Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] modularity

Hey Dave,

I built a small router from 80/20, and it is wonderfull stuff for routers.
Once you figure out the pieces you need, put your order in, and they will
cut, thread and include all of the connecting parts you need. The big
problem is it is not cheap by any means, but if you wish to get up and
running quick, it can't be beat. If you decide to go that way here's a
couple of tips. Do NOT buy the bolts from them, they can be had much
cheaper at an industrial fastener store (not home depot). You will probably
need to get the T-Nuts from them (the economy style work fine) unless
you can find them elsewhere. If you do find them elsewhere let me know
where. Use the 15 series instead of the 10 series as the extrusion walls
are much thicker. I used 10 series for mine and until I switched from
stepper motors to Gecko driven servo motors I regretted using the 10
series. The steppers would resonate at certain speeds and the whole
damn machine would resonate with them. Once I switched to the servos
the resonating has gone away and the speed has gone way way up. I
can run rapids at 400 ipm (possibly faster but the machine is only
18"X18"X8" and I have not tried to go faster). I used THK SR15 linear
rails and blocks for mine as I got them surplus at a good price. They
make for a nice stiff machine. I got some THK HSR20 stuff from
ebay and will be building another larger table soon. I also got some
80/20 15 series extrusion at a good surplus price, so I will be using
that for it. I just uploaded photos of it which can be seen in the photo
section in the folder "Bill's Router". Here are a couple of links to some
routers built using 80/20 type extrusion. The first one is a real nice
guy who has built 3 or 4 routers from extrusion and can probably help
you more than me. He's on this list and I imagine he will throw in his
two cents any time now (hey Bob). There are other companies besides
80/20 who sell the same stuff, some probably cheaper. Once you start
adding in all of the brackets and hardware, the price climbs really fast.
I'll quit rambling for now. Good luck and let us know how it's comming.
http://www.campbelldesigns.com/
http://www.machinetoolcamp.com/

Bill

> hello all! rethinking the design for a small cnc router i have been
> attempting to build. concidering 80/20(http://www.8020.net/) modular

style

> systems for the frame and supports, then precision acme style lead screws
> and cylindrical shafts with linear bearings. has anyone on this list used
> 80/20? i'm thinking of simply machining some plates to hold the shafts

and

> lead screws, with holes for t-slot screws to attach directly to the

members

> themselves. 80/20 does have some linear bearing type pieces, but they are
> only uhmw pads, i question them. can anyone here more knowledgable on

such

> matters point me in a good direction.
> thanks-Dave L.
>
>