Dust foot and custom clamps done #3 - Conway, AR

[Doug_Ford]

My solution at that time was to grind a big notch in the shaft behind the bearing . . . . . .[/QUOTE]

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that I was able to make the bearing work. After I read your post, I relooked at my setup and noticed that all I needed to do was to mill a slightly longer slot in the motor mount plate and voila. It worked. Thanks for the idea Gerald.

[Doug_Ford]

I agree Greg. I can't wait to start cutting something. It is supposed to get down to 16 degrees F tonight and although it's not there yet, it's too dang cold to go out into the garage. I can wait until tomorrow when it warms up.

[J.R. Hatcher]

Doug that's a nice machine I know you are proud, I would be.
On my machine I need to hook up the power wire to the router and add the spoil board. Remember mine hasn't moved yet...
What thickness is your board?

[Gerald D]

It is a beauty!

[Doug_Ford]

Thanks Gerald.

J.R., I have a 3/4" spoil board and two more sheets of 3/4" mdf on top of that.

[gmessler]

Lookin good Doug

[javeria]

Beautiful Dough! Beautiful!

[sailfl]

Doug,

Very nice work and machine. I like your computer stand. Looks like it was made by Craftsman!

[Gerald D]

Irfan, there is a difference between Doug & dough. You use dough to make bread - we sometimes say someone is as stupid as dough. That is not Doug.

[javeria]

OOOPS, thnX G' for pointing it out

I am sorry Doug, don't blame me some time its the language though

and windows did not point out the error:

So its always mistake by Mr. Bill Gates

RGDS
IRfan

[Gerald D]

[Doug_Ford]

I only had a 1/2" bit but I think it's still legible.

Can I get a serial number Gerald?

[Roadkill_321]

Awesome Doug! I can't wait to get to that stage myself. Your hard work and fine craftsmanship paid off!

[sailfl]

Doug,

All put together and it actually cuts!!!

Looks Great!

[OBXCNC]

Doug,
Wow I have been lurking on this website a half a dozen or so times a day for 4-5 months. Just learning and watching the process of building this great machine of Gerald's. Your completion has brought me to the point I want to say something: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! Your build has been impressive, as well as JR's, Sean's and all the rest who are in the process.

[Doug_Ford]

Thanks John, Nils, and Carl. Carl, quit reading and get busy building Bubba. You'll be finished before you know it.

[Greg J]

WOW Doug,

Is that cool or what? Very appropriate first project. Frame it!!

Congratulations!!

[J.R. Hatcher]

Good job, well done. A+

[Marc Shlaes]

Inspiring!

[bleeth]

Well Doug: It look's like you're ready to make some dough!!!
(Yankee slang for $)

[Doug_Ford]

Thanks guys. I'm still floating on a cloud.

Notice that the board is not aligned with the edge of the spoilboard. I had to move the board to where the cutter was doing the cutting!!! Obviously, I've got a lot of learning to do.

[grandpi]

Nice first job.... I hope i will join you in few weeks in the mechmate users team !.

Pierre.

[smreish]

Doug,
congrats on your new baby blue! I'm in baby mode so everythings revolves around "baby" something right now.
I must say, that's some pretty nice cutting mister!
I will try to catch up. I took a couple hours of peace today to the shop and installed the cable chain on the gantry. Cable chain for the x axis and the a slide and I'm about done. Getting closer. Sean

[gmessler]

Fantastic Doug...Great Job!!! Keep us posted on your learning.

[Gerald D]

Great going Doug - it wan't that difficult was it?

Suggest you go back to the beginning of this thread and chuckle to yourself as you read it over again

[Doug_Ford]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it.

No Gerald, it wasn't bad at all. In fact, I honestly enjoyed every single second of the process. The best thing is that I know this machine from top to bottom so if (or when) it breaks, I should have a good shot at getting it going again. If anyone has questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Eventually, I'll get around to posting some specs and performance stats so other builders can know what to expect from a 35 tooth pinion if they decide to go that route. Maybe you, Mr. Richards, or some of the other guys can agree on some standardized tests we can all use.

[domino11]

Doug,
Awesome job on your Mechmate. Dont forget to show us some more of the beasts first jobs.

[Alan_c]

Well done Doug, a great job.

[Doug_Ford]

Thanks Alan and Heath. I still need to get a copy of Sheetcam, a 1/4" collet for my router, and some 1/4" bits before I can do much cutting. I remember one of Gerald's earlier posts warned us newbies to use cheap router bits at first. Very sound advice. I currently have a 1/2" high speed steel endmill in the router and it's a good thing it wasn't carbide because it would be a stub by now. I've already crashed it into the side of the spoilboard and twice into a clamp. Luckily, it wasn't spinning at the time.

[domino11]

Doug,
Why would you want to use 1/4 inch shank bits? I would feel better with half inch shank bits but with the cutting diameter you require. You should be able to get small cutting diameters in a half inch shank bit?