Thank you for all recommendations and nice words. Still have a lot to learn. Already did some mistakes but is from mistakes you learn more... here is one of the first mistakes... I mean: cuts :)

Video link: http://db.tt/HzoaHUGX

Don't forget www.thermwood.com ecabinet systems.

Tim
How you can use ecabinet with mach3?

Milosh

As meters
 

As meters of chain I need for my mechmate? is 3000 * 2200 mm

First upgrade on my machine: a new power supply. went from 48V to 73V measured. Now it can moves on max velocity without losing steps but to be honest I don't "feel" more torque. I still can move the gantry pushing it a bit hard. Well it should be normal... Have cut some complete 4x8 board, ply and MDF and small jobs and I'm very happy with the quality. still waiting to get more mill bits. In Curacao it is difficult to find and very expensive. Then I needed to stop. A LOT OF SAWDUST!!! :) Have installed a small shopvac and it is helping. still busy experimenting with different dust shoes. I'm using 40mm pipe and it's works for now. Will post some pics later.

Hi Milosh, you export your job from ecabnets in dxf . I use aspire to convert the dxf drawings to gcode.

Cheers All!

There is no export ability to dxf in eCab???

Just to report that I have changed limit resistors on geckos from 12.8K (calculated by formula) to 20K. that way I have more holding torque. Had some problems on Z, I'm using a lighter router Kress 800W, temporary, and the gas strut is pushing it up hard, it's is 30lb, for a spindle. Sometimes when I'm changing tools I lose Z zero. During the cut, no problems. let see if the motors do not get too hot...

Bits
 

http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodwork...t-overheating/
Want to prevent those annoying burn marks that leave your routed edges black and your face red? Keep cool by putting the following tips to work.

Keep it clean
Ideally, you should wipe your bits clean after each use. Most of us, though, just drop them back in their holders and walk away. Unfortunately, resins and dust build up that cause bits to get hotter faster, making them more likely to burn the wood. If your bits are covered with sawdust, wipe them with a dry cloth. Remove the stubborn build-up with a blade-and-bit cleaner. The benefit: Clean bits stay sharp longer because excessive heat breaks down carbide cutters.

Stay sharp



A dull bit cuts poorly and builds up heat doing so. If you can run the cutter over your fingernail without shearing off ashaving, then your bit needs sharpening.
To freshen up router bit cutting edges with diamond lapping stones, hone only the flat surfaces. Count your strokes to make sure you remove the same amount of material from each cutter to keep the bit balanced. It only takes a half-dozen or so strokes with each stone. If that doesn't restore cutting ability, have the bit sharpened by a pro or replace it.

Set speed limits


Router bits spin up to 24,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). And most bits have two cutters, so they take up to 48,000 bites every minute. Think of it that way and you see why bits and wood heat up in a hurry. To keep things cool, set your router speed according to the chart, below right. If your router doesn't have variable speed, you can get a plug-in controller for less than $25. (Check your local retailer or contact MLCS at 800/533-9298; mlcswoodworking.com.)You can keep heat in check too by controlling how fast you feed the bit into the workpiece. A slow feed rate generates more heat. Use a fast and consistent feed rate to keep the bit and wood cool.

Watch your woods

Some woods, such as oak, don't easily burn. Maple and cherry burn notoriously because of their density and the oils and extractives they contain. Among softwoods, pine can be troublesome in areas that contain pitch pockets. With these species, slow the router and increase feed rate to minimize burning.

Take it one step at a time

Powerful routers and sharp carbide-tipped bits are capable of hogging out large cuts in even the hardest of woods. But doing so stresses the bit, causes tear-out, and leads to burning. When removing more than 1/4" of material, make multiple shallow passes.

Thank you for advices and title, my machine deserves a number :)

Yes it does. Where is Metal Head?

Still limit resistors on Geckos:

using 20 KΩ instead of 12.8 KΩ calculated by formula - Motors are always hot, cutting or idle is the same, you can let your hand over it for long time but too hot for my peace of mind... My decision is to change back resistors on drivers running X and Y to 12.8 KΩ and 18 KΩ on Z temporary...

Let's see.

I have been MIA for a few days.

Congrats and you get #108

Thank you Mike.:)

Great job!!!

Congratulations number 108 from number 109

thanks 109 :) same for you. hey, I like a lot your kayak, I m thinking to build one for myself.

Me likey kayak. :D

Kayak was built from plans see Redfish kayaks, "return" model.
Took about 300 hours to complete. total cost about 625 uk pounds. including cost of the plans.
Weight 22kgs length 5.8mtrs .. and it was fast on the water.

Updated Builder's Log
 

Paulo,

Congratulations on your MechMate and earning Serial Number 108.

Here's the Updated Builder's Log with your entry added.

Sorry to be tardy, but I was on a Cruise in your beautiful Caribbean.

Thank you John, did you stopped in Curacao?

Upgraded Power Supply, small dust extractor installed, first time spoil-board surfaced and more important, first paid jobs :) It's a good start and I'm very proud of my machine.

Dust foot works very well is from: http://solsylva.com/cnc/vacuum.shtml

Dust separator also works 100%, from: http://www.jpthien.com/cy.htm

Congrats on the 1st paid job! Wishing you more to come!

If you are serious about real production, do keep a few spare buckets for your Thien. I have0 2 huge barrels, each will last 4~6 hours of wood chip/dust.

3kw spindle
 

Time for very welcome upgrade, from 800w router to 3kw chinese spindle :) Still busy mounting it. VFD is a Mitsubishi FR-D720-165-NA. I plan to use Modbus on Mach3.

Modbus is the way I did it. Was not to bad to set up. Plenty of examples here and at MachSupport forum.

I'm been busy outside of mechmate project... My new spindle is working very well, but using manual start, stop. Could not get any comms between VFD and my PC using the RS232/485 converter. Need more time testing and change different combinations of wires. Not sure about pinout at vfd or converter.

here is a video of my machine carving a maya calendar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJwxNlgnH3s

That's cool. What material are you cutting? looks like foam.

Nice calendar Paulo, How long did it take to cut? I've been meaning to cut 36" one.

Tom, material is Moisture resistant MDF white faced, it hold details very well.

Armando, the size is 24", I leave my machine unattended and then I found it paused by itself (first time happen) I don't know how long it was paused but the cut took less than 2 Hours for sure and it could run it more fast.

Hi!
 

Hi Paolo! how much money you spend in this machine? I want to build one myself but i dont know how much money it cost.... ty for your time and congrats for that nice machine!:)

Thanks Boza. I can't tell you exactly the cost of my machine, I was collecting parts during 2 years and buying all my tools at same time (it was my first metal work) and never logged the expenses... As Sean indicated be prepared to expend 6 to 8 thousand USD, it depends on quality of the parts and shipping/taxes to get it imported. I was lucky enough to get most of the heavy and expensive parts from Mike, Metalhead: laser kit, motors, drives and controlbox with most of the components, all in very good quality. It saved me a lot in shipping.