Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Hobby CNC Plans for a UK Build

Hi Kev,

There is nothing in the Crank Organ plans that couldn't be found in the UK
with a little lateral thinking. However I wouldn't try to obtain the plans
directly from them as he has a really bad attitude towards us Limmies for
some reason. Dispite having been on the wrong end of it, I still recommend
the plans to anyone who want to build a small machine which will do
everything your application needs and much more for almost nothing. The plan
and supporting documents are well written and comprehensive. I started to
build a machine from aluminium box section using the plans as a guide but
got side tracked into something else. I did find without the store-front I
spent too much time making up the sections and needed a miller to do so. The
plans call for just basic hand tools with the extrusions and virtually
nothing is bought as the extrusions are begged from shop fitters. I have no
doubt the extrusions are available here but I haven't bothered looking as I
don't know any shop fitters or companies that make the stuff.

To answer a point you made in an earlier post about the main expense being
the motors and then changing you mind after looking at the price of linear
rails. I have to disagree when you could use ground mild steel or stainless
steel available from your local metal merchant. the biggest cost apart from
the time involved is going to be the precision Acme-screws or Ball-screws
and their nuts closely followed by the mountings and bearings for the said
screws. You can use threaded-rod, as per the Chrank Organ plans, but that
would lead to larger motors or a lack of performance.

Whether you use the book or Crank Organs plans you will have a comprehensive
"how to" manual on how to build a machine for very little cost using some
bought materials and scrap/odds and ends.

Good luck,

Terry

> > The stuff is called 'store front' and it is an aluminum extrusion.
>
> Does it ever come up on ebay ??
> Aluminimum can't cost that much to post to the UK surface?
>
> I don't have the crank organ plan so I don't know if there are any other
> parts that are also US only...
>
>
> Cheers
>
> Kev/.