I'm building my first CNC with Hot wire for our factory with no previous experience. Still have to work out the electronics side of things but I think I have the mechanics all sorted. That was the easy part. I will be using all OpenBuilds components, Interface, Powercase and blackbox if I can. I am stuck at the electronics at the moment. As you can see there are only 2 axis required here. The X axis and the Z axis. I have gone through the block box documentation and see how to assign ( jump ) one set of motors to work in tandem. In this case X1 and X2 motors. Is there any way to have a second slave motor on the Z axis? Also, I am assuming the limit switches are placed on the home side with only one required at one end and not both ends and on both sides? I haven't researched the software side but I guess this is controlled in the software where the limit is set from that home position? Would appreciate any assistance here. Thanks
Wire both motors in parallel to one driver. Use the proper slave driver for the X or Y axis as it should see more load than the Z axis
This will limit you to parallel/square cuts (nothing tapered), This is ok for your products? That table design looks great! Gary
I agree with Gary. Most Hot Wire machines use a 4 axis control, not a two axis, which is what you are planning.
Thanks for your replies. Parallel / Square cuts is exactly what we require. It will be used to make wiring and plumbing chases along the long side of the EPS panel. Thanks Gary, I'm happy to share the design if you are interested. Definitely look into Keith's build, looks like a good option. Thank you.
Think I've run into a challenge here. If I wire the motors in parallel, how do I get one motor to turn in one direction and the other the opposite as it will need to be mounted in that way?