NEW TO CNC - Starting design and so forth

[PSG]

one 3m length (chopped into 2 x 1.5m lengths) of 100x50x6mm Ali

what is this for? gantry? just trying to work out. thx for the help.

also if i only use one ballscrew, where will that go? wont one either side be better? or did you mean one length each side?

I am itching to start this now. going to draw up the steel base now and calc how much it will cost.

[njhussey]

what is this for? gantry? just trying to work out. thx for the help.

also if i only use one ballscrew, where will that go? wont one either side be better? or did you mean one length each side?

I am itching to start this now. going to draw up the steel base now and calc how much it will cost.

Yes it's for the Gantry, with a 10mm Ali plate bolted to the front.

Generally people only go for one ball screw on the Y axis as the bearings aren't spaced that far apart. See added components in pic below.

You're welcome to have the SKP model if you want, PM me your email addy and I'll send it to you.

[PSG]

i could do 2K, it would be a well used tool in my workshop so if needed i could push the budget further. that design is exactly what i intended to draw but i have no experience of machine design. thanks for spending time drawing it, i didnt expect anyone to go that far. amazing help.

where can i read simple info to help me understand the mechanics behind it all? i have unanswered questions, like how to set up a stepper to drive the x, and how long is the belt going to be to fit exactly, or do i make an adjustable mount for the stepper to tighten the belt up once fitted?

if i were to produce a full sheet cutting bed, what would i use instead of ballscrews, and how do i work that out or are there examples on other build logs that you can point me to?

[njhussey]

Have a look in the Router build Log section, there's lots of builds there. Some good ones to look at showing what equipment they used...in no particular order...
http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/gantry...-building.html
http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/gantry...eady-eddy.html
http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/gantry...g-machine.html
http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/gantry...ation-cnc.html

Irving's motor calculator to size the stepper motors you need: http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/machin...do-i-need.html

Control box/electronics/diagrams:
http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/genera...outer-cnc.html
Eddycurrent's build log has his electrical schematic in it http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/gantry...html#post52213
http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/genera...ic-advice.html

There are lots more if you search through the forum but those should give you something to go at......

[EddyCurrent]

This web site gives a decent overview of things.

DIY CNC: Build Your Own CNC, CNC Router, or 3D Printer

Eddycurrent's build log has his electrical schematic in it http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/gantry...html#post52213

Be careful now , some people say this is OTT but I'm not really using anything special.

[PSG]

OK, so after great help from all of you, and this design from NJ, here is my cad version of the base framework

[PSG]

you mean start learning the 3d stuff? I did try rhino 3d but only a taster. of course I am interested it would be amazing from a designing perspective

[EddyCurrent]

you mean start learning the 3d stuff? I did try rhino 3d but only a taster. of course I am interested it would be amazing from a designing perspective

From what I've read and heard Rhino 3D is a good choice.

[PSG]

Hi all,

after a chat with a few people, and a lot of help from one in particular, this is my new and possibly final design for base framework.

[EddyCurrent]

If the 'top' view shows the actual bed, then I think most would put an additional support right down the centre, top to bottom on your drawing. Also on the screen I'm using just now I can't read the dimensions due to their colour.