Steve,

When mounted, the Z-axis c-beam is no lower than the bottom of the X-axis plates. So, it doesn't appear to limit the part height any more than the X-axis would. Would your modification change the height of the bottom of the X-axis plate?

Tom

 

Tom,

You are correct...

The height is limited to the height of the x axis. I was confused in my explanation. It would actually be the clearance or how far down the Z would travel. With the router being linear and c-beam being stationary, the router will only go as far down as the c-beam is set. If I make the c-beam linear and the router stationary, then the router can be moved up and down the entire distance from the x axis to the spoil board.

Does that make sense?



The above picture, the router will only move down as far as the end of the c-beam.



This picture, the router is fixed to the c-beam and will move down as far as you have length on the Y axis. Your height will still be limited by the height of you x axis.

 

Tmoguy,

Ah, yes. That makes sense. That will allow the tool to reach lower toward the base. You can then use a thinner spoil board and machine taller parts.

I've used a spindle with my setup. The cylindrical housing of the spindle allows me to position it low enough in the mount that the tool can reach the base frame, if I should ever need to.

And sorry, I should have addressed the previous post to you, but you figured that out.

Tom

 

Tmoguy,

Forgive my if I'm not understanding you correctly but I think I have a similar issue. I was going to investigate using 2 of the front X Axis Ox plates? You may loose a little travel on the X-axis though so may not be ideal.

 

can't wait to get started on this, glad I stumbled across this group!

 

Does anyone have a pdf file for the tall version 2 plates? ( the Y side plates)

 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post

I am trying to build the Sphinx CNC and when analizing the files a question comes to my mind concerning the y_axis motor mount plates,

i downloaded the dxf and the stl files and looks like the size of the holes for the nema motors have 4.2mm of diameter instead of 5mm. Is that correct? Did I downloaded the wrong files?

Thanks for your support

Best regards

 

I was wondering the same thing. The mounting motor bolts are 5mm.

 

Wops Rick, of course you are right!!!

Thank you very much!

 

Hey guys, I am planning on doing a Sphinx XL build. I am sorted mechanically, but electronically, I would have no idea where to start. Can anyone point me in the right direction? The setup for this build seems perfect for what I would want, I am just confused as to what power supply and controllers I should use. Cheers, Sam.

 

Thanks Kyo, after I did some more reading I think I will go with the same setup you did for this build, minus the raspberry pi as I have a spare laptop (and only want to learn one thing at a time). Is the single power supply enough or would there be an advantage in getting a separate 48v one for the steppers?

 

I am also looking to build a sphinx xl 1000x1000. The z axis is throwing me. I see beardy used a lead screw instead of belt in the pics. I would also like to do this but cant seem to find a bom with a z axis lead screw or what would be the correct length of c beam height on the z axis..does this depend on spindle choice and would a nema 23 ht be to much up top?

 

I ordered a 500mm with the bracket and belt so the stepper will not be sticking up from the beam. I figured, when I get it together and see how long it needs to be, I can cut it.

 

Gotcha..i dont mind the motor sticking up from the top really. I would like to use a lead screw setup instead of a belt. I mainly plan on woodworking but would also do some smaller alluminum projects. I am not opposed to the belt drive just kinda looking for some info on which would be better. Also wondering if the nema 23 high t series would be ideal on the z?

 

So after more research i am taking it you can mount the motor directly on top to the lead screw or behind with the belt. The belt mount gives you more tourque then a straight motor mount..is this correct? Is this just for lifting of the spindle or does it apply to the work quality as well?

 

So close to getting my build done and running, just cant get bCNC to connect to the phoenix cnc controller. It simply wont show up in the serial ports. Any Ideas?

 

Thanks Kyo! I have posted a lot of my build so far.

I am in touch with Hayri right now, trying to figure it out. I am running Python 3.3 and Pyserial 2.7 as recommended. Something funny is happening, as bCNC is showing "not connected" but says it is connected when you click on it. Also nothing shows up in the DRO. I have read that other people have had similar issues in the past, which they fixed by going back to grbl 0.9j rather than 1.1. But others have had no issues at all.

Edit: I am running windows 7 and I believe the latest version of bCNC. Kind of wishing I had just bought a raspberry pi and gone your route

 

Thanks! I also have a plan for a "vice" built into the front to clamp larger or odd shaped parts.

I have just tried out 2.7 and 2.7 to see what happens. I also tried pressing the reset button as you said.

Soooo... I have narrowed the issue slightly. bCNC is showing the exact same things whether the board is plugged in or not, which indicates to me that bCNC etc is not the issue here.
To further support this, Arduino IDE also shows the same error messages whether it is plugged in or not too.

When I look in device manager, nothing shows up under com ports. The board shows up in other devices, but has an error symbol next to it. I am thinking it is missing some drivers or something.

 

Haha, Hayri just sent me a link to that driver, I installed it and everything worked perfectly. Thanks Kyo!
I learnt a lot I probably didn't need to know along the way, but we got there! Now just to wire up the steppers and the spindle and make some chips!

 

Does anyone know the resulting working area of this exact build? I've been looking and looking but can't seem to find it. I'm working on a similar build and have been wondering.

 

New to this forum, however I've been researching for quite a while.

I'm tossing up between building a Sphinx and ordering a C-Beam Machine from Ooznest. I've never built one of these before, so the complete kit form of the Ooznest machine is reasonably enticing, however I much prefer the design of the Sphinx.

I've got some questions (sorry if these have been answered, I tried looking!):
- How much overlap is there between the C-Beam machine and the Sphinx? Would it be feasible to order a C-Beam machine kit, cut the plates required, and then deconstruct and reconstruct a Sphinx? (Obviously after ordering extra components ie extrusions, etc)
- I'm less confident with electronics and again wouldn't mind an all-in-one kit. Would something like the X-Controller kit from Inventables solve the electronics side of the equation?

Sorry for the reasonably basic questions, thanks for any responses!

 

Hello!

I was just wondering about something regarding the assemby video you have on youtube.. At the 1:11:42 mark when you are mounting the six wheel "thingy" to the z-axis with the 12 screws. Would'nt it be easier to just screw the plate (with 12 screws) on first, then assemble it with the wheels etc.?

 

Master Kyo,
As a grasshopper my questions are many. Your assembly video is very informative. The BOM is helpful to a newbie. One discrepancy that my mind has not resolved is the video shows a 40 tooth gear on the lead screw of the Z axis and the BOM shows a 20 tooth gear. Seeking confirmation that the 20 tooth gear is what is best in your opinion. Also, as I look at the "KYO Sphinx CNC 8 Plate set, V2" on eBay and compare it to the "2" Taller Kyo Sphinx CNC 4W-X 8 Plate Set, V2" and the "Ultimate 2" Taller Kyo Sphinx CNC 4W-X 10 Plate Set" I find myself seeking knowledge regarding what the "ultimate" gets me and what the extra 2" actually gets me w.r.t. spindle travel.

Scybuck
Atlanta, GA

 

Thank you Master Kyo for sharing that wisdom. As I consider the major elements of my first CDC build, I now consider the spindle. Surely the machine should mill 6061 aluminum and various wood with good accuracy and finish. The youtube videos that I see talk about SFPM, RPM, depth of cut, etc. They yield spindle RPMs in the range of 3000 to 10,000 RPM +/- for the examples they work through. The Bosch Colt router has a no load spindle speed of 16,000 to 30,000 RPM. I am seeking assistance from you, Master Kyo, regarding recommended spindles and your experience in spindle speeds for various materials. I also need help and advice on air, mist, or flood cooling.