@Said, not entirely sure of your question, did you want to know the spindle weight to max height capability with out deflection?
Because if you search google, you can fine deflection calculators.

 

The spindle motor that I want to buy is 7 kg or 16 pounds and I wanted to know if the OX CNC machine can support the weight of the spindle. Sorry for my English is not very good.

 

16 pounds is pretty heavy, but my guess with the double rail construction of the x axis, which will be holding the point load of the spindle, im sure your deflection wouldnt be to bad. but really it depends on many factors. Such as how wide your gantry will be, along with how many inches of travel you are planning to get out of your z axis. Another important factor is a good mount for your heavy spindle, in your case with a 16 pound spindle, you should think about getting a heavy aluminum billet mount.
But I'm sure there are others here who might be able to better answer your question, but those are just my thoughts

 

@ GorillaBob, there are many places to find controllers, such as DIYCNC, or Automation Technologies, and I'm sure the list goes on.
I would maybe try and talk to some of the more experienced guys here and see what their recommendations are.

 

That spindle motor is really way too heavy unless this is for a specialised application.

I am sure that the Z axis would have no trouble lifting the 7 kg weight but the additional 'mass' that it would add to the X and Y axes would require extremely reduced axis acceleration and thus make the machine very slow in operation.

Tweakie.

 

Thank you TRAVIS and TWEAK for your answers, I'll post soon a project, you can better understand my problem
cordially

 

First post here. I'm very interested in building an OX. I've already got a buildlog 2.x laser, a couple of 3d printers and an old DIY cnc router.

I've got one question at this point. Is there a way to get a dxf or dwg file for the OX plates? I see that the plates are in the "OpenBuilds _OX_CNC_Router_70.skp" file. However, I'm honestly not good enough with Sketchup to export the plates. Any help would be appreciated

Thanks,
Brian

 

Please disregard. I've found the correct file.

Brian

 

I placed an order for most of the parts this morning. I decided to go with the black rails because that's what was in stock...they also look cool!

The 8mm Acme Nut Blocks, GT3 Pulleys and the Double Universal L Brackets were out of stock. Is there a way to get notified when they are back in stock?

Cheers,
Brian

 

First, thanks so much for this amazing build. It really appears to be shaping up quite nicely.
Sorry in advance for the multiple questions but:
1) I am a little confused about the "purpose" of this machine, or rather where it is targeted to be used. Is this meant to be a very solid CNC mill that is as sturdy as other builds like it you see on CNCZone, etc.? If not, are there cheap ways of getting that ROCK-SOLID feel?

2) I noticed that when I add up all the costs, I see a cost just over $700 US (I still see some parts as not in the store yet), but is my math about right? (I know there is no table and router as part of the build).

3) what is a good all-purpose router to use that allows for cutting hardwoods and alumininum?

4) Has anybody attempted to use the Smoothieboard with this?

5) Can I use the larger build to cut printed circuit boards, parts out of 3"x3" aluminum block or is it too large for fine control?

6) has anybody used a more sturdy spindle/belts for higher stability and precision (I know this is general, but I am looking for more of a incremental improvement-type suggest on this build)?

Thanks so much,
Karl Miller

 

I'm starting to think about the details of my upcoming OX build and I was wondering...

Has anyone one come up with a good setup for cable carriers/wire tracks on a bigger OX (750mm X 1500mm)?

Cheers,
Brian

 

I'm working that out myself, not sure how I want to do things yet

 

I am going to use drag chain also but just not sure of my plan of attack

 

@JustinTime & @Robert Hummel - I was thinking of a drag chain cable carrier. Pictures and links (ebay or otherwise) or products and installation would be great!

Thanks,
Brian

 

This is what I'm looking at getting
http://bit.ly/1gH7M7H

 

That's pretty big (wide) stuff. Any particular reason for going with something so big? You're making me wonder if I'm forgetting something.

 

Spindle wires, motor wires, limit switches and anything else I may want.
I like my wires flat and not bunched up and use shielded wire for everything so it adds up and you want room for the flex

 

So anyone with the length of the Z axis extrusion and leadscrew?

 

Per the parts list the Z axis extrusion is 180mm long. The leadscrew should be a "bit" longer than this to allow for it to fully engage the bearings and the coupler at the top.

Brian

 

Speaking of this, do any of you use the multi-conductor wire with multiple limit switches in a single run? A four conductor wire could support three limit switches (assuming a common output, which most boards seem to use), and would significantly reduce the number of leads that have to run through the drag chain. Is there a chance of crosstalk between the switch signals if you do so? Is this a bad idea?

 

I have had issues with noise in the past and rather not take the chance.

I run everything separate as in limit switches in 1 multi conductor, power in another, motors have their own and so on

 

Okay, you convinced me. Just thought I'd check!

 

I am using a smoothieboard. My parts are on order. I plan on setting the max output to 2 amps with the option to add drivers later if needed.

 

@TohoeTim - I also have a smoothieboard that I've been considering its use on my OX. However, I'm shying away from using it mainly because it uses the A4892 stepper drivers which only support 2A per winding. It seems counter intuitive but in some ways the gShield might actually be a better choice for the OX since it uses the TI DRV8818 Stepper Drivers which are good from 2.5A per winding. However, it's big problem is that it only has 3x drivers.

The TinyG has 4x drivers but is WAY more expensive!

Short of running external stepper drivers from the smoothieboard the Azteeg X5 is probably a pretty good choice since it uses 4x of the DRV8825 stepper drivers which also support 2.5A per winding. For those who don't know the X5 runs the smoothie firmware.

It's also worth noting that Panucatt--the company that makes the Azteeg X5 controller--is coming out with a CNC specific version of the X5 soon. It will support replaceable drivers (ala Ramps), as well as, the ability to plug in external drivers in the 3.5A per winding range.

Regards,
Brian

p.s. Tim do you live in Tahoe? I'm down the road from South Lake Tahoe on 50.

 

I hear you...but there should also be plenty of space for the bigger carrier.

 

Yep, I live in South Lake Tahoe. I'm gonna try it with the board limited to 2 amps. I am a rookie so I haven't a clue if it will work. They referred me to an $18 driver per motor part that I can add later.

I am also wondering if a 24 volt power supply will compensate?​

 

I'm far from the expert regarding electronics (or most anything for that matter) but it's my understanding that using higher voltage (e.g. 24 versus 12 Volts) will allow the windings to come up to peak voltage quicker. In general move voltage the better. I don't know about the $18 drivers but there is definitely a limit to both the amps and volts that you can run through the smoothie. Got a link for the $18 drivers?

Just a thought...I guess I could hook my smoothie to my current cnc router and see how it works. Right now I'm using LinuxCNC with an older Xylotex driver board so I would have to do some rewiring.

Cheers,
Brian

 

From Arthur: THB 7128

If you slow down the feed, will it reduce the amp draw? My comment about the voltage was based on my thought that doubling the voltage results in half the amps? I am an electrician but this is my first try at a router.

looking for enlightenment...

 

Hi Guys,

Just about to start putting togehter my first OX and wondering if I could get a recomendation as to the weight I can mount on the Z axis. I plan to use the standard 8mm screw and nut from the parts store.

I have a 2.2kw chinesse spindle and mount that I would like to use but its not light..... Do I need to think about something smaller?