Qubedworks
CNC router - Up and running (2014 - present)
I finally got my CNC router working and had a successful first test. The biggest challenges setting this up were all the compatibility issues I had between hardware, connections and software. I'm very thankful for all the help I received from much more experienced people on CNCzone.com. I ended up having to buy a second hand office computer as I couldn't run the machine off an old IBM thinkpad. Also, I installed 6 new plugs in the room to accomodate the new machines (plus extras for anything else).
Needless to say, I'm excited to start using this for future projects.
CNC router - Upgrades 1
When I set up the router, the aluminium router kit I had ordered came with 6mm-6mm rigid couplings. My NEMA23 stepper motor shafts had a 6.35mm diameter and therefore couldn't fit on the couplings so I had to modify them by lightly enlarging the holes on a drill press (as to have a 6mm-6.35mm coupling). Although the shaft had a good fit in the modified coupling, my modification had caused one of the couplings to lose concentricity resulting in increased vibrations and noise on the Y axis.
I eventually decided to order new 6mm-6.35mm flexible couplings off ebay to replace the old ones.
CNC router - Upgrades 2
After making some money during an internship, I felt like it was time get a more powerful mill/drill unit. In the place of the proxxon minidrill IBS-E (100W) is now the proxxon BFW 40/E (250W). To accomodate the new mill, a larger clamp had to be designed and then machined. The larger clamp design was based on it's predecessor.
The previous clamp had been bought online for quite cheap however the new clamp had to be custom made. I had thought of machining the part myself on the router but it actually ended up being cheaper ordering it from a manufacturer in China. I received the part 2 weeks after sending the blueprint which was very impressive. The overall quality was quite good however there had been a small defect on the part on the inner bore... (can be seen in the photo below). I can't really complain though for the price, communication and speed they offered.
