Neat! That's gotta be the shinney-est mechmate around! Looking forward to seeing some cuts!

Kevin,

Gerald has asked that you're build be added to the Builder's Log. At the time of your first post, November 24, 2008, you already had your table built. You said you had been on the Forum for about a year. Could you give me a date when you actually began your build?

Also, please confirm the size of your table. I have 72" X 48".

Regards,
John

I think I actually started on it over the Christmas holiday, so I'd say Dec. 20th 2007. My table size is actually 100" by 56" which would give the 4'x8' cutting area, but I am currently limited to the 72"x48" due to the linear bearings. Does this mean I'm #22?

I've already broke a bit, I guess I better slow it down. :-)

Hi Kevin, the serial numbers are allocated only for those machines that are cutting, painted and have the MechMate logo attached. You are only short of the logo. ;)

Hi Kevin!
Great machine.
I plan to use linear slides like you, how powerful steppmotorer are you using? Which model?

I'm using the Oriental Motors PK296A2A-SG7.2. There is more friction with the linear bearings simply because there is more bearing area, but the motors have no problem moving the gantry or y-car. I haven't cut any big files yet, but they haven't even got warm.

Hi Kevin, would you mind telling us what your Mach motor settings are for the axes?

No problem, but I make no claims at all that this is even remotely optimized.

All axes Steps per are set at 3666.93. Velocity and acceleration on X and Y are 300 and 20, and Z is at 120 and 4.

Are there any other values you'd like to see?

Thanks Kevin. Your accel is similar to those with V-rollers, the speeds are slower, but that is personal preference. I wouldn't say you took a performance hit because of the linear bearings over the V-rollers.

That is a great looking machine, and great color choice

The Linear "Rails" are a great touch, with dimensions they are? 20mm?

Kevin,
Did you ever get your labels on the machine?

Hi Kevin,
Could you post a video on youtube of your machine running. Would be great to see! :D

Best,
Anton

I don't think Kevin lives around here anymore since his last post was 2009 :).
But maybe he wakes up out of hibernation, who knows. I would be interested to hear about his experience with the linear rails as well ( since I have gotten SKF linears for my X for next to nothing, and am in doubt on upgrading the entire machine if it's worthwhile)