Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

C-Beam™ Machine - Plate Maker

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Mark Carew, Jul 16, 2015.

  1. carbuthn

    carbuthn New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2015
    Messages:
    7
    Likes Received:
    4
    Warier,
    I may be able to help with the first question, from the bundle packs I found:
    This precision trapezoidal (metric) lead screws pitch and diameter are a perfect combination of high torque and speed. This screw fits the bill for most machine designs and will quickly become a standard on OpenBuilds.

    Equipped with a large diameter that helps eliminate whipping and a high pitch which provides a quick 8mm translation for every single revolution on the screw.

    It's a great power transmition choice for your build!

    • Tr8*8-2p (4 starts)
    • Lead Screw Diameter ∅ 8 (mm)
    • Pitch 2 (mm)
    • Lead 8 (mm)
    • Stainless Steel
    An example steps settings for your control software would be 200 steps per millimeter if you are running the common 1.8 degree steppers and your stepper driver is set to 1/8 step mode.

    To calulate different step scenarios for your control software have a look at these handy steps calculators

    Common setup example

    [​IMG]

    NOTE: Because this lead has 4 starts with 2mm pitch between each this means the pitch will be 8. So 8 is what you would use for the pitch setting in the steps calculators..

    Hope it helps.
    Chuck
     
    Mark Carew, Moag, Gopal and 1 other person like this.
  2. Gopal

    Gopal Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2014
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    25
    Thanks, Chuck. I did not realize that the lead screw was 4 start - hence my confusion! Now that I know this, isn't it possible that with 1/8 ustep the torque also is low. I bought the stepper also from the OB store just to be safe. Since so many units are running perfectly well I should move on.

    By the way I saw a G-code path viewer that also doubles as a control panel for the xPRO controller. The software is JCNC by jtronics (www.jtronics.de/151-steuersoftware-jcnc-v1-03.html) It is developed in Germany and has both GRBL and Tiny G panels. It gives you a simulation screen and the control of the machine - the two seem totally independent but can be run simultaneously. Has anyone used it here?
     
  3. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2013
    Messages:
    3,237
    Likes Received:
    1,815
    A safe way to find out what the steps per mm value is would be to set the value 'too low', say 10 (or even '1').

    Now command a move and measure how far it goes. If it does not go far enough to measure accurately, command a longer move.

    Having commanded it to go a distance, say 100mm, and having measured how far it did go (5mm), we can calculate the correct steps/mm from
    newstep/mm = currentstep/mm * commanddist / actualdist

    newstep/mm = 10 * 100 / 5
    = 200

    now set the steps/mm to 200 and do the test again, measuring as accurately as you can. For a good leadscrew it should be spot on, but belts can stretch so this might take a few iterations to find the right value.

    The advantage of setting it to 1 is that you can then command a move and see how far the shaft turns.
    By trying the common microstepping values you can figure out the microstepping.
    So if you command a 1600mm move and the motor turns half a turn, then 3200 would turn a whole rev and if it is a 200 step per rev motor, this means that microstepping is set to 16.
    (3200mm is a long move, you will probably need to adjust soft limits if they are active)

    You are correct, you could change to 1/4 ustep and get more power and speed, and still have 0.01mm per step resolution. In this case steps/mm would be 100.

    The full formula for that is
    steps/mm = motorsteps * microsteps / pitch
    example: 200* 4 / 8 = 800/8 = 100
     
    #1203 David the swarfer, Jun 30, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2016
    Mark Carew likes this.
  4. Gopal

    Gopal Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2014
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    25
    Hi David, Thank you for the explanation. I still have not connected any motor driver to the unit and doing all initial move test by turning the motor coupler by hand!!! I have a few Pololu 8825 module (got them cheap from you know where) one of which I will mount on a solderless breadboard and run it with Uno loaded with GRBL 8c and check out all these properly before mounting the xPRO. I hope to use a Gigabit BRIX (Celeron 2GHz) fanless PC for the host as it is a tiny unit that runs off 12V/30watt.

    Since I am not an engineer of any description, I am also trying to use Sketchup and SketchUcam. All the videos I have watched so far seems to fly over my head as to how to combine the SketchUcam plug in with Sketchup :banghead: Thanks in advance for any SIMPLE instruction(s) on how to go about it. - Warrier
     
  5. Mike Piechowski

    Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    22
  6. Gopal

    Gopal Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2014
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    25
    Yes I noticed that. But in the setup in the software section (C-Beam Machine GRBL Settings.jpg) it is listed. Hence my concern. Thank you for letting me know that $14 is no longer needed. - Warrier
     

    Attached Files:

  7. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2013
    Messages:
    3,237
    Likes Received:
    1,815
    Please use the latest GRBL, it has many bug fixes and new features that will make your machine run better. It is also hard to answer questions about an old version when we are using the latest and the gui programs all expect to be talking to the latest version so may not work well with the old GRBL.

    I don't think it gets any simpler than my video in my signature below. :)
    But, if there are parts that are unclear please help me to make them clear.

    The basic idea behind sketchucam is that you are cutting flat sheet into shapes.
    Therefore you do not need a 3D drawing, just flat shapes. Having drawn your flat shape, say a rectangle, you now select the sketchucam outside cut tool and add a cutline to the rectangle. Now click the green arrow to generate the g-code.

    That g code will actually cut wood ok but you should first select the parameters dialog and set the bit size and other options, then add the cut lines, then generate g-code.

    Please read the help about all the tools, it really will help you!
     
  8. Darathy

    Darathy New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2016
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    21
    Hey evryone ,i'm looking at ordering this Plate maker and i have a question abaut the collets.

    I'm looking at getting DeWalt 618 motor and see it only has 1/2", 1/4" and 3/8" collets on their site: Accessories for Routers, Planers, & Joiners | DEWALT ,I'm from slovenia and mainly use metric values and would like to get 3mm collet(i acidently ordered 3mm bits withought checking what collets the motor has) ,would any collet fit like these: 12PCs Precision ER20 Spring Collet Set 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 mm or would i need to use the inch bits in order to use the DeWalt 618?
     
    Kyo likes this.
  9. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,852
    Likes Received:
    1,524
  10. Darathy

    Darathy New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2016
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    21
    @Rick 2.0 Thanks i have sent them an email and waiting for their replay. If there isnt know any good motor that uses 3mm collets? and might fit the Plate maker
     
  11. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,852
    Likes Received:
    1,524
    Actually the 618 is probably too large for the plate maker. The Dewalt 611 is far more appropriate. (I believe the 230V version is sold as the dewalt 26200) Precise bits has 3mm collets for it and Elaire would probably make them if requested. The Bosch Colt is also another good option but I don't see 3mm collets listed for it at Elaire Corporation -Router Collets. (Another one you may need to ask about.) But Elaire has a pretty good selection of other metric sizes for both of these routers.
     
  12. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    2,407
    David the swarfer, eddiejr and Kyo like this.
  13. Darathy

    Darathy New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2016
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    21
    @Rick 2.0 Thanks for that ,i will probably order thatone then ,is it capable of cutting aluminium no problem?
    @Mark Carew **** will see if my calculations will add up and see if i can order it by 16th xD

    Ouch 53$ shipping from precise bits ,guess i'll have to settle for higher diameter bits.
     
  14. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,852
    Likes Received:
    1,524
    More than capable. The block below on the right started out looking like the one on the left.

    Blocks.jpg

    Beyond some bulk removal with a 1/2" bit in a drill press, the majority of the hollowing out and cleaning up the inside surfaces was done with a 611 mounted on a hand crank jig.

    As far as the $53 shipping from precisebits, that may be a computer generated auto-response and these often have errors. If you decide to go with them, email them for a more specific quote. But the other company may be the better choice for what you are looking for.
     
    Mark Carew, Darathy, eddiejr and 3 others like this.
  15. Kyo

    Kyo Veteran
    Staff Member Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2014
    Messages:
    673
    Likes Received:
    699
    @Darathy Definitely capable of cutting aluminium! I run a Plate Maker with a Dewalt 611 and precisebits collet set. 80% of what I cut is 1/4" 6061 plate.
    To give you a idea of what I use mine to make; here are some examples.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #1215 Kyo, Jul 13, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2016
  16. Darathy

    Darathy New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2016
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    21
    Says on store you are out of stock ,will you be back in stock by Saturday? and Do you accapt paypal or credit cards?
     
  17. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,852
    Likes Received:
    1,524
    The store is a whole separate entity from the forum so you'll have to ask them. Contact Us or http://support.openbuilds.com/support/home.

    As for the not in stock, they may be holding everything until Saturday. ( Don't know) As for payments, yes and yes. (IIRC)
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  18. dean knipping

    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2015
    Messages:
    84
    Likes Received:
    16
    ok...question for the C-Beam Gods....I am looking at this and the XL (that hasn't been bundled yet gggrrr) and wanted your opinion on the stepper motors. I just saw the high torque NEMA 23 and wanted to know if they were worth the extra $50 over the standard ones that can be kitted with the C-Beam?

    I am going to be doing mostly wood with this but am also going to need to be able to do 6061 as well so it isn't going to be a HUGE deal but if I would rather do it right the first time!
     
  19. chuangatronic

    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    1
    Does anyone have an issues with the z-axis flexing axially? I just tuned my acceleration and max speeds based on the grbl wiki reference and it seems like I found structural weak point. Does anyone else have similar issues?

    I was performing a boring action with a feed rate of 941 mm/min with a 1/8" carbide bit in 6061 T6 aluminum.
     
  20. dean knipping

    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2015
    Messages:
    84
    Likes Received:
    16
    well I didn't hear back from anybody here about the steppers so I just went with the standard NEMA 23s and I am going to assume that is fine for what I will be doing. I am a little disappointed that the CNC xPro was out of stock?!? I would think somebody would have thought about that before the sale and made sure there were plenty in stock. Oh well. trigger has been pulled and I will have to see about the electronics at a later date
     
  21. EvanBruner

    EvanBruner Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2016
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    66
    Yes the axis does flex in my experience. Doubling up the wheels helps immensely. What spindle rpm and DOC were you cutting at?
     
  22. Kyo

    Kyo Veteran
    Staff Member Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2014
    Messages:
    673
    Likes Received:
    699
    I am running the standard nema 23 motors with my plate maker. No complaints with the motors, you should be good to go :thumbsup:
     
  23. Peter Walker

    Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2016
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    1
    Hello everyone,

    I am new to all of this and decided to pull the trigger on purchasing one of these machines for my home maker space. I have purchased the Bosch Colt Router that the machine was built for and also ordered the precision 1/8" collet from Elaire. I ordered my machine early in the morning so I hope they did not run out of stock on anything. If that will be the case, I will wind up cancelling my order. I just got done reading all 41 pages of this forum and want to say thank you to everyone for sharing your experiences. I'm looking forward into learning more of what this is all about.

    I wasn't sure if I should start a new post or just add my question here so as you can see, I chose the latter. I bought the router as mentioned above and saw a few people mention using a CNC Spindle instead for the cutting tool. Has anyone found a good, reliable, air cooled CNC Spindle to use with this machine yet and wouldn't mind providing a link to where I might be able to buy one? Thanks.

    Peter
     
    #1223 Peter Walker, Jul 17, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2016
    EvanBruner likes this.
  24. chuangatronic

    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2015
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    1
    Max RPM on a bosch colt using a helical pattern generated by fusion 360. I can't seem to control the plunge rate of that so I can't really give a doc. I decided to just back down on the feed rate for helical boring.
     
  25. EvanBruner

    EvanBruner Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2016
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    66
    You can control the helical ramping rate with F360. In your speeds and feeds it should be labeled as 'Ramp speed' or something like it. (Rereading your post makes me think you already knew this) You can also adjust the helical entry by modifying the ramp angle in the 'Passes Section'. I use 10 degrees for Mdf and 1 or 2 for aluminum. A combo of these two should help a lot.
     
  26. dean knipping

    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2015
    Messages:
    84
    Likes Received:
    16
    just in case anybody is in the same boat as me and the xPro was out of stock...check Amazon...I just found it from Spark and they now have 6 in stock!
     
  27. p25o1

    p25o1 New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2016
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    4
    hi everyone,

    new here and looking forward to learn,

    my main objective is to build a cnc , and during that process i get to learn more about the parts and systems that make it work

    i'm interested in this model , but was hoping if some one can help me to list out the parts for building one with a bigger area of 1m x 1m (other size recommendation is appreciated , based on experience of available parts).
     
    Peter Walker likes this.
  28. dean knipping

    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2015
    Messages:
    84
    Likes Received:
    16
    from what I have read, if you are looking for something that sized, you may want to look at the OX instead of the C-Beam as it does have a larger build area. It's a different design but I have seen good things on it
     
  29. p25o1

    p25o1 New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2016
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    4
    thx

    i was interested in building the cnc machine using the Linear Actuators,

    had an experience building the tevo 3d printer, which depended on the wheels, and was challenging to balance and adjust all the parts to get an accurate print

    relating to that experience , i'm seeking advice on if its better to use the Linear Actuators for the CNC and going at a 1m range size
     
  30. Evan F

    Evan F New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2015
    Messages:
    44
    Likes Received:
    9
    If by linear actuators you are referring to linear rails/guides, then yes, they are more accurate. They are also more expensive.

    It's a slippery slope. I am in the process of designing/building a replacement for my OX. I started by looking at ballscrews eliminate backlash from belts. Then my next source of backlash is the use of wheels instead of linear rails and bearings. The resulting design gets stronger and more accurate, but much more expensive.
     
    p25o1 likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice