Hi all,
For years I have wanted to own or build a CNC controlled mill or router. The MechMate seems to be targeted at woodworking although I think with careful revision it could do soft metals such bronze or aluminum. What I would like to build is not a machine with a big routing area such as 4' X 8' but something more manageable for a small shop such as 2' X 3'. And machining wood does not interest me so much, except maybe for creating casting patterns. I would like to mill or route aluminum and bronze for immediately usable parts, and machinable wax for casting patterns.
I think that if I were to build a sturdy example of MechMate on a smaller scale I might even be able to machine steel in a moderate sort of way. Biggest issue I see for that is spindle speed and bearing support of the spindle in order to sustain the higher loads. In this case too the frame of the machine must be exceptionally rigid, but I think that is possible using heavy wall steel tubing and accurate jigging for the welds.
Anyway, have any of you gone this way before? MechMate surely is not the only design to consider. If I were to build my own design what torque values for the steppers might be needed and what pitch ball-screws as well? A toothed/belt drive could easily reduce stepper speed, add resolution, and increase available torque. Just casting about for some ideas here. Geco steppers seem to be one way to go. I think the torque of steppers from Zapp seem to be too weak, but Zapp does offer good deals on linear components. Please feel free to chip in on this, I welcome any and all opinions. Thanks.
Randy
For years I have wanted to own or build a CNC controlled mill or router. The MechMate seems to be targeted at woodworking although I think with careful revision it could do soft metals such bronze or aluminum. What I would like to build is not a machine with a big routing area such as 4' X 8' but something more manageable for a small shop such as 2' X 3'. And machining wood does not interest me so much, except maybe for creating casting patterns. I would like to mill or route aluminum and bronze for immediately usable parts, and machinable wax for casting patterns.
I think that if I were to build a sturdy example of MechMate on a smaller scale I might even be able to machine steel in a moderate sort of way. Biggest issue I see for that is spindle speed and bearing support of the spindle in order to sustain the higher loads. In this case too the frame of the machine must be exceptionally rigid, but I think that is possible using heavy wall steel tubing and accurate jigging for the welds.
Anyway, have any of you gone this way before? MechMate surely is not the only design to consider. If I were to build my own design what torque values for the steppers might be needed and what pitch ball-screws as well? A toothed/belt drive could easily reduce stepper speed, add resolution, and increase available torque. Just casting about for some ideas here. Geco steppers seem to be one way to go. I think the torque of steppers from Zapp seem to be too weak, but Zapp does offer good deals on linear components. Please feel free to chip in on this, I welcome any and all opinions. Thanks.
Randy