I think you can use the same motor.

Thank you Gerald, I also think the same...

finish wiring
 

Almost finish wiring the machine. "Kitchen" went very well, got motor movement, tuning etc. BUT my motors are pk296a1a and in my head it was pk296a2a. will start underpowered with a power supply of 48V instead of 75V. Not a big deal as also I will start with a small router, 800W. After the first days will go for a spindle and new power supply. "mise en marche" is very soon :D

Looks good!

That long "printer" cable between the PC and the control box is a little worry - keep it away from power cables.

that black thingy is steel on all 3 of my 2.2kw water cooled spindles.

Nice!!! work.

Yes, the printer cable is very long. I prefer the computer at the other side of the table. that cable served me during years in a plotter without problems.. let see how it goes. (I have a short one at hand, just in case :)

not another gecko but a iguana :D

Hehehe.

Your new machinist.

Paulo, your island ¿is part of Netherlands antilles? because i see in wikipedia after 2010 this change.

We got more autonomy but still part of the Netherlands kingdom.

real fun begin!
 

IT CUTS!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

as it should be. I dont have small bits to show more detailed cuts, need to go out...Thank you all members contributing to this forum full off good information. Special thanks to Gerald, everybody knows why and Mike, metalhead for his support.

when my workshop is more "presentable" I'll put more photos of the finalized machine.

A fine wine (1965) for a fine machine! :)

CHEERS!!!

first cuts are always rewarding and motivating

good cutting


al

Good job! Pat yourself on the back.

Great job. Now you will find ways to use your machine you never would have considered at the beginning of your journey.

Congratulations , good luck with your cutting

Congratulations! This machine will change your life for the better.
Cheers

mmm i dont agree that much.. now. have to learn, mach3, vectric, corel, solidwork, scketchup, how not burn bits. how to explain that this machine can make the sixteen chapeel but it will be very difficult, and you won't do it. :D:D

mechmate is a endless universe to learn.

"mechmate is a endless universe to learn. "
Just that....isn't it a beauty by it self :rolleyes:
Robert....:D

Congrats!
You can put solidworks & sketchup in the back seat for now. It will be more efficient learning if you concentrate on your 2.5D cutting 1st.
My software learning recommandation priority list as follows:
1) Mach3
2) 2D Cad
3) Vectrice
4) 2.5D stuff
99) 3D modeling.

hi ken. you should put "how not to burn bits" in second place. :rolleyes:

Thank you for all recommendations and nice words. Still have a lot to learn. Already did some mistakes but is from mistakes you learn more... here is one of the first mistakes... I mean: cuts :)

Video link: http://db.tt/HzoaHUGX

Don't forget www.thermwood.com ecabinet systems.

Tim
How you can use ecabinet with mach3?

Milosh

As meters
 

As meters of chain I need for my mechmate? is 3000 * 2200 mm

First upgrade on my machine: a new power supply. went from 48V to 73V measured. Now it can moves on max velocity without losing steps but to be honest I don't "feel" more torque. I still can move the gantry pushing it a bit hard. Well it should be normal... Have cut some complete 4x8 board, ply and MDF and small jobs and I'm very happy with the quality. still waiting to get more mill bits. In Curacao it is difficult to find and very expensive. Then I needed to stop. A LOT OF SAWDUST!!! :) Have installed a small shopvac and it is helping. still busy experimenting with different dust shoes. I'm using 40mm pipe and it's works for now. Will post some pics later.

Hi Milosh, you export your job from ecabnets in dxf . I use aspire to convert the dxf drawings to gcode.

Cheers All!

There is no export ability to dxf in eCab???

Just to report that I have changed limit resistors on geckos from 12.8K (calculated by formula) to 20K. that way I have more holding torque. Had some problems on Z, I'm using a lighter router Kress 800W, temporary, and the gas strut is pushing it up hard, it's is 30lb, for a spindle. Sometimes when I'm changing tools I lose Z zero. During the cut, no problems. let see if the motors do not get too hot...

Bits
 

http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodwork...t-overheating/
Want to prevent those annoying burn marks that leave your routed edges black and your face red? Keep cool by putting the following tips to work.

Keep it clean
Ideally, you should wipe your bits clean after each use. Most of us, though, just drop them back in their holders and walk away. Unfortunately, resins and dust build up that cause bits to get hotter faster, making them more likely to burn the wood. If your bits are covered with sawdust, wipe them with a dry cloth. Remove the stubborn build-up with a blade-and-bit cleaner. The benefit: Clean bits stay sharp longer because excessive heat breaks down carbide cutters.

Stay sharp



A dull bit cuts poorly and builds up heat doing so. If you can run the cutter over your fingernail without shearing off ashaving, then your bit needs sharpening.
To freshen up router bit cutting edges with diamond lapping stones, hone only the flat surfaces. Count your strokes to make sure you remove the same amount of material from each cutter to keep the bit balanced. It only takes a half-dozen or so strokes with each stone. If that doesn't restore cutting ability, have the bit sharpened by a pro or replace it.

Set speed limits


Router bits spin up to 24,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). And most bits have two cutters, so they take up to 48,000 bites every minute. Think of it that way and you see why bits and wood heat up in a hurry. To keep things cool, set your router speed according to the chart, below right. If your router doesn't have variable speed, you can get a plug-in controller for less than $25. (Check your local retailer or contact MLCS at 800/533-9298; mlcswoodworking.com.)You can keep heat in check too by controlling how fast you feed the bit into the workpiece. A slow feed rate generates more heat. Use a fast and consistent feed rate to keep the bit and wood cool.

Watch your woods

Some woods, such as oak, don't easily burn. Maple and cherry burn notoriously because of their density and the oils and extractives they contain. Among softwoods, pine can be troublesome in areas that contain pitch pockets. With these species, slow the router and increase feed rate to minimize burning.

Take it one step at a time

Powerful routers and sharp carbide-tipped bits are capable of hogging out large cuts in even the hardest of woods. But doing so stresses the bit, causes tear-out, and leads to burning. When removing more than 1/4" of material, make multiple shallow passes.

Thank you for advices and title, my machine deserves a number :)

Yes it does. Where is Metal Head?

Still limit resistors on Geckos:

using 20 KΩ instead of 12.8 KΩ calculated by formula - Motors are always hot, cutting or idle is the same, you can let your hand over it for long time but too hot for my peace of mind... My decision is to change back resistors on drivers running X and Y to 12.8 KΩ and 18 KΩ on Z temporary...

Let's see.

I have been MIA for a few days.

Congrats and you get #108

Thank you Mike.:)

Great job!!!

Congratulations number 108 from number 109

thanks 109 :) same for you. hey, I like a lot your kayak, I m thinking to build one for myself.

Me likey kayak. :D

Kayak was built from plans see Redfish kayaks, "return" model.
Took about 300 hours to complete. total cost about 625 uk pounds. including cost of the plans.
Weight 22kgs length 5.8mtrs .. and it was fast on the water.

Updated Builder's Log
 

Paulo,

Congratulations on your MechMate and earning Serial Number 108.

Here's the Updated Builder's Log with your entry added.

Sorry to be tardy, but I was on a Cruise in your beautiful Caribbean.