Lesson 1: Don't change settings you're unfamiliar with. I've learned that if you change settings you sometimes don't get the desired results.

Cutting The Roadrunner!!
 

Well Here it is, not completely together but enough to start its first cuts. There's still a lot to get it 100%, but that's just time and a lot of head scratching. Here is the video link http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomas_...n/photostream/

I know there's a lot to do and learn yet so I'll thank all involved in my disabilities :rolleyes:. for their help and for future assistance.

Pretty Sweet, Sir.
It's a great feeling, isn't it?
Now, logos and a serial #...

Thanks, like I said I still have a lot to do to get it completed but I could use it as it is in a pinch. None too soon either, have customers breathing down my neck for stuff. But I want as much completed as possible before I start using it, otherwise it would never get done.

Welcome to my world.

ENJOY!!!:D

Congrats Tom! Hoping to finally get there soon myself. Make sure to show us your work. I love seeing how everyone is using their machines.

Congrats Tom. I am not too far behind you.

Tom,
I don't believe it. Your long build is now finished. Well serial number wise at least, it cuts wood, moves, and has Mechmate logos on it. Well done sir. I look to see some very interesting stuff from you. Great job and most of all congratulations. :cool:

Your built was so long that I mistaken this is your 3rd built :)
Congrats!!!

Thanks Guys, Ken I also thought is was my third. I think I built it in my mind at least a dozen times.

Congratulations mate,
Will there be photographs of the beast forthcoming ?

Yes but not until I get things cleaned up and rockin'. I want to change some things already, nothing an afternoon wouldn't take care of. The size of this thing certainly changes the work flow in the shop so I may have to rethink some things there as well. Once I get rolling I'll have at least 3-4 months first round of repeating work lined up and quickly growing.

To hell with the hoover and brush.
What colour is it.:D

LOL:p Its Blue and Black with touches of Aluminum and Raw Steel, ARRRR!!! I'll see if I can put something up today just for you.

Ah !
Gone with the 'Workshop Camouflage' colour scheme.
Make sure you know where it is so you can find it again.

Yes it is true, I do try to hide my work...and any other thing I might be looking for...My compressor is blue as well but big (about half the size of my Mini Cooper, lol) so I cant miss it...noisy too (not the car).

4th coming! LOL
*pun intended!

When do I get a serial number? I would like to get it for at least the first one. ;)

I still cannot get used to seeing your thread in Already Cutting. :D

Certainly looks like you are qualified for a # to me....(at LEAST one)

Didn't even catch that Pete. Wow it has finally happened, way too long in the making. When does your build time start? Is it from the time you actually start building or from the time you download plans? If its from actual build I started 14 months ago, if you start from plans, well that was April 2009 (when my son just turned 11, turning 16 this week). Hows that for length of build? It wouldn't be a record but damned close.

If I remember right it took some time for some recent serial numbers to be given. People must be busy, weekend stuff you know.

Sorry Didn't get any more pics today, try again tomorrow. Can someone explain how to post actual pictures on here. I've only been able to do it once (I think by accident). Thanks:o

If you upload to Flickr, first make sure the picture is publicly viewable.

1) click on your picture on your Flickr photostream to view it only
2) click on the 'box with an arrow' for more ways to share
3) click on 'Grab the HTML/BBCode' and set the radio button to BBCode
4) select your size from the combo box and right click over the provided code in the memobox and choose copy (or use Ctrl + C)
5) on your thread here click on 'Post Reply' (I use this so I can use the preview message option to edit anything I want). In this window either right click and paste or use Ctrl + V to paste the code from Flickr in the post box (you do not have to click on the image item on the toolbar) then click on 'Preview Post'. You can edit out url tags you do not want to include if you wish as long as they are not linked to the picture url. When you are done choose 'Submit Reply'.

To upload a picture that will be housed here

1) click on 'Post Reply' on the thread your in.
2) click on Manage Attachments button in Additional Options section below the Submit Reply and Preview Post buttons
3) the popup window will show your the requirements for the picture size. Click on Browse to locate the picture file
4) Click on 'Upload'. If the file is not excepted it will tell you. Assuming it is ok choose 'Close this Window' at the bottom and you can see there is an attachment now to that message
5) Click Preview Post to see it and Submit Reply when you are done with the message

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/1...fb043e2b1e.jpg


Something like this Pete? I need to right this down to have handy. Thanks again!

Hey can you do this with video as well?

Print his picture posting directions above and stick it next to your monitor.
I want to see lots of pictures of your creations, and I'm sure others do too.

Very tidy wiring job, Sir.

I see it so you did it right. Posting a video link is the only thing I know you are allowed to do here. Some forums allow you to embed the video so you can play it in the forum but not here as of yet. The best you can do with video is to use the same format for the picture to be displayed with a YouTube video image link. I have not been able to find the link to a video image with Flickr yet.

See the attachment

Here's some pics while building

[IMG]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/1...33d5fb7b8b.jpg
Tagging the Wiring to help keep it straight [/IMG]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/1...af8f7a0e16.jpg
IMG_0159 by ThomasAyresJr, on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2246/1...164306c905.jpg
IMG_0185 by ThomasAyresJr, on Flickr

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3396/1...4d310b8953.jpg
IMG_0183 by ThomasAyresJr, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/1...ed0791caed.jpg
IMG_0184 by ThomasAyresJr, on Flickr

That's all I can give you until later. Please excuse the mess, but better to share than keep to myself.

nice...
your X chain seems to be sagging a lot... (second hand ?).
Watch out for binding issues...

New IGUS, really long, a lot of shielded wire. Its the type with the access on the outside of the bend, if I had to do it over again (I still may) I'd get the type with the access on the inside or no access at all. Also,the access slot makes the chain rest funny on the support rod causing it to push outward too. I'll have to weld an additional bar to the outside of the existing rod to straighten it out. I was going to put a landing ramp out of hdpe or something on top of the control box for the chain to slide on (as an option) and give it support. Any suggestions? Dump it, get a new one?

For the cables going to the gantry chainflex, I bought some 3" mending angles, and screwed on of those 3" wide plastic split wire chases used to hide TV wires on the wall.
Cheap and works great.
I can snap a pic later, if you'd like.

I've got a piece of punched aluminum broke in a channel (not in any of the pics), thanks. Still wondering if I'll get a serial number, do I need to do something else like stand on my head and spit nickels?

A small bit of round pipe works well too....set it on centerline of chain. Chain will be supported, glides well, doesn't collect dust.
Just like the chain support you have now.....just a little bit higher in elevation to support the chain, but not interfere with carriage.

For Serial numbers you need Blue, Labels and something you have cut! :)

Good idea Sean. Might have a piece or two around.

I'm onto the Machine Hold buttons, I understand that a "brain" is needed, this is way beyond me at this time, I'll have to do some research, does anyone have suggestions where to find this info using a stop and separate start button? Sorry but this I must lean on others for help. All info is greatly appreciated folks.

Heath, been there, done that, got the t-shirt :D

Sorry Tom,
I just could not find pics of your logos on the machine or something you cut :)
Your looking pretty good though! :)

Sorry Heath I'm really bad with the picture thing, Pete has been kind enough to tell me how. However you can find my video on post 402. There you can see it running and logo on the gantry. Thanks Heath.

Video linked in post 402 shows cutting and logos.
Edit: Missed Toms posting above when I replied on my smartphone.

Good Grief, I missed that one! :o
Geez you need a Serial Number!
Mike get this man a serial number! :)