CNC router build from Adept robotic cartesian slides.

[machiningfool]

Today I installed the fixed gantry to hold the Y and Z axis. I slotted the holes, so that I can adjust the symmetry of the two axis'. I can move either side 1 inch to make things square. I am almost there to start the electronics, oh, yes some paint. I haven't got any plans for the control panel, but If anyone has any ideas, I would sure like to hear them. I will use Mach 3, unless someone has a better idea, Bob., here are some pictures.

[machiningfool]

Well, all of the hardware is finished, except for mounting the router, so on to the electronics, Bob

[machiningfool]

Today, I started the wiring of the router. I chose to separate the power supply from the cards and drives so as to have more room. I used a drawer slide, no it is not powered. The low voltage circuits are pretty much done, and tomorrow I will wire the high voltage to the motors and drives from the power supply. Here are some pictures.

[machiningfool]

Here are some more pictures of the wiring with the servo cables installed and the 12 volt power supply. Bob It is pretty much finished except for some ground wires and the limit switches and attaching it to the computer. I had to send the pci card back to the factory for some firware updates because it has been so long since continuing the build. I am now figuring out some mame buttons for the control panel.

[machiningfool]

I started my cabinet while KSI labs is updating my firmware in the Centipede pci card. I built a big cabinet because it holds everything, drives, breakout card, computer, power supplies, and mame wiring and buttons for control and the monitor. Bob.

[machiningfool]

Continuing on the cabinet, today I added two fans and wired them. I am designing this cabinet to house everything and for ease of access. I have decided on PoScopeLabs button console and they will go just below the screen. They will be mounted on a tray as you will see in the picture to be able to pull it out and program and update them. Here are some pics. Bob.

[machiningfool]

Still working on the cabinet and some wiring. Bob.

[machiningfool]

Thanks kbalch. I assembled the router on the z axis and realized that the weight would bring the z axis all the way to the bottom. Not good for the servos, so this contraption is a zero weight counter-balance system. I know it looks like a well or a mine, but it is necessary for balance. Some people use springs, but they are variable resistance, ok in a sophisticated system, but not in this one. Without a spring or counter weight, the servo would be working overtime to just keep the z axis in one spot, so this way the controller doesn't know whether this axis is vertical or horizontal. Here are some pics. The tube that you see is a 3 inch piece of pvc and a smaller tube filled with cement will be hung by a rope and extending into the larger tube. Next I will be installing limit switches for the axis'. Bob.

[Frank S]

Interesting build project

[machiningfool]

I will attempt to download some pictures. Might not work as I upgraded to Win. 10 and since then it has screwed up my picture import program, can't find my pictures by date, oh well maybe I can go back to 8.1. OK, I found them, not in the same place as before, I will probably get used to it. What you are looking at is a linear rail shielding method. The roller will facilitate a 35 inch wide fabric the will extend from the X axis table, go around the roller and hang down toward the ground. There is also one on the opposite side also, will keep debris off of the slides. Now I am going to start the limit switch wiring. I found out that the counter weight will take 10 lbs. and tomorrow I will go to Bass Pro shops and buy some lead shot at 60 dollars for 25 lbs., can't buy less. I figured out that 10 lbs. should equal about 4 inches in length of the pvc tubing, we shall see. I can actually move 11 inches, so I will make it. Bob.