BuildingAfloat

[BikerAfloat]

Hi All,

Here are the latest drawings for the machine, it's nearly there, just need some advice on the X Axis belt drive, or more specifically the idler pulleys, I can work something out, but I'd rather go with a tried and tested system. They are currently set at 25mm OD, their construction and size are open to change.



I know steel rings like a very ringy thing and some form of filling is in order, I'm pretty sure I wont be able to use epoxy and agregate from a weight point of view, I have to consider the stability and balasting of the boat. I was wondering if expanded foam would act as a dampener, anyone got any experience/ideas?

Spindle shown is Chinese W/C - 2.2kW one, I also plan to have a dedicated low speed job for the harder materials. My supply is currently (Sorry for the pun) limited to 16Amps on the landline - going to have to do some sums to see just what a compromise this will cause. 2200W @ 240v = 9.2 Amps so 6.8Amps left. This means I would have not a lot left for everything else (Fridge, Lighting, 2nd PC!) , Me thinks either a 2nd landline or more likely a generator will be required!

I can pm the sketchup file if anyone would like to check it over, all I really need to know is that the design is buildable, I'm fairly sure it is, but sometimes you can miss little details when you are too close to something.

I'd like to learn the capabilities and limitations of this machine design, I've taken a lot on board for this design from previous posts to this log and from reading other peoples experiences, but there has to be a time when you stick a stake in the ground and this is where I find myself. If you see something is dangerous or impossible please tell me so and I will change it. Otherwise this is the machine I plan to build warts and all.

If the design is doable (Not perfect, but doable) I plan to start buying components sometime in the next week or two. The order I think I'm going to use is something like this:

1) Linear Rails and Bearings - Need this to be sure of the holes I need in the steel.
2) Steel.
3) Pulleys and belts - to make sure of the sizes so I am safe for the Ballscrew Machining.
4) Ballscrews and Bearings.
5) Steppers.
6) Electronics & controller software. 3 choices Planet CNC USB, EMC2 or Mach3(4?) Need to do a feature/cost comparison Gut says Planet CNC as I need a BOB and the software was written to work specifically with their BOB, Head says Mach3 as it seems to be the most used and the little perverted Demon on my shoulder says EMC2, as it's about time I learnt about Linux!
7) Spindle - probably use my hand router to start cutting and pay for W/C jobby and the dedicated low speed one.
8) Additional software for modelling - going to start with the free stuff to get the feel of the machine.

Does this seem logical, are there changes I should make?

Another long post, so I'll stop here and wait for a while before adding any more.

Cheers,
Geoff.