So after months of procrastination I think I have settled on my first approach for a CNC gantry unit. I have read what I believe to be all the posts on this forum regarding the 6040 series units like those sold on eBay and by groups like carving-cnc. My conclusion is that from a mechanical perspective these machines will meet my needs and would be a suitable choice as a hobbyist introduction to CNC. My plan is to work mostly with balsa and ply wood, occasional PCB work and possibly carbon fibre sheet and Polly carb.
What I have concluded from all the posts about these machines is that the electronics are not worth my time and hassle of sorting them out, while I am most capable of doing this I really don't want to stuff about with it throwing good money after bad.
So here is the run down on what I plan to purchase, I welcome everyone's comments and suggestions. I have a few questions of my own at the end.
6040 MAINBODY #1 @ $1202.55 inc Postage and Handling to SA Australia from carving-cnc. This is the unit that comes with stepper motors. CNC Engraving router 6040 mainbody - carving-cnc.com
Gecko 540 stepper Drive with 48v Power Supply. @ $325.85
Accessories to compliment Gecko, break out boards, shielded stepper motor cable, gecko chiller and emergency stop switch @ $99.90. From Homann Designs
Mach 3 software @ $145.04 also from Homann Designs
So far so good but now I have questions. The one item I can not find mentioned on the forum is any real discussion on an alternate spindle and VFD unit. I would like to get a reasonable quality spindle and VFD unit that will work with the Gecko 540. I am looking for something around the 1500W range, water or air cooled. The kit above comes with a 65mm bracket so something to fit this with minimal rework would be nice, it should also take a ER 11 collet. Does anyone have a suggestion for me, I am out of my depth on this point.
I would also like to know if any one knows if the stepper motors are 4 or 6 core.
If you look at the full kits from carving-cnc they have a tool set device, can anyone explain this to me, what is it and how can I reproduce it for my setup if its needed.
Last one if anyone out their has installed limit switches on their 6040 series unit, I would love to see some pictures or diagrams on what was done.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post
Cheers
Colin
What I have concluded from all the posts about these machines is that the electronics are not worth my time and hassle of sorting them out, while I am most capable of doing this I really don't want to stuff about with it throwing good money after bad.
So here is the run down on what I plan to purchase, I welcome everyone's comments and suggestions. I have a few questions of my own at the end.
6040 MAINBODY #1 @ $1202.55 inc Postage and Handling to SA Australia from carving-cnc. This is the unit that comes with stepper motors. CNC Engraving router 6040 mainbody - carving-cnc.com
Gecko 540 stepper Drive with 48v Power Supply. @ $325.85
Accessories to compliment Gecko, break out boards, shielded stepper motor cable, gecko chiller and emergency stop switch @ $99.90. From Homann Designs
Mach 3 software @ $145.04 also from Homann Designs
So far so good but now I have questions. The one item I can not find mentioned on the forum is any real discussion on an alternate spindle and VFD unit. I would like to get a reasonable quality spindle and VFD unit that will work with the Gecko 540. I am looking for something around the 1500W range, water or air cooled. The kit above comes with a 65mm bracket so something to fit this with minimal rework would be nice, it should also take a ER 11 collet. Does anyone have a suggestion for me, I am out of my depth on this point.
I would also like to know if any one knows if the stepper motors are 4 or 6 core.
If you look at the full kits from carving-cnc they have a tool set device, can anyone explain this to me, what is it and how can I reproduce it for my setup if its needed.
Last one if anyone out their has installed limit switches on their 6040 series unit, I would love to see some pictures or diagrams on what was done.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post
Cheers
Colin