I don't use an encoder but I have a magnetic contactor that drops the current to the control board, dust collector, and router. It also sends a signal to Mach3 as a e-stop. Works pretty good for me, I get alot of power outages during hurricane season.

 

Hytech2K, thanks for the feedback. I look forward to seeing videos of the Clydesdale in action. As recommended, I will continue to read about other builds and doing my homework!

 

Jon, thanks for the reply. Interesting suggestions. Regarding the milling of aluminum, is a router at higher rpm(s) suitable for quality work, or is a spindle at slower rpm(s) always going to produce better results? I like the idea of a second smaller machine dedicated for aluminum.

 

With aluminium, it's not the speed of the spindle although too fast will melt and not chip, it's more the torque. The bigger the spindle and more rigid the machine the better.

 

So, if one uses a router in lieu of a spindle, more hp should in theory get better performance with aluminum? Does a variable speed router make more sense than a single speed on a CNC router in general?

 

Routers are not designed for Continuous use, that I know of. A 2000w or more spindle is what I'd use.

 

Just wanted to bring to your attention that the standard 1/4" spacers are not in the parts list.

 

It took me a moment to realize this, perhaps because the eccentrics are the only thing I do not have for my ox yet. But because of the use of eccentrics in place of some of the spacers that come with the wheels, you have plenty of spacers.

 

Do you guys know what I would need to turn my belt system into a lead screw system? Is there a parts kit / parts list somewhere for that?

 

I would check with Neil over on the Frog build, he did that very thing to his machine...

http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/the-frog-cnc-router.371/

 

Beauty! Thanks. I'll hop on over to that one. Oh yeah. I went there.

 

Hi, looking at build one of these. It looks really cool!! What is the feed rate of this?

 

Hey guys haven't been on here in a long time. Just had a baby about 5 months ago so that has been keeping me busy. After having the OX up for about a year I'm still loving it. Just recently been adding some upgrades to it. Added aluminum plates which were a big upgrade. Also recently added a super pid controller for my Dewalt 611. Now I can control my trim router like it's a spindle. And just the weekend I added an aluminum bed to it whit more options for mounting holes.

I haveven really been trying to push this machine and see what it can do. So far wood, G10, plastics, and aluminum has been no problem at all. I have also cut 01 tool steel and 1084 carbon still that hasn't been hardened yet. Anyway happy to be back on here.

 

Excellent work on the machine Mopar - I just love that sign.

Tweakie.

 

Thanks man I appreciate it!

 

The parts list indicates 180mm of 20x40 vslot for the z axis. However, in the video, it looks like it is 20x60. Is the parts list wrong?

 

Ya the parts list is made with 20x40 being used on the Z-axis, however most people are using 20x60.

 

Absolutely man will take a bunch of pictures and try to upload a video or two of the machine when I can.

I'm very impressed with this machine since it uses the belts. Only thing I want to change now is the belts so I can get a smaller pully to get a bit more resolution. I'm running 8 micro steps but my board can handle 16 just not sure if my old computer can haha.

 

I will have to look into that not sure what that is

 

Hytech beat me to it. it is in the Buffalo build discussion.

 

LOL gotta be quick round here

 

Hi, I will like to bother your for a little help. I already assembly everything. However when I run a program the Y axis run a little bit and then get stock loosing de position. Also my z axys is bending to the front for the weight of my rotatory tool I am using a DW660

 

Hi, i just started building an OX, but I'm a beginner.
there's one thing i can't understand. the nema23 steppers are rated for 2.8A.
the CNC xPRO for 2.5A peak. how can it handle them? even during the video
it is shown that two of those nema23s are hooked on just one output via a terminal
block...

Yeah, and something else. what is the feasible router/spindle weight using this
belt driven method? I managed to get a pretty decent spindle, but it's kind of
heavy for the first glance: 2Kgs, so 4.4lbs. I am a bit unsure whether it was the right choice.

tia,
bat

 

Thanks for the link guyes I appreciate it. Here is a quick video of how the super pid works. This was before I mounted to my cnc.

Super PID Controller: