Re: building a 3or4 axis cnc

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "bartles8971" <bartles8971@y...> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I am new to the group, and have been told that this is the place

for

> for infinite wisdom I seek.
> I have decided to build a cnc router or
> possibly a plasma cutter.I have been doing research on this topic
> and have become quite confused. I would like to use servos to drive
> with and have been looking at the DeskWinNc controller and

software.

> I would like to use the Gecko drives also. Does this make any sense
> or am I completely off track. Any help on this would be of great
> appreciation.

Give us a little more info. How big are you thinking. What do you
want to end up cutting? Once you have a good XYZ design in mind
there are little differences in the router or torch from a controller
perspective and slightly more from a mechanical perspective(outside
of the obvious need for more torque with a router and more speed with
a torch!) Can you do both on one table: absolutely. It has to be
designed with the dual function in mind.

The general opinion of the group is that servos are the better way to
go in most circumstances. With the advent of the inner loop
controlled Gecko's, setting up a good servo machine is not much more
difficult than setting up a stepper design. Servos definitely have
the advantage in power vs size and in a wider range of torque across
the RPM curve. High RPM from steppers is difficult to obtain and
with no feedback, missed steps can cause elusive and costly
problems. In stepper systems you normally have a choice of speed or
torque and usually mechanical means are used to pick which one. With
a wider range of speeds, the servo system can be used at both ends of
the spectrum. A router is normally used in the 10 to 60 IPM range
depending on the type of material and bit being used. A plasma torch
cut rate can be up to 120IPM on thin material. There is also the
little problem of the torch cutting thousands of little tiny slices
out of your work surface.

The main thing is to stay excited and enjoy the building and learning
process. This list is a rich source of information (sometimes too
rich) and can save you hours of grief, and many times, substantial
money.