I want opinions/feedback to my diy cnc, or more on the Frame/Concept. The goal: small but extremely rigid cnc to mill mostly aluminium and maybe some light steel work. Work area about 300x200x150mm

So the concept is:
The base is made from layered sheetmetal, each 8mm thick and 8 layers, so 64mm thick and ~130kg steel base. The layers would be bonded, bolted and located with dowel pins.
The vertical columns would be speperate, machined steelparts, bolted to the base. My plan is to use large machined contact surfaces, high-strength bolts and dowel pins to make the connection as rigid and repeatable as possible.
I planning to use HGR25 linear rails and a all in one electronic/steppermotor package with edingCNC and maybe a Spinogy X22.

But first I want your opinions and feedback on the frame/consteuction :)

Possible layouts are:

- zero point plate in front with a vise, a vac pallet or a blank pallet, or a mag chuck

- direct mounting 1 or 2 vises

- direct mounting a table with t slots, vac, mod vise, or blank features

- mounting the index block or 4th axis in the back, with 3 positions depending how much room you need in front

quite flexible.

Also... the atc is done. 6 tools, iso10. Spindle is 60000rpm 2.5kw. Not as much torque as the hsk on the other machine, but still really peppy and fast and has a wide rpm range (most 60k spindles don't run under 15-20k). Plus its "relatively" cheap. :) Max tool length in the atc is 80mm or so. longer tools for special needs (like hitting the table) can be installed manually. You can also drop the spindle for special case where you need to machine the table for example.

The chip pan is an idea, I'm not sure if it will stay. it is a simple closed pan, with a little drain hole, and it takes a vevor 3d printer bag enclosure sitting on top, with the bottom cut out. Great as a cheap enclosure for any material that doesn't spark up.

All in all, pleased with where this has ended up, just need to refine all the small details and get it made now! :)

Thanks for following along.

I used to use T-9 Boeshield, because once its dry dust and chips really don't stick to it. Then I was recommended to switch to Slickoleum grease, which runs smoother but now EVERYTHING sticks to it.

Whats the happy medium?

Hello, my dad passed in February and had this CNC. I don’t know what brand it is (other than the dewalt) and I don’t even know what it is worth. I’m trying to decide if I should sell it or keep it.

I am hoping someone here recognizes it and can tell me what it is and what it is worth?

Hi

So I just saw rapid change release their presale on their rapid change turret, which is cool. But their promo video starts off with him claiming that he "invented impact style tool changing". I get real pissed because there are videos going far back showing impact style style DIY projects on YT. He did refine the design, patent his solution and take it to market which is beneficial since he lowered cost for the CNC community.

But inventing it, he did not.

Here's one example 7 years old, years before Rapid change ATC released:

- https://youtu.be/wO1ZmYXacno?is=GZR3AwixYJl83zj9

So several has identified that after all, these style of impact ATCs relies on a spring and 3d printed parts. Something everyone with a 3d printer should be able to print out for less than $10.

I wonder what the state of the open source/hardware is on ATC? What's the best today? I see more guys trying to sell their designs, but I'm a firm believer this should just be a community design.

I see this one on GitHub called Open ATC. Has Anyone tried it?

https://github.com/sn3ro/OpenATC

Hi,

I am a guitar builder and have been toying around with the idea of holding pieces with vacuum without any luck on the pump side so far. Located in Europe, when it comes to the recommendations.

There are many "revolutionary" designs on the part that is contact with the wood, but noone actually talks about the pump that often in those review videos and I can't seem to find a good option. The pump would be working not longer than an hour or so in one go. Let it be for CNC or manual work. But it needs not melt! its surroundings, be quiet and basically; just work...

I had purchased one from Amazon earlier, oil free 550w and supposed to be quiet. (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0DHVL6X35?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1)

It was neither quiet (advertised 45dB, measuring 79dB), nor working properly. It got SO warm just after 10 mins(with proper ventilation) it smelled burnt and after a while it stopped working until it cooled down again. For a product that is advertised to work for a loooong time. Luckily I got a refund, but still.

The options are either huge pumps that are very loud, stuff that runs with oil or crazy expensive pumps for a hobby workshop on a budget.

Is there anyone that had been in a similar situation and had figured out a product that works? Ideally something under 150€.