CNC routers

[Westozy]

Hi all,
This week the director of Scitech, (the Western Australian science discovery centre), and two of his engineers visited my simulator. Scitech are assembling a flight simulator for an upcoming display on transport and they came to learn about interface methods etc. These guys were all CAD & CNC experts and they are going to help me build my own CNC machine. Just "popping in" turned into three hours of interesting and very useful tech knowledge exchange. They gave me a link to an excellent CNC website that I thought was worth sharing with everyone. It has a good series of 'how to do' videos. http://www.cncinformation.com/index.php
Other good links he sent me.

http://www.routoutcnc.com/

http://www.vectorcam.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsmiIeAkE-o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65sdTFdj5VU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3VVI6Auvys&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEycFUGBsrI

Gwyn

[Padraig]

Hi Westozy, Thanks for the great information on the topic of CNC, I am also looking for a desktop version of a CNC machine It would be very handy for processing PCB`s that I create, it would limit the amount of chemicals I need in stock and drill the holes while I work on something else. I noticed a Canadian seller on ebay selling kits for about $400 or so to build your own CNC machine. In the next few months Il be sure to use this information. Also I noticed a link of a mini V8 Engine, some fine craftmanship there, You aussies are big into your V8 engines over there aren't you ?

regards

[Kennair]

That's absolutely fantastic Gwyn! And it couldn't go to a better home too.

Ken.

[alaxus]

I have got 2 cnc machines to do Sim stuff. One I built myself and one I bought. Great things they are.

[AndyT]

I can see how one of these would make all my panels so much better, but I have nowhere to keep it. Bummer!

[Rodney]

This is a link to build you own with a parts break down. Enjoy!

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Three-Axis-CNC-Machine-Cheaply-and-/

[Westozy]

You aussies are big into your V8 engines over there aren't you ?

regards


LOL, you could say that, here's my 2005 SS Commodore with it's 5.7litre aluminium chevvy V8!
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/data/575/04_VZ_SS.JPG

Gwyn

[Michael Carter]

I remember you buying that. I can't believe it's been that long ago.

[Padraig]

LOL, you could say that, here's my 2005 SS Commodore with it's 5.7litre aluminium chevvy V8!


Gwyn

LOL, I knew it. I have a mate over there and he's always talking about them, when the season is on you cant find him online until it's over. My friend has built a small pit for the very reason, I think he uses R-Factor for the software, along with Beta Innovations cards to drive gauges. But you have the real thing , lol well thats a different story, nice machine, she's a beauty !!!

[Prof Bill]

Hi Westozy, Thanks for the great information on the topic of CNC, I am also looking for a desktop version of a CNC machine It would be very handy for processing PCB`s that I create, it would limit the amount of chemicals I need in stock and drill the holes while I work on something else. I noticed a Canadian seller on ebay selling kits for about $400 or so to build your own CNC machine. In the next few months Il be sure to use this information. Also I noticed a link of a mini V8 Engine, some fine craftmanship there, You aussies are big into your V8 engines over there aren't you ?

regards

Hi Padraig,

If you look at the ELEKTOR site you will find a very neat CNC machine that is used by many of us for PCB work, engraving etc., etc..

http://www.elektor.com/extra/profiler-milling-machine-from-a-kit.91274.lynkx

It is not exactly cheap but if you look at the total package you will see that the software ColiLiner Lite that is supplied with it makes it well worth the money. There is of course other software for free around!

Bill.

[Padraig]

Thanks Prof Bill, That is indeed a nice price for the unit, I have the link now bookmarked for when the time comes.

regards

[ivar hestnes]

Here is another link for CNC builders:)

http://www.lumenlab.com/

And the above link is very much useful for the ones that want to make their own projector aswell;)

[ruprecht]

I had a look at that Elektor kit, there is a distributor in Australia. Could probably get one for about AUD $6k including some tooling.

Are they solid machines? Well built, reliable, etc? Good resolution? No wobble in the spindles? How is the software to use for a CNC newbie? Can it work with STL files or is there a complex file format dance to get something from CAD to the machine?

Cheers

[BHawthorne]

Two of the best sites haven't been mentioned yet:

CNC Zone: www.cnczone.com
MechMate Router: www.mechmate.com

I would highly recommend looking into building a MechMate if anyone is planning on making cockpit shell kits.

[Padraig]

I had a look at that Elektor kit, there is a distributor in Australia. Could probably get one for about AUD $6k including some tooling.

Are they solid machines? Well built, reliable, etc? Good resolution? No wobble in the spindles? How is the software to use for a CNC newbie? Can it work with STL files or is there a complex file format dance to get something from CAD to the machine?

Cheers

Prof Bill can answer that one for you, I have not ordered or built one yet.

[Mr. Midnight]

i built a cnc machine last year from hobby cnc , and i tell you it was so much fun building it and seeing it in action.

i have not really used it yet for my upand coming project of a 737 sim, but i know i needed one for the panels and such.

it will be and invaluble tool that i will use, but there is also a learning curve in using one also part of the fun.


Robert

[Padraig]

i built a cnc machine last year from hobby cnc , and i tell you it was so much fun building it and seeing it in action.

i have not really used it yet for my upand coming project of a 737 sim, but i know i needed one for the panels and such.

it will be and invaluble tool that i will use, but there is also a learning curve in using one also part of the fun.


Robert

Hi Robert, I have just recently imported a laser machine, but I am in dire need of obtaining a CNC machine myself, the hobbyist style does not appeal to me because of the work needed to be carried out. Given that, I think this machine will do the trick for me. Now I am not a CNC buff but a little advise on a type of machine would be a little help. I only need a small based one for now, as the products I am going to make will meet this criteria. Wheres the Engineer master Westozy ? this guy knows his stuff about this kind of thing......

What do you guys think of this machine ?

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6726/strong20080812212305768kp8.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=strong20080812212305768kp8.jpg)http://img175.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

Travel of engraving



320x260x80mm (12.5"x10.2"x3.1")

Height of Z axis


80mm

Spindle Power


400W

Port


USB/Serial

Max run speed


4500mm/min

Min feeding speed


1mm/s

Resolution(X,Y,Z)


0.0125mm

Max speed of Spindle


6000-24000rpm

Format of command


HP-GL,G code

Power


500w(void load)

[fordgt40]

Padraig

I too have been looking at cnc machines and the following German company have some interesting models which have open frames giving more flexibility. Also their website or Ebay sites have many videos showing the machines in action. That way you can get a better understanding of the machines capabilities.

http://www.cnc-router-routers.com/

Hope this helps

Regards

David

[Padraig]

Thanks David,

I am still looking for a good suppler, but I have not made up my mind yet, I should have some form of a machine in the next few weeks, but as I stated earlier that I am looking for something small and that gets the job done. The site you showed looks like they have good products, also another fact is, I probably will be able to receive via a FedEx etc. Not like the Laser machine I just received which was through sea cargo because of the size and weight

either way, thanks for the heads up on the CNC machine


Padraig

I too have been looking at cnc machines and the following German company have some interesting models which have open frames giving more flexibility. Also their website or Ebay sites have many videos showing the machines in action. That way you can get a better understanding of the machines capabilities.

http://www.cnc-router-routers.com/

Hope this helps

Regards

David

[Prof Bill]

Hi Westozy, Thanks for the great information on the topic of CNC, I am also looking for a desktop version of a CNC machine It would be very handy for processing PCB`s that I create, it would limit the amount of chemicals I need in stock and drill the holes while I work on something else. I noticed a Canadian seller on ebay selling kits for about $400 or so to build your own CNC machine. In the next few months Il be sure to use this information. Also I noticed a link of a mini V8 Engine, some fine craftmanship there, You aussies are big into your V8 engines over there aren't you ?

regards

Hi Padraig,

I was given this book by one of my students and I remembered that you were planning to build your own CNC machine!!

You might find this book of some use in deciding if you should build your on machine. The construction certainly does not appear to break the bank!!

http://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/10913788/used/Cnc%20Robotics:%20Build%20Your%20Own%20Shop%20Bot

Bill

[Hessel Oosten]

Hi All,

I use the Profiler as mentioned.
Very happy with it !

Look in the Dutch Elektor forum and search for my name (Hessel) for more "exercise pictures".

It works great BUT it consumes lots of time.

No hobby for young Dad's ... :-)

Hessel Oosten, Netherlands

http://home.casema.nl/h.j.ftimmermans/

[Lambis777]

Hi

Please can you help me and tell me which is the differens between the 2 cnc?
i don`t understand.

This cost 1650 EURO :
http://cgi.ebay.it/Pantografo-cnc-500-tre-assi-fresa-fresatrice_W0QQitemZ320279046140QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320279046140&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1025|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1308#ebayphotohosting

-----------------------------------

and the HIGH-Z s-400 2237 euro:

http://www.cnc-step.com

Can you suggest me something else?

Thanks for any help.
Regards
Lambis

[fweinrebe]

This thread made me think about CNC and I realised that to take my cockpit to a new dimension, I will have to build a CNC. Currently I am thinking of this one: http://computer-numerical-control.wpblogspot.com/.

It's made out of MDF and includes a 50+ page PDF plan as well as the SolidWorks 3D plans.