Software and Other Stuff

I'm trying EMC2 with my machine. I'm getting tired of the occasional run time error with Turbocnc. Not sure how it's going to work though as my computer is a little underpowered for it. I'll have to let everyone know how it works out later this week. I'm gonna test it out on some small Halloween projects.

WasteOfSpace posted a comment on my previous post about oak that got me a little curious. I smell an experiment brewing. Anyways I've been quiet here for a little while and its about time I start making dust, just in time for the holiday. Oh and be sure to check out these Halloween pictures that switcher was nice enough to make for us.

Chucks CNC Rebuild: Part 1

Well I finally have my machine rebuilt and I'm pretty happy with the results. So far I've replaced the MDF x-axis supports with oak and shortened the z-axis to hopefully help reduce some vibration problems(It was too tall anyways). I've also decided I like lovejoy couplings better than my direct coupling I used before. I'll have to do some research into power transmission and see if it really makes much difference. If anyone already knows then please leave a comment, I'd love to hear some opinions. I also added some aluminum adjustment blocks for the bearing slides. Using a cheap indicator dial I was able to adjust either end of the lead rod within 0.001in which was something I was previously unable to do. I was thrilled, then I remembered the bearing slides flex a little so I measured without changing my setup and you know what it was?.04in difference!! Keep in mind this is with respect to a level board clamped to my table which I'm fairly certain isn't 100% flat. Regardless that will have to go. I plan on changing my bearing slides from 1/2in to 3/4in. I'll do that next along with all new oak parts for the x and z carriages. Despite my disappointment This is a big improvement on the rigidity and adjustability front. I should be able to handle some higher cutting speeds. So whats next? I'm gonna make some stuff. Namely some new parts over the next who knows how long. I have a small laundry list of upgrades for the future:

1. A new QUIETER spindle that can hold 1/4in bits
2. emc2(I use TurboCNC now)
   
3. a vacuum setup instead of just blowing air
4. 3/4in x-axis bearing slides
5. oak z-axis parts(I already designed these in CAMBAM)
6. new, more rigid y-axis
   

After cleaning up the basement starting school and vacation at the cottage I'm finally ready to get back to work. I've finished most of my parts for upgrading to oak parts from MDF. Picture to come when I'm done hopefully by this weekend. Then I can return to switch plates part II.
And to accompany my new upgrade I'll need a new pendant, partially because the first one leaves much to be desired but mostly because I need something a bit more retro. That's why I picked this up at the flee market this weekend.


This new one will be a whole lot better and more complex so probably in the distant future I'll have another tutorial. I'll leave this one for instructables though.