Edge finder 2:42 PM

I did a little research and found this little puppy (below).  Paired w/ the mach3 2010 screenset probing features, I've possible solved a simple work-zeroing concern when milling wood.

Edge finder helper - http://vancura.innovations.home.mchsi.com/p-cnc-ef.htm

Pendant - miser style 2:07 PM

After researching the options for pendants, I quickly found myself shying away from all the configuration complexity and expense of joysticks and 3rd party pendants.


I settled on buying this beauty along with a 32ft usb extension cord.  This set me back 30 dollars including shipping.  If figure I can remap a few keys in mach3 and maybe even make a few stickers.


#excitedaboutthesmallstuff

Making the switch 9:49 PM

After sometime of test cuts, configuration changes, reading, researching, etc; I’ve decided to switch to mach3.  


The short of it

• there’s a greater amount of people using and therefore extending mach3 with the routines I seek (auto-zero Z, homing, 
• the standard scripting language is like second nature to me (not sure if I like confessing a strong knowledge of vbscript but... there ya have it.)

Originally I stayed away from mach3 given the dizzying UI and overwhelming options only to find myself knee deep in emc2 config, however yesterday’s design session brought me to the realization I really don’t need to focus on all the new stuff of emc2 2.5 (gladevcp) as I’d prefer to spend my time making sawdust.


Ger21 from cnczone.com made a beautiful screen layout which which greatly reduces your sense vertigo when looking at mach3.  It includes a few strategies for tool changes and probing.  You can find it here: http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodworker/2010.html for a mere 20 dollars.

Test cuts! 10:27 PM

Here's a test cut of domo carving his name.  Funny how thrilling this simple cut is!

I used a font from here and cambam to generate the tool path.  I kinda like it!

More proof of his vanity.

and some video too!

Domo meets the world 6:59 PM

Over the last year I've been designing and building Domo, my cnc milling machine.  He's currently on rev 4 and I'm finally satisfied with the design (my inner ocd disagrees but whatever). 

I determined the following constraints given my lack of metal working skills

• Leverage existing components (8020 aluminum, pre-made linear rails, etc) 
• Minimal manual milling (only 3 parts require high precision)
• Easy to adjust and align

Below is the latest.  Perhaps I'll post some of his previous forms in the future.

A few features

• Workspace: 55" x 29" cutting surface with 6" travel on the z axis
• 381oz-in motors and Gecko g540
• Bosch 1617 Router
• Z axis

• 6" z axis from K2CNC
• Bosch 1617 EVS Mount from K2CNC
• X axis (dual drive)
•  6' ACME screws from Mcmaster
• 1/2" bearing blocks from cncrouterparts.com
• Dumpster CNC Lead nuts
• Y Axis
• 8020 aluminum gantry with Glacern Rails (20 mm)

And a test run...