[bgriggs]

I have started upgrading the Y axis on my Joe's CNC 4x4 Hybrid to use aluminum plates instead of the MDF and plastic plates I am currently using. I took some videos of the process while I switched out the parts and posted them on my blog and on youtube.

Some reasons that I am upgrading is that I have plans for some major changes and I wanted an all metal machine. So I am in the process of making those changes. Pardon the messy shop. Chances are I will never change.

I hope you enjoy the video.

Bill
Maker Masters

http://www.youtube.com/user/bgriggst.../1/T7DXvdRZf1Y

[atwooddon]

I know this is a little off topic but do you think this motor couldbe adapted as a spindle motor?


Brushless motor BLDC 20 kW for electric plane, Test1 - YouTube

That particular motor probably would not be a good match. However, several people have converted brushless motors to be the spindle on CNC machines. Here are a couple threads discussing it in detail.

Don

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...ndle_idea.html
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...otor_bldc.html

[bgriggs]

That particular motor probably would not be a good match. However, several people have converted brushless motors to be the spindle on CNC machines. Here are a couple threads discussing it in detail.

Don

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...ndle_idea.html
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...otor_bldc.html

My thinking was not for a high speed spindle but for a high torque low speed spindle for aluminum milling.

Bill

[bgriggs]

Since I upgraded my machine to have aluminum axis I am selling my MDF parts. If anyone is interested contact me via PM. I have both Y carriages and the X/Z carriage.

Bill

[bgriggs]

I got the new aluminum Y carriages installed on my machine quite a while ago and am now moving on to the X&Z carriages. I started out by making a new back plate for the Z axis from aluminum stock. I started with a 1" plate and flycut it down to 3/4" using a Bridgeport Mill at the local State College. This is my first experience learning on the Bridgeport mill. IOn this one plate I learned how to read a micrometer, Flycut, Mill, drill, tap, bore countersink and edge find. Quite a good project. BTW the plate will accept the K2 CNC router mount.

Bill

[bgriggs]

I thought you might appreciate seeing a project that I was involved in at the local College. I was fortunate to be asked to assist as an adviser for the Mechanical Engineering Technology course at SUNY Morrisville.

The M.E.T. program is centered around teaching students how to design, machine and manufacture products. The Morrisville College M.E.T. Lab is amazing and contains everything from manual lathes and Mills, Plastic extruders, Haas machining centers and turrent lathes, Rapid prototyping machines and more.

This years project was to design and fabricate a CNC Router table. I was asked to help out because of my experience building a several router tables and because they had sen the plans I was offering. I had a blast!

The kids started by breaking into teams and each taking an axis. They learned a bunch about communication during this process as you can imagine. The did models in Solidworks and created g-code in Mastercam. All the parts were either manually machined or made in the Haas machining center.

I encourage you to get involved in the programs at your local schools if you can. The lifetime of experience you have is a great value to the students. You might just learn something too.

If you would like to read more about the project there are a few post in my blog at Maker Masters « Maker Masters.

[bgriggs]

One of my neighbors asked me to make a sign for here Registered Holsteins business.

I have gone through quite a learning experience making the sign. So I thought I would share what I did to make the sign by posting the process to my blog. I won't post all the gory details here but here is a teaser shot of the test piece I cut while I was trying to learn the process.

The tutorial is a series of blog post which start with this one: CNC SIGN PROJECTS -.

I used Vectric products to make the CNC design. I used Aspire but this project could be done with VCarve Pro. I will post more pictures as the project progresses.

Bill

[bgriggs]

Just released the fourth post in the tutorial series on CNC Sign Projects. This one deals with Photo VCarve.

CNC SIGN PROJECTS - VECTRIC PHOTOVCARVE

Bill

[Jason Marsha]

Great work Bill, you've been really busy. Keep up the good work

Jason

[bgriggs]

Thanks Jason. I wouldn't be this far along without all the great folks on CNCZONE. Now I'm just trying to pass on my experiences.


Bill

[bgriggs]

I just posted the fifth post in the CNC Sign Projects tutorial series. This one deals with Sign Layout using Vectric Aspire.

I am trying to document every step of the process from idea to sign. I will also show how I applied the finishes and prepared the wood.

Please let me know if There are any other parts you would like to see explained or if something needs more or less detail.

Bill

CNC Sign Projects - Sign Layout With Vectric Aspire -

[bgriggs]

I have been busy in the shop again since the weather warmed up a little. Now it is time for making School Play props.

Last night I made some Geese from scrap 1/2" plywood. I created the vectors by tracing a Jpeg in Aspire. Then I cut the file using a 1/8" endmill.

Bill

[bgriggs]

I have been doing a lot of work on my router. I have been learning to machine aluminum and operate some large CNC machining centers.

I have been working on aluminum replacements for all my MDF carriages. here is what i have so far.

Bill

[bgriggs]

I began tearing the machine apart to make the upgrades to my carriages. It never ceases to amaze me how long it takes to change things around.

I removed the Gantry and test fit the new Y axis End plates and spacers.

Attachment 181171
Attachment 181172

Bill

[Sally600]

My thinking was not for a high speed spindle but for a high torque low speed spindle for aluminum milling.

[Jason Marsha]

Is that 3/4" aluminum? The improvements look great and should significantly improve rigidity.

Post video of your new designs in action please.

Jason

[bgriggs]

Is that 3/4" aluminum? The improvements look great and should significantly improve rigidity.

Post video of your new designs in action please.

Jason

Thanks Jason.

Yes the plates are 3/4" Aluminum for the Y carriages. The X/Z carriage is 1/2" aluminum for weight, except the router mount slide which is 3/4". It is very Robust. I designed the parts prior to helping the local college build a Router table. Then I modified the design to use one of the concepts we developed that I really liked.

Here are links to a couple of blog posts about the project.

Students Make a CNC Router Table - Maker Masters

Students Make a CNC Router Table - First time Cutting - Maker Masters

Students Won Best CNC Learning Project Award -

Bill

[bgriggs]

Here are a few more pictures from the upgrade. There is also more detail at ALUMINUM CNC ROUTER BUILD «.

[SSN Vet]

great thread Bill...

You should certainly be proud of your accomplishments.

Did you ever sell of your MDF or gen 1 aluminum parts?

[bgriggs]

great thread Bill...

You should certainly be proud of your accomplishments.

Did you ever sell of your MDF or gen 1 aluminum parts?

Thanks Matt,

I made a kit of the Warp Drive Z axis. PM me if you are looking for one. Warp Drive Project CNC Z AXIS - THE MAKERS GUIDE

Bill