Post Pics of your cnc machines!!

[rcpilot82]

OK, I figured I'd start this thread to share pics and setups for our CNC routers, mills, lathes, lazers, ect. There are a ton of commercially available sources to buy ready to run machines,but some like to build from scratch. if you have a CNC post your pics here!
So, here is my router;

The specs; Scratch built Aluminum, TIG welded, moving gantry router
3 axis (for now) cutting area of X=54" Y=27" Z=5.5"
Computer controlled spindle (on/off) with variable rpm (8k to 23k) and
Computer controlled cold air coolant (on/off) manually adjustable psi
Rapid speeds of 275 ipm ( I'm working to get this up to 300 ipm)
Controller board is a Hobbycnc Pro 3 axis kit with 305 oz/in steppers
All linear slides are vxb bearings
Motion transmission is through 1/2-10 5 start acme screws

Now for some pics, I'll have to get some better ones in it's completed stage, but this gives you the general idea.

[Mithrandir]

What tolerances do you think you could hold with say.... 20'ish pounds/ft^3 general plastics "Clark" Foam???

And you could take a WFIII prt file and do tool paths???

Nice

[rcpilot82]

Mithrandir, The tolerances should be within .009" per foot or better. can you provide a link to the foam you are referring to? I have never tried to open a wildfire program before. you can send it to me and I can try if you like. If your program can save in a .dxf,step,iges,mc8,mc9,mcx,dwg, I know I can open those an run toolpaths

[btomlinson]

Here is a pic of my old Vf2SSYT. Rennishaw probe, fully loaded.. Unfortunately I decided to scale back due to the economy and swapped it off for a Haas TM2.. Its a nice machine

[rcpilot82]

btomlinson, nice looking cnc! I love Haas, I learned cnc on a MiniMill2 and loved it. I will be converting an enco Mill over to cnc this summer for all of my metal working needs as my router was designed for wood,foam,plastics,cf,and mold making. It will cut aluminum but I have to keep the DOC much lower than a mill.

[SleepyC]

Here is my current rig.
The programming can be complicated.
But it will hold a solid 2.00034" tolerance at any given time.

[btomlinson]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rcpilot82
	btomlinson, nice looking cnc! I love Haas, I learned cnc on a MiniMill2 and loved it. I will be converting an enco Mill over to cnc this summer for all of my metal working needs as my router was designed for wood,foam,plastics,cf,and mold making. It will cut aluminum but I have to keep the DOC much lower than a mill.

Thanks RC, in the late 90's I had a fleet of Fadal's, VMC15 to 6030HT. I can tell you hands down Haas is the most bang for the buck.. .

BTW nice router !!!

[btomlinson]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SleepyC
	Here is my current rig. The programming can be complicated. But it will hold a solid 2.00034" tolerance at any given time.

{Gasp}

[dlurvey]

This is the most sophisticated tool I know how to use.

I'm just a hammer mechanic at heart.

[SleepyC]

Sorry about trying to be funny, this CNC thread is great. I have always wanted to build a small mill.
Someday....

[btomlinson]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SleepyC
	Sorry about trying to be funny.

I found it funny.. my comment was a joke too

[rcpilot82]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SleepyC
	Sorry about trying to be funny, this CNC thread is great. I have always wanted to build a small mill. Someday....

No apology needed Look at it like this sleepy, I have used almost every "non precision" tool I have to build my "precision tool" you gotta start somewhere, right?? I also have a circle jig like you do, and have used it many times If you want to build a mill, do the research or find someone who will share his/her design and build it! I must warn you, it is NOT cheap to do it right. my router could have equipped my 40%er with no problem, not to mention the time invested into it.

[ferocious frankie]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SleepyC
	Here is my current rig. The programming can be complicated. But it will hold a solid 2.00034" tolerance at any given time.

[rcpilot82]

Here is a video clip (crappy cell phone quality) of my first run of a Matchless Juka foamy. Makes life alot easier and fun to watch also!

[Al Lewis]

Looks sweet! Hope you're going to run a dedicated vacuum to the spindle if you cut CF. That stuff doesn't like anything living!!