Good stuff!
I am considering linux cnc, but I would prefer to run on windows.

Do you have any idea how they compare ? Linux cnc and mach3?

Thanks

 

In my view they each perform as well as each other.

Of course, those using LinuxCNC will say that it is better than Mach3 and those using Mach3 will say that it is better than LinuxCNC so perhaps you should try both then see which you prefer.


Tweakie.

 

I have a dual-boot with winXP/mach3 and Ubuntu/Linuxcnc. I used windows/mach3 one time to test my parallel port and then never again.

One major difference is that LinuxCNC distro is a real-time operating system and winXP isn't. Another difference is that all the time and energy you put into learning linuxCNC will pay off because you keep using your knowledge even though you can upgrade for the rest of your life. All the files maintain compatibility, etc. With XP/mach3 you are at the whim of the developers. They might completely change the UI every year. The new mach3 might not run on XP so you'll have to buy win8(and get a whole new machine to run it), stuff like that.

XP has a Microsoft and NSA backdoor. Pirated mach3 copies have anybody's backdoor. It cracks me up when all these people invent really cool stuff and then can't figure out how an exact copy ended up on ebay from a Chinese supplier...

 

Just to throw in a couple of facts…

1) All Mach3 versions (current and future) can be run under Windows XP.

2) Mach4 (yet to be released) can be run under Windows XP.


Tweakie.

 

Yep.

I do not need a 180 mm cutting length, but I can get a tool with 180 or more. I am making surfboards, so I am just wanting to
What I want is to place a block of EPS that has more or less that height, a cutting length of 35 mm is enough.
I was also considering using a grinder with a custom build disc cutter, to remove more material in one go.

http://www.bornemann-mb.de/images/pdf/Cylindrical_shank_cutter_Basic-Cut.pdf

I have used this German brand, spindles, hollow and non hollow cutters, and best of all the vacuum system. Best I have ever seen for EPS or PU!

 

Also XP is end-of-life in a few weeks. No more updates from Microsoft.

 

No it doesn't reach it's "end-of-life" it reaches the end of it's Microsoft support which is not such a bad thing as once we have a reliably working CNC control system installing OS software updates, just for the sake of installing updates, is counter productive.

Tweakie.

 

Dude, windows is dead. Accept it. Maybe get some grief counselling. . Maybe one day they'll have retro XP devices like those Atari emulators. Look on the bright side, you can upgrade to windows vista for only $199.99 haha

 

Fortunately, for the rest of us, Microsoft Windows is only dead in your opinion.

Tweakie.

 

So getting back to the thread, I may be making my own motor controller board based around the TB6560 using the parallel port and linuxcnc. If I succeed, I will put it up as an openbuild. It will definitely be able to power an OX since that's what I will use it for and so it will power a frog too. I'll probably incorporate many of the frog concepts into my OX to make a hybrid.

So anyway, yeah that's my plan and it bypasses all the problems I had when I first started like finding a decent controller and software. It has a future. I'm guessing the boards will be around $50 which will bring the cost of CNC'ing down and get more people into it who will then contribute better designs to the community which will improve all of our machines.

 

RE #2 I've found that a combination of the routy design which allows you to adjust the height of the gantry, plus mounting the spindle to v-slot, allows me to position both the gantry and the spindle. This is cool because you can reduce the torque when cutting short flat objects(like aluminum plate) and you can have extra clearance for cutting big blocks of softer material like wood.

RE #6 Grind a flat spot onto the motor shaft. The pulley should never move. Perhaps the inner diameter of the pulley doesn't match the motor shaft?

 

Neil,

Where do you think the weakest, structurally, areas of your machine are.?You said you were seeing deflection at the drill bit. Can you see the extrusions moving or do they seem weak?.
Also, can you place more pictures of your tables x-axis?

Zach

 

Another option is to use C-clips... you can use a hacksaw to cut a groove into the shaft while it's spinning and then throw a c-clip on it.

 

This is the same for all v-slot builds, basically. So there's a little bending that happens in the aluminum Y gantry plates. There's a little flex in the delron wheels. There's a little flex in the extruded aluminum. It all adds up and if you have a very long z-axis, this tiny bending is actually a noticeable deflection in the router bit. On my routy I can just push on the end of the bit and see the deflection is about 1/8" with enough force. On a larger machine like a frog it may be 1/4" or more. If this is a problem for your application you need to reinforce all the parts I just mentioned. Use a double-v-slot on the z axis... Use 1/4" plates on the gantry rather than 1/8". Add more wheels.

 

Any updates on the progress of this machine and the one Matt is building?

 

Hello Neil!
Congratulation on your built!
I could open the files on solidworks.
Do you have a parts list?
Where did you find these polycarb wheels?
I plan to start my own version soon.
Ricardo

 

Try the double timing belt setup to solve the belt stretching problem.

 

Neil you may already know this but you linked to single start Acme rod on McMaster-Carr site. You should consider using a 5 Start Acme rod. You must also use matching 5 start nuts when using 5 start rods. You will achieve much better performance using 5 start acme rods vs single start rods.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#99030a704/=up2a5c

 

After looking at GT3 or larger options and pricing everything out. I went to Ebay and decided that 5 start ball screws and ball nuts was how I was going to drive my CNC. As with everything - direct from china ended up reasonable (similar cost as ACME from USA) and I figured it was money well spent. I have been looking at the parts all summer but not had any time to myself to make any progress but snow is here so I should get things built over the winter.