marchant Dice type constructions running through my head and I hope I have come up with a machine that is stronger than either. I also hope to be able to get it completely built with enough software to make useful stuff for around £1500.

I'd now like to see how close I can get to these goals with my comstruction restrictions and you step by step guidance.

Item 1 - Spindle Choice:

Worst case: Use the router I already have - this is not much more than a single speed noisey toy - Ruled out as non-starter!

The ideal: A water-cooled, fully speed controlled auto-tool-changing spindle! - Ruled out as I had to stop somewhere!

My Choice:

Model: Kress FME1050-1 High speed spindle
Volts: 240V with IEC connector
Spindle speed: 5000 to 25000 rpm
Power: 1050 Watts

Reasons for choice:

1) These seem to be the aircooled router of choice, CNC-STEP, Marchant Dice and
countless home builds use them.
2) It's the gruntiest one they do. At least as far as I know.
& 3) I liked the wide speed range it offered, since I will be machining mostly wood
and I want to have a go at machining Brass, Aluminium and sheet Steel, its relatively
low speed capability appealed to me as it must be a help when it comes to metal
cutting.

Chosen Supplier:

Model Engineer's Digital Workshop
Price: £168 inc VAT - This was the best price I could find

One question: Is this the best value for money I can get for an air-cooled router?

Sorry for the length of posts, it is just where I am atm.

Cheers
Geoff.