HEAVY CNC NY USA 🇫🇷
Topsie, thank you for all of your work and for sharing your amazing design. I'm well under way with parts ariving daily.
My build will be 1000x1500. This past weekend I finished my workbench/ base. Have been printing around the clock. The parts I have left to print are the X-axis upper interior and exterior, dragchains and drag chain supports.
Here are a few pics.
Hi @Peter Donovan and nice work!
I was wondering if I should go with a biffier Nema 17 for the Z axis. You just answered my question!
Would you mind sharing the modified XAxis_ZAxisMotor_Holder file?
Thank you!
Also, being a beginner, would you mind explaining why you went with another board + drivers rather than the Arduino/CNC shield + DM542T steppers like Topsie used? I'm building mine right now and this is the last piece I need to figure out.
I'd like to do some complex carving at some point and I just dont know what controlled i should buy.
Thanks for your time!
Here is the link to the Adapters and Adjustable tension Z motor mount.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4560127
I decided to go the GRBL_ESP32 board for a few reasons.
1. Its 32bit architecture and runs faster, Boots in 2 seconds.
2. I'm a big fan of the Trinamic Steppers, there is long list of settings that can be fine tuned I am running the 5160 v1.2 SPI
3. The board has a web interface, no need to run a USB all the time( it has a built in interface that looks like Pronterface, although USB is nice if you want to use UGS or CNCJS
4. It has a Spindle Relay for 110v routers built in, it can also run PWM spindles,( Future upgrade )
5. It has Misting control built in. ( Future Upgrade )
6. Has VDC/ Motor In voltage or 5v fan header.
7. Has PWM Laser control.
8. Probe connector
9. It has Micro SD
Check it out on Tindie, Bart has been super helpful, and responsive. He has a SLACK channel and any questions or problems you run into they can help solve.
https://www.tindie.com/products/33366583/4-axis-trinamic-cnc-controller-for-grbl_esp32/
All in on small board. I'm printing a case for it right now hahahaha
Very nice build Peter, nice tricks to tension the T8 and reduce vibration, I will also use this shorter end lead screw support I think !
@Peter Donovan This seems to be a really nice board indeed full of potential upgrades. In terms of pure cutting/carving performances, do you think there are any differences with the Arduino solution? (i.e. Arduino can't handle complex curves or 2d carving while this one can, etc)
Or maybe it is not related at all...
Ok guys, I've read read it a million places....
LIMIT SWITCHES NEED OPTOS!
Good thing mine arrive tomorrow
Slow progress with work being so busy. Optocouplers arrived, wired up, it definitely makes a difference in false limit activation. Its nice to get the electronics off of the work surface finally. designed and printed an enclosure, just waiting for my fan to arrive to install the cover.
Made a small test plate with a pocket and some holes to work on the speeds and feeds. As well as a few small engraving test projects.
This week I'll be working on the dust collector and full size spoilboard. Then I'll start cutting out some parametric furniture designs.
I read you use a EPS32, did you notice any difference in motors steps calculation ?
Motor step calculation is the same, I'm using 16x Microstepping with my T8-8mm lead. 1.8 Deg steppers. My settings are $100=400 $101=400 $102=400
@Peter Donovan Nice work! Would you mind sharing the octocouplers and power supply links?
Also, I'm looking at a similar wiring grade. Are you using 18/4 shielded with ground drain for the Nemas and 22/3 shielded for the endstops? Any link would help. All I can find is somewhat pricey.
Thanks a lot!