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My "on the cheap" CNC router build

The two I posted are free shipping for one and standard shipping for the other from California, so its not an international shipping nightmare in either case. I am more worried about it being an inaccurate pile of junk at that price point. But from the photos they actually look pretty sturdy.

I bet it's not bad, They look solid, the electronics that I had from china were junk, but not TOO costly to replace with good ones. Whatever you do... be prepared to be hooked!
 
It runs on single phase 120 volt power so I am pretty sure its not VFD controlled. I don't believe it is possible for an inverter to convert 120v power to 220v 3phase, and they don't make frequency drives to control a single phase motor. I am sure that is what is helping to keep the cost down.

I have seen several different spindles, but you are probably correct in that the smaller machines use DC or single phase. Mine use a 1500W 3phase 230V spindle. All the outlets around here delivers 230V single phase, though. I don't think any of the 3040 sized machines use quite as big spindles. No point in it, really.
 
I have seen several different spindles, but you are probably correct in that the smaller machines use DC or single phase. Mine use a 1500W 3phase 230V spindle. All the outlets around here delivers 230V single phase, though. I don't think any of the 3040 sized machines use quite as big spindles. No point in it, really.


Either way it wouldn't be a big deal, I have 240v power in my shop so a VFD would be no big deal anyway. I haven't decided if I am going to pull the trigger on one of those small CNC's. I don't really need anything bigger, as I have no desire to stop making bodies and necks by hand, but I am also scared I may out grow it as far as other projects are concerned.
 
I bet it's not bad, They look solid, the electronics that I had from china were junk, but not TOO costly to replace with good ones. Whatever you do... be prepared to be hooked!

Learning the software is what scares the hell out of me lol

Were the electronics bad enough that they were unusable, or was it just a longevity issue?
 
Learning the software is what scares the hell out of me lol

Were the electronics bad enough that they were unusable, or was it just a longevity issue?

The motor drivers I had were terrible, I went through two of the 6560 4 axis drivers. The first one never worked right it would glitch out. The second, worked well but quickly blew out a chip on the x axis, which I moved the motor to the A afterwards (not needing all 4 for my 3 axis machine) and it later blew another. The power supply that came with them was rated higher amps than what it was capable of.

I replaced the chinese 6560 drivers with a Gecko G540, and the power supply with a much better one and things started working better.
 
The motor drivers I had were terrible, I went through two of the 6560 4 axis drivers. The first one never worked right it would glitch out. The second, worked well but quickly blew out a chip on the x axis, which I moved the motor to the A afterwards (not needing all 4 for my 3 axis machine) and it later blew another. The power supply that came with them was rated higher amps than what it was capable of.

I replaced the chinese 6560 drivers with a Gecko G540, and the power supply with a much better one and things started working better.

Cool, thanks for the info. If I go this rout, I will see if the drivers work ok, if they crap out its no big deal to replace them.
 
First job for this new machine was for it to create its own router clamps. I will try these delrin ones out and probably eventually cut some from aluminum. Tonight I will cut a dust shoe.



P_20160524_203947.jpg
 
I get home last night to find that the CNC has started making its own dust shoe. At least it likes to keep itself clean. :smug:

I designed the dust boot plate to fit and attach to the lower router clamp, it will be held to the clamp with neodymium magnets. The black tube is the attachment for a wall vac that I keep in that corner of the shop. I may have to plumb the dust collector over to it, we'll see. There will be a skirting material that goes around the diameter of the plate to help catch debris. I was considering using the broom style brush material which seems to be the norm for this, but I think I would rather use a clear vinyl or similar so that I can see whats going on with the bit.... as I do not fully trust this thing....:bored:
 

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