A little update
 

Still haven't received my Z slide from "that" outside source. :mad:

Geeez, I hate relying on "things" outside my control.

Anyways, finished the framing and metal shell of the equipment room. Trim should show up this week. Next weekend, I'll finish trim, and make a nice wood door for the equipment room.

If the Z slide shows up this week, I'll work on that.


If you want something interesting to read, check out Doug's thread. That dude is cranking. :cool:

I'd kill to have my own space to house my machine. You are really going to have a nice setup. After you said you ordered a dust collection system, I got to thinking about it and I'm probably going to do the same thing. I'm ready to cut stuff now and I don't want to take on another fairly long term project like building a cyclone and blower. Good luck with your Z plate.

Doug,

My wife's father was a contractor/cabinet maker. Old school. Never wore dust masks, etc. Pass away at 55 from lung issues. That's probably my number one reason why I want the dust control system up and running as soon as possible. And, I guess my wife wants me around awhile longer. :)

If you don't want to tackle a dust collection system at this time, invest in the best, positive seal dust mask.

Z-slide update
 

Finally received some calls yesterday from the machine shop that's fabricating my Z slide. Maybe today!

If Z slide is completed today, then tonight, I'll start work on slide tube. I want the Z slide so I can center punch the holes from the slide onto the tube. Trying not to get ahead of myself.

At this stage of the project, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I just want to make sure it's not a train. :)

Wooooo Hoooo
 

Got my Z slide. Paid $100, just for everyone else's reference.

Also received my Shuttle Pro controller. Very cool. :cool:

That's all the house/computer time I can stand, off to the shop for the evening. :D

Picture Update
 

Here's my latest progress report.

My top connection point for the gas spring is different. It's only tack welded, so I'll finish welding and clean it up.
Attachment 850


Attachment 851


I'm not satisfied with the transition of the X cable chain to the Y cable chain. This will probably change.
Attachment 852


Attachment 853


Attachment 854


Attachment 855


Attachment 856


Just another pic of the gas spring connection point.
Attachment 857


My leveling feet. I went with a larger size foot just for aesthetics. It's the pyramid concept. The base should be larger than the top.
Attachment 858


All I did here was to square the ends of the main channel.
Attachment 859

Greg,
Nicely done. You know what - I had my x chain routed the same way, then I switched it....I think I am going to switch it back to the way I had it. All the tapped holes are still in the main beams. I haven't plug welded them and repaired my "mistakes". I now have a new plan for tomorrow before I pull all the chain guides off and paint. Thanks for the inspiration.

---
...Wish I had a machine shop that would make that slide for 100 bucks. Thats cheaper than me making it in house!


Sean

Greg

Very very nice, good work. I like the look of the rectangular tubing for the legs, I may go for that option myself.

Alan

That is a nice looking machine. :cool:

Greg
Very nice work! Looks Good. Keep the pictures coming. Oh, by the way, I like the picture of you smiling too.

Paul

Sean, Alan, J.R., Paul,

Thanks. It's only because of individuals like these, that I've gotten this far.

The rectangular tubing is very handy for bolting on wheels. Four bolts around the tube. I'll post a pic when ready.

Thanks again guys.

She looks beautiful Greg. Looks like you'll be cutting before too long. That machinist did a great job on the Z plate too. The holes are consisently countersunk.

Thanks Doug,

It really is exciting getting to this stage of the project. My wife is also excited. She is looking forward to when I get the software (Vectric). She will have a blast designing different "things". Very artistic woman.

Progress Update: Finished lowering the X rail cable guides and tray this evening. It now rides below the X rail. I like it. Will post pic's this weekend.

Tomorrow night I'll start on the Y cable tray and routing.

Electrician is coming Saturday morning to start process of upgrading my shop power to 100 amp service.

On the home front: Wife is complaining that "grog" spending to much time in shop with MechMate. Burnt out light bulbs need changing. "Grog" say that woman work. "Grog" run like the wind. :D

Pictures
 

Getting close. Still allot of little things (make spring brackets, stub axle plate, counter sink some holes in Y car, etc.) May start painting this week.

Moved the X cable chain so its below X rail

Attachment 900


Finished the Y cable chain.
Attachment 901


Just another shot showing no visible X cable chain. Time to start cleaning up the shop and get that camper out there.
Attachment 902

Attachment 903


Still not happy with how the exit of the X cable chain is. It'll stay for now, because I don't know what else to do. When I figure something better, it'll change.
Attachment 904

Looking great Greg. I know you're ready to paint and run the cables. Before you paint her, you might want to think about the places you will want welded nuts. For example, look at some of Gerald's pictures. One shows the E-stop/Pause/Resume button box which is mounted on a plate attached to his car above the motor. The plate appears to be bolted on and he either used welded on nuts or nuts with nylock inserts because the sheetmetal is too thin to thread. I wish I had welded on some nuts for my cable clamps too.

Thanks Doug !!

I wasn't even thinking about things like that. It's really hard at this part to slow down and "THINK". I just want blue paint and something operating. I will take some time and think about welded nuts, etc. It's actually faster in the long run.

Again, thanks.

And it looks prettier in the end too.

I don't quite get the reason for welded nuts Doug - loose nuts & washers work okay?

nice looking cable chain. Funny, but doesn't that x axis set up just feel better?
Some very nice work happening in groggville. Good job. Sean

Cool. I can't wait any longer. I really do hate grinding paint in preperation for welding, so I'll start painting parts that are finalized. :)

Just for the record, I'm cleaning all weld splatter by scraping (per the welding experts). It really is easy and a much better job than using a "flap" wheel.


Sean, it does feel better. My work doesn't even come close to Gerald's, J.R.'s, Doug's and, oh ya, Fabrica's. But I'm learning.

Gerald,

Just my personal preference I guess. I like to have welded nuts in locations where I can't see them or if they are difficult to put a wrench on.

WOW !! The coveted 4 star rating.

You don't know how long I have been waiting for that. :D

Ordered enclosures for controls and E-stop/pause/resume along with push button operators and contacts last night.

Just finished ordering all shielded cable from Doug's source (Lapp Tannehill, Inc). Prices have changed from what Doug quoted, not bad though. Excellent service!! 3 weeks delivery.

I will order crimp tools, connectors, etc tonight.

Maybe start painting Weds. evening.

This is how I move my MechMate around the shop.


Attachment 954

very nice idea Greg, I was thinking how to get things moving! and there u give us alll ideas !

Regards
Irfan

Thanks Irfan,

I'm not as strong as J.R., :) so had to figure something out.

Outside my shop is dirt and gravel. Haven't tried it there yet, but that's why I went with pneumatic tires.

An idea from trailers:
http://www.china-manufacturer-direct...mount-jack.jpg

Gerald,
Love that idea. Time to buy 4 of those too.

Northern Tool - 16 dollars each. That's cheaper than a real caster.

Sean,

Paid 12 USD/ea (Northern Tool) for my casters. No jack with mine, so probably a better deal with Gerald idea.

Not a big fan of those type "jack stands". Failure point is at the wheels when used on rough ground. Check out any horse/livestock trailer.

P.S. - Looking forward to your pictures of first project. :)

Greg, your casters seem to be made for much more load capacity. What Gerald has posted are mostly for support to the trailer when not hinged.

G' and all..... will these take care of the load of the completed mechmate?
I might just add them to my shopping list!

RGDS
Irfan

Greg,
Funny how the environment we reside in ultimately dictates the machine we are building.
I see your point perfectly about using pneumatic tires for you machine base knowing your location and access to terra firma. I, on the other hand...have a nice concrete floor/driveway/parking lot between all my buildings. Also, I really don't plan on moving it more than once!
Redoing all the square, level and resurface after each move would get old pretty quick :)

Sean

Yes sir,

I'm getting there. I finished framing up some walls and dry walling a new home for the beast. Tonight, I finished the stop blocks and ordered the prox. sensors, relay and cable ( ordered a shorter Prox for the Z, thanks). Tomorrow will finish the last little Y end stops. Friday, I'm taking off work to farm. Sat. and Sun. are for painting the beast.

Almost forgot, shielded cable came today. :D

Little Update
 

Applied two coats of primer on the "little" parts using "rattle" can. Looks good.

My Harbor Freight gravity sprayer has not arrived yet. Couldn't wait any longer so ran into town and bought 8 rattle cans of primer for the table. Dumb idea (first one so far :rolleyes:) Took about 4 hours for one coat. It looks good, but would not use "rattle cans" for large projects. The cost in beer alone, busted my budget. :)

rattle cans are convienent, but that darn 2" inch spray pattern will kill ya! Glad to hear everything is progressing nicely.
Stefan is flying in to the states next week and coming by for an inspection with Nils, I hope I don't disappoint anyone :0

Its easy to think your doing a good job when their is no one else around to give you feedback!

Having see Sean machine in operation, Sean is not going to disappoint anyone. I will see you on Monday. We just need a time Stefan??

Have fun in sunny Fl. guys !!

Yesterday was a perfect day for painting. 80 deg F. Today ... snow on the ground :eek:

Maybe I can make a "make shift" spray booth in the shop ... Naaa, I'll just wait till Thursday. Taking off work to babysit electricians that will finish upgrading shop power. Woo Hoo. :D

Greg,

I have to do one of those electrical upgrades also but I think I will do it myself. Nothing like a little electricity to get you body moving.

We came out of a cold and I think it will hit 80s today. Not yet HOT!!! Summer will be here soon.

Nils,

I do 99% of my own wiring also. The electricians will replace/upgrade the main breaker box. An easy job, but, the pro's know the subtleties.


Update: Harbor freight gravity sprayer still hasn't arrive. Hopefully tomorrow. Today, I had a weak moment at the paint store and bought another/different high gloss top coat paint. Lets see if its worth it. :)

Looks real nice Greg, looks like you should have it up and running soon.:)