CNC machine

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VK3ZYZ

Guest
My latest project is not directly a ham radio one, but will no doubt be used in the making of things for that.
CNC_machine.png

Model: VG-S3018
Effective Working Area(X x Y x Z): 11.8" x 7.1" x 1.8" / 300 x 180 x 45 mm

Spindle: 775 Spindle
Positioning Accuracy: 0.003"-0.004" / 0.08-0.1 mm
Laser Power: 2500mw
Power Supply: AC 100-240V Output 24V 5A

This is a CNC router with a LASER head.
I've started putting it together.

BoxOpen.jpg

BuildPlate.jpg

LotsaBits.jpg

StartingTheBuild.jpg

FrontView.jpg

BackView.jpg

Now, I have to figure out how to drive it, starting with with FreeCAD to draw my projects.
I'm amazed at how cheap this is!

A Youtube video about the LASER...
 
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VK3ZYZ

Guest
This is another video that is a help to me while I'm figuring out how to drive it.
In this, he cuts a gear out of Aluminium, and makes a simple PCB. That could be handy!
My machine is similar to this one.
 
V

VK3ZYZ

Guest
It took me quite some time to get something working. The main problem was getting a PC that would load the USB driver they use.
The Mac did not like it, neither did an XP or a Linux laptop.
Then, I remembered the Win 7 (now 8) PC purchased a couple of years ago that is as slow as anything.
It worked, so now I have a use for it.
At the moment, I have it running on Easel, a cloud based drawing package that also drives the CNC machine.
Easel.jpg


And here is the first cut!

FirstCut.jpg

I stopped it as for some reason, it was not cutting to just 1mm. This cut is about 2mm deep.

This Youtube channel helped a lot. It is the same guy as the LASER one above.
 
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VK3ZYZ

Guest
Photo on 21-9-21 at 11.12 pm.jpg

Here are the parts I've 3D printed to add a dust extraction system to the mill.
Files from here... https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4911123
I've yet to install it.

The previous prinst failed as I forgot to level the bed. It was about 1mm higher on one side.
Then the stepper drive came undone.

Here is the first full job :)

VK3ZYZ_first_good_cut.jpg

Thanks Josh. It was with the bit you gave me.
 
V

VK3ZYZ

Guest
The first test board is underway!
First_CNC_Board.jpg

There is still some setting up to do.
Not done as yet are the files for the holes and the board outline.
 
V

VK3ZYZ

Guest
First_CNC_Board_tracks.jpg

Tracks ok, but I think the tool was too deep, and the tip is gone after a crash.
First_CNC_Board_holes.jpg

I was drilling the holes, but with the cutter a I do not have a drill to suit. This was just a test to see if the alignment was ok, and it was.

BUT!!! It shut down when I turned on the vacuum cleaner so the holes did not finish :(

And as that screwed up the home setting, I did not cut the board out.
 
V

VK3ZYZ

Guest
I'm in the process of adding end stop limit switches.
Using 3D printed parts to upgrade the CNC router.
X-1.jpg
X-2.jpg
X-3.jpg
Y-1.jpg
They are still to be wired in.

Z-Stop.jpg
The Z stop is a piece of PCB that sits on the work, the clip goes on the tool and the Z set button is selected.
The tool is then lowered until it touches the PCB copper and that sets the Z. The PCB thickness is preset into the code so now the CNC machine knows where the top of the work is.
 
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VK3ZYZ

Guest
Here is my attempt at preparing a flat bed surface.
The tool is the smallest one from my GMC brand hand router.
Also, the wood is a bit of pine and MDF may be better.
Still. I'm finding it odd to drive. It is cutting a lot lower that I thought it was told to.
And it is running very slow for the test.
CNC3018_FlatBed2.jpg
 

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VK3YNV

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Letting the machine define it's own level is a good idea, We do that with the surface grinder when you just skim a bit off the magnetic chuck.

The signal path channel on YT has a video on a benchtop CNC for doing PCB's it's worth a look.
 

VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
I finally figured out a way to get the CNC to cut where I wanted...
TrackerLCD_Cut.jpg

I forgot to reset the tool for the different size so the hole is a bit big.
TrackerLCD_Cut1.jpg

TrackerLCD_Cut2.jpg

TrackerLCD_Cut3.jpg
 

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VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
Photo on 2-02-2022 at 8.35 PM.jpg

I have it running on 14 and 10Mhz. That is because the coils I have are for those bands.
More coils are coming......
 

VK3ZYZ

Moderator
Staff member
I will try to harvest coils from my other set. The ones I have from these are all faulty, one way or another.
 
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