MechMate CNC Router Forum http://www.mechmate.com/forums/ Build your own MechMate CNC router with free plans and forum en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:03:03 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.mechmate.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg MechMate CNC Router Forum http://www.mechmate.com/forums/ 90% Complete MM for Sale in South Africa http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3022&goto=newpost Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:55:11 GMT Hi Guys, Due to unforeseen circumstances i am moving my business to another town. I have a 90% finished MM for sale. Complete controller box... Hi Guys,

Due to unforeseen circumstances i am moving my business to another town.

I have a 90% finished MM for sale.

Complete controller box with PSU, BOB, 5X Drivers and 5 X Steppers.
1 X computer with CAD, CNC and Mach 3
1 X 2M X 3M Table
Cable chain
Rack & Pinion
Gears
Pulleys

Everything is complete except for the Z Axis that have to be fitted.

I Want R50000 for the lot.
You just have to arrange for the transport because this baby is big.
Eric : 0824420157 ]]> The Market Place ViperAudio http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3022 Dxf files for the new mamba MM http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3021&goto=newpost Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:27:34 GMT Hi there, if somebody can help me please, I canīt find the dxf link to download the files for the new Mamba MM. I want to start the quotation cut... Hi there, if somebody can help me please, I canīt find the dxf link to download the files for the new Mamba MM. I want to start the quotation cut services in my town but I only have the pdf files, any help wellcome. :) ]]> The Market Place Carlos Mariche http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3021 Indexer for me new toy to be http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3019&goto=newpost Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:24:57 GMT So i have a small lathe right now, its not in front of me at this time will post a picture later tomorrow. My question is if it would be a good... So i have a small lathe right now, its not in front of me at this time will post a picture later tomorrow. My question is if it would be a good choice to use the lathe as my indexer for my MM by replacing its drive motor with the same motor (except a belt version) (my MM to be motors are geared i think..) i am using for my MM build? Any thoughts welcome :) ]]> General - MM Build Mojo http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3019 radial arm saw advice http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3017&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:19:57 GMT This past weekend, I stopped at a yard sale and in a lapse of judgement, purchased a radial arm saw. Everything appears to work, but, I don't really need one! Faced with the gimlet eye of the designated adult at my house, I thought it might be just the thing for cutting pipe, if: 1.) I could come up with a metal cutting carbide blade, (no problem), and 2.) I could slow the saw down to the recommended revolution rate. That is where the MM brain trust comes in.

Would a pwm device work? The saw is currently brushed am motor of about 1hp. It's at home, so I am not sure.

Would it be easier / possible to modify a MM belt drive - speed reducer for the task?

Thanks
roger ]]> Miscellaneous / General / Whatever / Catchall qroger http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3017 Started Building in South Australia http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3016&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:53:45 GMT Hello Everyone, Building has started! After building 2 home brew cnc routers and disappointed with the performance, I thought it was about time to... Hello Everyone,
Building has started! After building 2 home brew cnc routers and disappointed with the performance, I thought it was about time to build a man's machine.
The size will be 3000mm x 1830mm x 250mm.
I have received the steel and have started cutting away.
The steel was bought from a company that sold it in lengths only(9-6m), this worked out to be 45% cheaper plus the steel left over for other projects(?). They also were able to cut the lengths to size so I was able to get it home.
Ordered the V rollers and bearings from Rick Hoback from SuperiorBearing, Australian suppliers wanted 400% more than Rick, maybe there is gold in the Aussie ones:rolleyes:.
I have also ordered the laser profile parts from rnixon.
I found some 640oz steppers on ebay, the vendor also has the G540 Gecko which should be able to run the motors in 'half coil' configuration, I think?(if someone could please agree or disagree with my calculations to put my mind at ease.)
He also has a 48V 12.5A Switching Power Supply.
Anyway, thats where I'm up to, hope to post updates with photos(when i work out how, can't be any harder than EMC2)soon. ]]> Construction started, but not cutting yet Quadro http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3016 Welding legs onto BIG longitudinal beams http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3015&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:54:52 GMT I'm building an extended Z-axis. Accordingly I have these monster 300 x 95 longitudinal beams. While the 100+kg weight of each doesn't scare me too much (except when they start to tip over!), I'm concerned about fixing the legs adequately. The problem is the the flanges of the beams are about 15mm thick (1/2") and I'm worried about getting the weld to penetrate deep enough with a small 140A inverter and 6013 rods.

1. Is my only solution to pre-build the leg structure and then have someone with a big welding machine come and attach the legs to the beams?

2. Any suggestions on different strategies for fixing the rails on? I anticipate that drilling these beastly beams might just take tooo long. ]]> 10. Base Table Red_boards http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3015 Zbrush 4 http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3013&goto=newpost Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:50:54 GMT The sculpting features of new zbrush 4 http://www.pixologic.com/zbrush/features/zbrush4/sculpt-and-productivity/ The sculpting features of new zbrush 4
http://www.pixologic.com/zbrush/feat...-productivity/ ]]> normand blais http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3013 A dangerous (stupid?) thing to do . . . . http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3012&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:41:09 GMT This (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jhFDC9MWFjgexF4a8lJct9qRiIHwD9HUGNT01) news story makes me shake my head: A New Hampshire... This news story makes me shake my head:

A New Hampshire high school student shocked so severely in shop class that his heart stopped beating is suing his teacher, the school district and the city of Dover.

Kyle Dubois and his parents claim teacher Thomas Kelley did not warn Dubois and other students of the dangers of the electrical demonstration cords in their electrical trades class.

On March 11, Dubois attached an electrical clamp to one nipple while another student attached another clamp to the other. A third student plugged in the cord.

Dubois was critically injured.

The New Hampshire Union Leader says Dubois' suit contends he suffered permanent brain damage.

Kelley resigned from his teaching position about a month after the incident. He declined to comment on the lawsuit.

To what extent should MechMate builders be warned that they are embarking on something that can be rather dangerous? Handling heavy weights, electricity, fast & sharp cutters, powerful movement that could pinch body parts . . . . . . ]]> Miscellaneous / General / Whatever / Catchall Gerald D http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3012 New to MechMate UK http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3011&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:20:49 GMT Hi to all i have joined Mechmate a few weeks again and just building a shopping lists for a 8 x 4 router to machine plastic upto 20mm for food... Hi to all i have joined Mechmate a few weeks again and just building a shopping lists for a 8 x 4 router to machine plastic upto 20mm for food processing machinery and alike. I am sure i will be contacting alot of you for advice and ideas on what is the best direction for my machine.

Alex ]]> Introduce yourself and start planning alextrumpf2010 http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3011 Setting up to weld square http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3010&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:23:33 GMT I've read these threads and have a question about getting the vertical faces perpendicular to the base.
Will using magnetic braces be accurate enough (pic below) if the base is clamped to a flat base or is a firmer hold needed on the vertical faces to prevent distortion when the welds cool?

You can see the magnets in question (the BIG x-beams are underneath)


PS I've clipped the ends of the car in place. The "slots" cut in the end plates are diagonally opposite, rather than directly opposite - is this correct? I haven't seen any pictures where I can confirm for sure and the plans are silent on this (or my reading of the plans is!) ]]> 30. Y-Car Red_boards http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3010 ERWA Woodworking Fair http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3009&goto=newpost Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:13:36 GMT Just a quick reminder for the people from Gauteng and South Africa. We are having our annual Woodworking Fair on Saturday 4 September 2010 in... Just a quick reminder for the people from Gauteng and South Africa.

We are having our annual Woodworking Fair on Saturday 4 September 2010 in Benoni. There are some interesting things to see as us old toppies show off our work. A lot of suppliers will also be showing the latest in tools. The turners and scrollsaw people always have beautiful work on display and some live demo's.
Pity old BBB is so big otherwise I could have taken it there....now where is this MOBILE MECHMATE now that we discussed a while back.
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]]> The Market Place Kobus_Joubert http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3009 How to guarantee zero backlash when mounting the motor mounts... http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3008&goto=newpost Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:19:22 GMT HI guys When mounting the whole motor assembly to the gantry, how do we guarantee we get zero play with the screws and washers? Do we need a... HI guys

When mounting the whole motor assembly to the gantry, how do we guarantee we get zero play with the screws and washers?

Do we need a screw that fits the gantry and motor mount hole with a very small amount of play? .05mm to each side or something similar?

Because If I can picture it right, we don't want to tighten the screws too much otherwise the motor bracket will be "hard" and pretty much ignore the spring... How tight have you guys tightened them screws?

thanks,
Francis ]]> sprayhead http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3008 Complete Newbeeeeeee http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3007&goto=newpost Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:11:44 GMT Hey guys, I have been thinking of taking the plunge into building a CNC Router for some time. For a business, I build high end custom acoustic... Hey guys, I have been thinking of taking the plunge into building a CNC Router for some time. For a business, I build high end custom acoustic guitars, and can see the benefit of having some automation from a CNC machine to carve my necks, bridges, headblocks, forms...and just about anything else I can think of.

I have invested a good amount of time thinking of what I needin a CNC Router, and have looked at so many plans that everything is just a blur. I would love to get some advice on where to start. I know the cutting area I need will be 24"X36" with a 6" Z axis. Can the MechMate plans be easily modified to meet this size machine.

I know there will be many questions once I finally get started on this project, and I am looking forward to any help or advice you guys can give.

Thanks,
David
]]> Introduce yourself and start planning DTGuitars http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3007 GYRO, cnc flat pack components green house http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3003&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:44:55 GMT Hello all, Just would like to present Gyro, new circular green house concept rescalable to adapt it to family size. At the moment, the main... Hello all,

Just would like to present Gyro, new circular green house concept rescalable to adapt it to family size.
At the moment, the main concept is ok but cnc details are under developpement. I hope you will share ideas or comments to improve the system.

GYROhouse concept is coming in few days.

Go to Setchup google warehouse (http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/) + search "gyro green house".

Pierre GRAND,
Ekkoflex.com ]]> The Show Room pierrearchi http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3003 Couple questions about plasma... http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3001&goto=newpost Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:56:51 GMT As mentioned elsewhere, I'm planning on starting with a solsylva router table, and integrating some of the parts into a plasma mechmate (or mechmate/solsylva hybrid) and a mechmate router... 2 separate tables...

So I have a couple questions about options in planning the original solsylva build and what can or can't be done when I decide to move forward from there...

1) I have the option of using aluminum for the gantry and Z carriage on the solsylva.. Is this a problem for plasma? Is the heat from the plasma an issue for the gantry? Would sparks or slag cause any damage to an aluminum gantry or Z carriage?

2) I understand that 'cutting force' is not an issue with plasma, as there is no acutal contact between the machine head and the material being cut... Does this therfore allow for smaller steppers? The reason I ask, is that the solsylva specs out 425 in oz NEMA 23 steppers... If I can use these cheaper steppers and their associated drives/power supply, that would make life easier... The plan is to make a mechmate base table, and bolt wooden rails to it, and build the solsylva system on top with an all aluminum gantry... then later, shortening the aluminum gantry, and modifying it to ride on top of the mechmate steel rails and rack system.. (X axis), and replacing the router with a plasma torch... (likely replacing the solsylva bearing system on the gantry with linear motion bearings at that time as well if I'm not happy with the homemade bearing system)

3) The solsylva plans call out for a 2" x 6" x 1/2" aluminum C channel for the gantry beam.. I'm thinking about replacing this with a more expensive T slot aluminum channel (2 x 6 if they make such an animal, otherwise 3 x 6)) ... As this would make 'modifying' the gantry later much easier... But I'm not sure if this weakens or strengthens the gantry beam.. So I'm wondering which is a better gantry material, the extrusion or the C channel? If the open slots are an issue with the extrusion, I could always cut some thin sheet metal to cover exposed/unused channel surfaces...

This plan allows me to get a lighter duty router table up and running, while I build a true to plans mechmate router table, later modifying the lighter duty table to become a hybrid mechmate plasma table...

If I can resolve those three questions, I think I have enough info to gather some materials and start construction of some components..

Thanks for all your advice and help,
Mark ]]> Introduce yourself and start planning Mountaincraft http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3001