A few weeks ago I orderd my CNC Motor Controllers for the CNC machine. Well the kits arrived today from Oatley Electronic www.oatleyelectronics.com.au. I purchased 4 axis, although I will only need 3 for the time being I envisage the 4th Axis being in the future. Looks like I have some assembling to do over the next few weeks.
CNC
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After lots of research I’ve started to put some ideas to paper for the MK1 CNC Machine.
Yes I know I could probably jump right in and start putting together bit and pieces, but I really want to learn to use some 3-D Modelling CAD Packages for future Robotics projects and since I will eventually need to model components so they can be exported to the CNC machine for milling, I thought it might be a good exercise by modelling the MK1 itself.
So here is the start of the X-Axis Linear Bearings
Over the past number of years, along with my interest in robotics and software development, I have also had a keen interest in machining and metal work, I suppose ever since I build my first Stuart Turner stationary engine when I was 15 on my fathers Lathe, BTW my father is also a very keen model engineer/machinist. So wanting to merge my interests along came CNC.
I don’t own a lather / milling machine, actually I don’t even have a workshop myself (about to change with my new house being built), although I do have access to them when ever I want its still not the same as ducking out to the shed to whip up a part, in general I find making small components and PCBS a bit of a pain, mainly though lack of tools and proper work area. So Getting back into the robotics/electronics scene after a long break has also re-kindled my interest in the CNC Area, especially for small robotic parts (plastic and aluminium) and one off PCBs (routing and drilling).
So in my quest for knowledge, I spent the last few nights browsing what’s out there, and was very surprised to see the huge amount of work that people have done. I must admit it had been a couple of years since I’ve last looked, and there there are some truly amazing machines out there (check out http://www.cnczone.com/). Anyway I think I want to start off small first with a low cost pcb router/drilling using a 3-axis with a dremal. Plenty of photos out there with low cost designs and common parts have inspired me to take some steps and begin some design work, so stay tuned.
