Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Quandry

Bill;

I do plan on building my own CNC router. In fact I am in the process of
rounding up as many parts as I can scrounge (e.g. stepper motors from old
printers, power supplies from same) and I may even have some decent screws
from an electric hospital bed that I picked up at an auction (live, not
E-Bay) that I can adapt. But I also want something I can depend on from
the get go since I am starting a sign business and want to sub-contract to
shops in the area.
The one I want to build will be a smaller version, perhaps 16" x 20"
tabletop that I can take around to shows, fairs etc. I would create the
blanks during slow time on the 48" unit and just have to fill in some
details at the event.
I am very interested in shopbot, since I think that might be a good
learning experience that will produce predictable results in a short
time. The homemade version will be my winter project.

Thanks for your input. When I actually start design and construction I
will need all the answers I can get, I'm certain.

Hugh

At 01:13 AM 10/15/00 -0500, William Scalione wrote:

>Hugh
>
>
>
>For the $6000.00 that they charge for the MI4848 I think you could do better
>by building your own. See http://www.campbelldesigns.com/ for an idea of what
>can be done with 80/20, or some other brand, extruded aluminum. While the
>router
>in the photo is smaller, scaling it up would not be a problem. Order the
>pieces of
>aluminum you need as well as the brackets, bolts etc. and it will show up
>on your
>door in a few days all cut to the exact size, threaded where you need it,
>and with
>all parts to simply bolt the frame together. Add either round shaft or THK
>type
>linear guides and you're almost done. Stepper or servo drives from Gecko
>and some
>motors and screws and you are done. I built one like that, although much
>smaller
>because I got a good deal on THK linear rails and blocks. (I made my router to
>fit my linear rails). Very little needs to be done at a machine shop,
>maybe some
>leadscrew support brackets although even they could be bought new.
>
>I think that with all new parts you could build a router of the same size and
>quality as the Liberty for less than 1/2 the price. If you scrounge ebay and
>other places on the web for the expensive stuff like the linear rails or
>lead screws
>you can save even more. The only problem with that approach is you need
>to do as I did and build the router to fit your parts.
>
>I have only seen the Liberty router from the one picture on the website so I
>can't judge the quality, but the 80/20 3" X 3" extrusion looks to be as heavy
>duty as what they used. I plan on filling the extrusions on mine with some
>type of concrete/morter to increase the density of it even more.
>
>If the software is step and direction, then yes, it will work with
>standard hardware.
>
>The best part of all is that it's as much fun to build it as it is to use
>it. Plus
>you will know more about that router than a store bought one, and will
>know how to make it better when and if you need to.
>
>Bill