Electronic feel

 

I used the arduino controller for the I/O in the teach pendant.  The main reason behind this was because i wanted to use an anolog joystick i had laying around and i wanted to use a rotary encoder for the z axis.

Tracks/Wire Trough

Decided to add some wire tracks for the wiring.  I've also noticed that the x axis has some slop. I didn't realize the crappy china made bearings have such a  loose tolerance.  So, I will have to make some tracks for the X-axis. 

My Computer Sucks

My crappy emachine crapped out on me.  After looking up what the beeping codes it looks like i need a new stick of RAM or some how I'm not getting power to my RAM.  I started putting together a slower computer to run the CNC machine off of, and hopefully the interface I'm hooking up has enought resources to run.

Starting to take shape

Just putting together the X-axis and Y-axis.  I went with a pulley system with some guides.

Z axis... ZZZZZZ

Just got done building the Z axis stuff.  I made this with threaded rod and some guides.

Sharks with Freaking Lasers Beams

After the design, i had some of the parts cut out on a Amada Laser, and the uprights are made out of some extruded aluminum, I had at work.  I've also used some roller bearings for x axis so it can handle more of a load.

3D Modeling

I've started to design it on Solidworks.  One thing to note with the design is that everything is designed with the cheapest parts I can get off McMaster and other venders.

It begins

I'm currently building a CNC machine and i decided to make a blog to show my progress to people who care.  Woot Woot.