Giant 20' x 3' x 2' router build

**charlieuk** · 15-08-2014

Cheers does the quality of cable vary much is there anything to look out for? the link you posted looks good. many thanks

**JAZZCNC** · 15-08-2014

Don't like Quick bit cable it is poor quality and it's brittle, prefer CSE cables and there's hardly any difference in price. http://www.csecables.com/acatalog/Fl...rol-Cable.html

**charlieuk** · 16-08-2014

many thanks thats handy to know i don't mind paying a little extra when its worth it. I am still having trouble deciding how to do this x axis and wether i did the right thing going for rack and pinion as i think it is proving a little tricky to fit it all in with the gear box and tensioning system. something keeps telling me i should maybe look back into belt drive as it gives more flexibility on were you can put stuff. If it was bet drive i could easily mount the motor above the x axis like in the picture or have it stationary on one end of the main frame.

**charlieuk** · 27-08-2014

i think we are really getting there now! i have picked up a cnc router parts pro rack and pinion drive for the x axis rather than using a gearbox at the moment, unfortunately it means swapping the rack to mod 1.5 so will have to sell the mod 1 stuff i originally got but it means i will be up and running sooner.

The cable has just arrived so thats all going in now however i just need to deside how and were it is best to situate the control box and the pc.

Is it best to keep the control box relatively close to the machine? whats the best way to protect it in a dusty environment? i was wondering about putting the box into maybe a kitchen unit type thing so it is double protected from dust and then have the computer some were less dusty but would be further away but being my first build im not really to sure what the standard thing would be on a large machine like this. Any suggestions would be great.

**charlieuk** · 08-10-2014

Well after a lot of fine tuning it's all levelled up and the main part of the build complete just the final wiring to be done this weekend and we should have some movement. I ended up adding some extra plates to aid setting it up and stiffening and also bolted it to the wall which made a huge difference

one thing I am still looking for are the caps to fill the bolt holes on the rails if anyone knows we're to get them or what I could use.

Many thanks

**charlieuk** · 08-10-2014

I have also got a full length switch to use as the e stop so you can grab it were ever you are along the length.

**gavztheouch** · 09-10-2014

Very neat, looks great.

**charlieuk** · 09-10-2014

I'm looking for some advise on we're to put all the electrics. My work space is generally quite dusty so I obviously need to protect against that. I also have the issue that all the cables will be fairly long by the time they make it any where. It's aprox 5meters from the centre of the machine and start of cable Chain to the spindle or about 8 if you take the cables to one end of the table. I have a metal cupboard I have been wondering about utilising to house some of the stuff to protect from dust but just not to sure how far I need to go with it, do I need a clean air source from out side? I was thinking of having the actual computer in a separate room to avoid dust but not sure if this would be practical? If any one can give any suggestions that would be great as I'm sure there is more to it than first meets the eye and as it's my first machine I'm not sure how closely things need to be together. Many thanks