Thanks for the help Gerald.

Saw now that the linked thread starts in the old forum and it wanders all over the place. Have edited the first post there to include some interesting pictures.

Hello All,
I have a PDS Columbo 90rv that will be installed. Does anyone have any experance in setting up the tool changer and the rack (or for that matter the spindle too!)? I'm about a month away from its setup so its time to start detailed planning for it. I'll post this at the Mach3 support site and the CNC Zone site too.

Thanks for your time,
Tim

Tim,

That is an interesting chuck....When you get the indexer setup you will have to provide more details.

4 Wheelin!
 

Well I got a little bit closer. Its nice to have it on wheels, not my usual drivetrain and no headers to worry about! :D I'm still debating on putting the computer and power supply on the machine with vibration isolators and just have a keyboard and monitor on a arm or the traditional way of it being on the wall. I'm leaning toward the mounted version for ease of moving the machine to new locations.


Later,
Tim

Well a few steps forward. Still have to put the angles on the rails and paint them. My angle iron was 3 x 3 so I made a low tech skate that worked well. Will drill the holes for the prox sensors later as well. More to follow. . . . .

Half way done grinding the rails. That's one nice jig, thanks Gerald.

Hey Tim.

Your indexer and your tool changer are working?

Hello All, its been awhile. . . .Due to medical, I don't get allot of shop time or get to work with steel when I do. So this is where I'm at so far. It isn't pretty and yes theres lots of mistakes still but its closer :) I've run the electronics on the bench, a gecko 540 system without issue. I'll be mounting a Columbo RV90 @ 380v. I'm hoping to be cutting it in a couple of months.

To keep myself sane and up to date on the software, I put this little test rig together. Its made out of an old bookcase and left over project parts. I wasn't allowed to play with any steel so its whatever I had laying around, funny thing is it accurate to .001 :)

Good to see you are still around Tim! :)

Its Alive!
 

Well its the longest build so far but it running:D :D :D. Lots of work left to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWuVlWDjn3U

Its a 5 x 10 3 axis so far

I'll post more as I fine tune things, still need to figure out my how to hook my auto tool changer into my gecko 540.

Hey Tim, Looks Great, Lets see, blue, labels, sawdust. sounds like Serial Number Time! :)

So I take it I'm #79? Its taken so long for this build I'm still trying to find everything I've put away for safe keeping. I have a sign carving kit somewhere!

Congrats on finishing. That sn sounds right. I will verify after I return to my office. I am doing this post on my cell phone. !!!!

Again, congrats

Yes #79 it is !!!

Congrats Tim!

Thanks Guys, theres no way I couldn't have done it without the help of this forum! I think I'm the longest build time too :o
I'm still learning the software side of it (vectric V Carve pro 6) and tuning my motors, dust collection system is almost ready too. I'll send in more pictures as things progress

Builder's Log Update
 

Hey Tim,

Congratulations on completing your MechMate and earning Serial #79.

Here is the Updated Builder's Log

Please review your entry and let me know (Reply to this or PM) any changes you want to make to your entry.

I'm looking forward to your ATC and Indexer upgrades. We'll modify the Builder's Log once you've completed them.

Fine tuning
 

Wow what a machine! Thanks Gerald for the plans and Thanks to Heath for hooking me up with the laser cut pieces . It was a long build but so worth the wait. I'm still working on motor tuning on my z axis. Put a new bigger dust bag on my vacuum system and that helped, I think I have half a can of dust already :D I had to take out my cheap auto wrecker gas shock and order the real deal, put a usb connection on the head with pickups for my probes and zero plate to come. The extra wire on top of the head is for my spindle install and a plasma setup. I still need to figure out how to run my rv90 tool changer with my gecko 540. I have 3 inputs and 1 output available just have to figure out the rest in between :confused:
Setting up the z plate is next on the list not to mention catching up on my software
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_kyAgEHV1M
So much to build, so little time

Beautiful engraving! Love them!

How do you go about the G-code? CAM or wrote it from scratch?

You can build a Thien Dust Separator to increase your dust collection capacity, I build one from a 220L barrel. Its relative easy build especially with a working MM up your sleeve.

Thanks Ken, I use Vectric V carve pro 6 with 3d carve and photo carve. The Celtic weave I found on Google image search for free vector clipart. I've ordered Thermwood's magic nested dovetail bit just have to figure out how to use it. Should be here this week.

Still climbing the learning curve!

Tim , you need to show that bit.:cool:

Well Done Tim. Please tell us more about your Cyclone...

Glad things are working out for you Tim!

New bottom deck
 

Finally got around to putting in the bottom deck rails in the machine.
This is the bit I bought, still waiting on delivery. . . .
http://www.woodworkerswholesale.com/...ctCode=FSH1065
My dust collector is a 2 hp 220 v cyclone, I made it with my first machine with plans off the internet. The big bag is 1 micron, I can stay out in the shop all day with the machine cutting and its still fine for air quality, or so says the wife. I'm ordering a bristle strip from McMaster Carr 7372t6 to replace the old carpet Im using now around the dust shoe. The Vectric software I'm using is nice but I saw the new version of Delcams Artcam pro, wow! Something to strive for. . .

Have you folks see this? http://www.physicaldesignco.com/proj...ents_moma.html
I'd love to find the plans for it.

Well Its off to bed with visions of cnc projects running in my head

Do a search for "MIT House full size" the dxf is available somewhere on the web, I remember seeing it somewhere.

New bit arrived today, I'll test it after the z plate is installed. Pictures to follow

Tim,
I note the bit came with instructions. Does it give details on straight bits needed to cut tails and dimensions for the tail. Would be intreseted in a scan of the manual for the bit if you wouldn't mind.

regrads

Graeme

Sorry Graeme, I cant post copy rited material, but owning a 1/4 inch straight bit would be a good thing ;) 1/2 to 3/4 inch spacing is recommended and if I were cheating on a math test I'd remember : Thickness % = ((Material Thickness -.21")/Material Thickness) Its basically how to program a Thermwood system to use it, nothing relating to mach 3.