Johan you better start building a 4th-axis also because some peaple tends to rub it in and I like it :D

Some lead...some follow..:D

I will send you some blue paint Kobus:).For those local MM owners who are interrested in doing some of my cutting for my clients in your areas send me a e-mail [email protected]. website is nearly finished and part of our service will be to manufacture items that I have designed and are running as specials on the net,some mula for everybody.(get some of those MM`s that only work during the weekends to produce some income)

I must finish the machine first before I can play around with the 4 th axis Hennie. I must say my wife was impressed with the video that Kobus made.

Nice progress Johan. Funny to hear you guys talking about February heat, as in Canada we are still in a deep freeze and are hoping for our July heat right about now. :)

Thanks Heath.
Yes, it is amazing to think that one can talk to someone on the far side of the planet. The one overheating and the other one freezing.:D
I must say that the humidity is not so bad this year. But then February is still coming!

Attachment 8390
I manage to bolt the control box and trucking to the wall on Saturday while the weather was rainy and therefore not so humid.
Also welded the stops on the x-rails yesterday when a small problem raised its head when I try to mount the stops on the y-rails.
I could not get the stop block to pass below the y-car. I used 20 square bar in place of the 15 Sq bar as shown in drwg. 10 10 248. My block height measures 18mm.
I left the problem for tonight because the humidity got to uncomfortable after lunch. I am thinking of grinding the two side back to 15mm in the hope that it will clear.

My machine is alive and cutting!
 

Attachment 9043

The first cut

Attachment 9044

The 'Zulu' pattern as the first test

Gerald, thank you so much for making it posiable to build this fantastic machine.
Jy is 'n yster!

This project was a great challenge for me. The electrical and the rail grinding worried me the most but turned out to be a lot easier with the help of the forum members and some friends at work.
Funny, the x- axis gave me the most uphill. From the the main beams to lining of the rails to getting the gear racks straight was a battle. It took all my skill and patience.
Time wise it took me long to get going until December 2008 when I realize that I will have to built a room on for the MM. The machine building stopped for 3 months while I was doing that. In 2009 I hit another problem with the motorcar accident when I was forced to stop for another 3 months. After that it went easier.

Attachment 9045

I was so exited after the first cut that I forgot to zero all the axis and it hit the table with a force before I realized what happend.

Mooi gedaan Johan - welcome to the club :D

Great news LEX….. Congratulation.
I’m following just a few steps behind. I’ll join you soon as an “already cutting” club member.
Enjoy your new machine and this exiting week-end !
Amicalement, Robert ;)

Congrats on the completion, Johan! A new number is born!

I am also a few steps behind, can't wait to see some wood dust flying.

Cheers

Wel gedaan Johan! Mag daar baie dae van plesier wees, hopelik inkomste ook!

Pragtig ek is trots op jou....nou sal ek seker maak ek pos jou CD hierdie week. :o

Thanks! Now the learning starts!
Good luck to you,Ken and Robert.

Die oom het my nou so trots, Geluk Johan lekker speel,kry solank 6 mm en 16 mm supawood.

Great Job Johan!

Johan you need to start using that MM I see there is rust on the rails

It's blue, is cutting and has a sticker...I think a nice new number is all that is needed


Some number close to your age ?????

Congrats !! You get number 56!!!

Thanks for the number Mike.
Yes, Hennie, a thin layer of surface rust is forming on the v-surfaces. I will have to get some orders in.:)
Kobus I was aiming for number 55 which would have been more symbolic for me. I am turning 55 in July - so was born in 1955. But 56 is fine since it is my wife's birth year .

Builder's Log Update
 

Johan,

Congratulations on completing your MechMate and on Serial #56.:)

Here is the Updated Builder's Log.

Please provide the "cutting-size" dimensions for the Builder's Log. Also, please review your entry and provide any changes you want to make.

The best people were born in '55 :)

My OLD sister also....;)

Most of my Aunts and Uncles in that time frame as well. :)

Congrats on a fine looking MM. Mikes gonna get worn out giving out all these new numbers.

Congratulations Johan!

And the peaple from the 70`s made it happen:)

Thanks guys.
Like Gerald mentioned, 1955 was a good year. No middle of the road people. Either you like us or you don't. Always try to leave a lasting impression.:D
On the other hand it is nice to be 35 or so. With this build I realise that white paint and pencil works a lot better than marking blue and a scriber!

Hey ou baas, well done. i'm so jealous.

Been a tough battle moving to ChristChurch, NZ and then 8 months later to Auckland. Cost me hoardes of money. I have completed the panel and wiring as far as I can. Got the legs done to and going to start with the table in a month or so.

Again well done;).

John

Hey John,
Thanks man! Good to hear that you are still alive and kicking.
Good luck with your future and the build.
That kid of yours must be growing fast. No longer a baby after more than a year.