The CNC project begins!!

**KHK** · 01-31-2010, 10:59 PM

I took the plung today an bought X, Y stepper motors and controlers. I also purchased a Z assembly without a controler. I spent $265.00 on everything. The CNC project begins!!

**tking** · 02-01-2010, 12:32 AM

Kieth,

Could you provide some details on the items you purchased. It sounds like a pretty good price. Are you planning on using 2 steppers to move the gantry plus the one on the gantry? Are you using purchased plans? Thanks for any info. Sounds great.

Toad

**Gadget** · 02-01-2010, 08:09 AM

Sounds like a good start Keith. Keep us posted on the progress. Is this going to be a plasma CNC or router?
Dan

**matteh99** · 02-01-2010, 10:11 AM

I have been slowly collecting parts for my CNC project. Right now I am super busy so I haven't had time to do much on it.

I found these on McMaster Car and I think they would work for the guides for a CNC plamsa.

McMaster-Carr

I ordered 3 feet of "High-Capacity Side-Mount Track Roller Guide Blocks and Rails" Just to see what it looked like. It seems like it will work well. It cost me ~$150 for one 3 foot rail and roller block. It is a little bit pricey but since I have more money than time at the moment I figured they may be a good choice. I don't know if they would work for a router but for just a plasma it should work great. (I hope)

Eric

**KHK** · 02-01-2010, 10:57 AM

I bought the Orential motor ASM(motor) and ASD(Controller) series. These are for the X, Y axis. They are 5 phase closed loop assemblies. For the Z axis I bought an assembly that includes PH(motor) and no controler Total movement is 2in. I bought every thing on ebay. I have broken the bank for January!! I will have to wait for late Feburary to buy some more parts. I am planing to write the driver code for the project. I do not have plans, I am just winging it. The Z axis assembly may be to light for a router, but it will be fine for plasma. Keep in mind that none of my desigh is proven, so I would NOT use any info for your design. When the project is complete and fully functional I will release ALL information. I am sure that there WILL be mistakes and a lot of trial and error

**Gadget** · 02-01-2010, 12:13 PM

You might want to look into the Ubuntu Linux EMC2 controller program Keith, it is open source and works well. Also look into Sheetcam TNG to convert dxf files to GCode. I use it and like it very much.
Dan

**BearNPum** · 02-01-2010, 02:35 PM

Nice, I need to get with the program and get mine going so that I can follow along.

There are some rails on eBay that look good, but may not be long enough for me - I am still trying to find them again, looked at them a while back and neglected to watch one so I could find them again. The ones I see now are a bit more pricey.

**Uncle Ed** · 02-01-2010, 07:15 PM

Oh Lordy! Dan has created a monster. A whole tribe of monsters!

"Here Honey, let me cut the birthday cake! Muahaha!" as he chucks in a knife and each person gets a .250 inch thick piece.

You could serve hundreds with a half sheet pastry. Think of the savings!

**KHK** · 02-18-2010, 02:28 PM

I received two motors and controlers on Monday. They have a guarentee for not being a DOA that lasts for 12 days. I had to make a test rig to verify that they worked. Picture attached. Both motors and controllers work just fine. You don't know they could have been JUNK. These two are for the X & Y axis. The Z axis has also arrived but with out a controller I can't test it. I purchased a controller and anouther motor for the Z axis Tuesday for $59.00 It was a package deal. I have the X & Y axis guide rails. I expect to fab the table next week.