[Project 7] Building an aluminium cutting CNC router

Hopefully this is a slightly better (more specific) home for this than the WIP topic.

Watch this space.

Building the table

Cutting box section:

Tigging up:

Adjustable feet:

3D printed pads, to save the floor:

Fini:

Cutting steel for the router frame next.

Edited By Lee Jones 6 on 25/10/2020 19:44:02

Edited By Lee Jones 6 on 25/10/2020 19:44:17

What would we do without box section. Nice to see you are using the Tig set.

Steve.

3D printing the hole marking templates:

Mocking up the moving parts complete with 3D printed accoutrements (motor/ball-screw mounts, faceplates):

Pretty ...

Can't wait to see this thing in action - it's going to be a beast:

Edited By Lee Jones 6 on 16/11/2020 08:25:49

Looking good so far. I’m on the same path, the parts for the “standard” size are in transit from China. I chose the full package with spindle etc.

A friend has a large quantity of box section so I am waiting to get that, to double check dimensions before I start printing anything.

I haven’t totally decided on the frame or surface upon which the finished machine will reside, so I will admit to the feeling of a lack of progress.

That's looking good Lee. There is a site called MYCNCUK  that may be useful.

(I tried to include a link but couldn't make it work)

Brian

Edited By Brian H on 21/11/2020 13:03:11

Don't forget that a little lubrication is essential when machining aluminium as it will weld itself to the cutters when cut dry.

A lot of folks milling dry presently.

My plan however is to either use spray coolant or WD40.

John, yes, I bought a full kit (spindle, VFD, linear rails, ball screws, steppers, steppers drivers, controller, drag chain, etc etc) from China also. Most of it was in good nick and the exporter was really good about replacing the pieces that turned up broken (hose connector on the spindle, a stepper driver).

Brian, thanks. I caught and fixed the link before you edited it out. I'll have a closer look when I have more time.

I do look over deliveries no matter where from, especially if there’s to be some delay before being fully used.

i joined the Discord channel, it does look rather “busy”, but it pointed out recent changes and the Wiki is handy. If I can get the steel in the next week I’ll get started on the 3D printing.