Robert Hummel published a new build:

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Robert that plate in your last pic has got me excited about this build! and you use SketchUcam to make them how cool is that! great stuff keep up the good work the build is already looking top notch.

Ty kram, and yes it can cut balsa wood easy as for ply wood I have not tried it. The laser in this build is only 1 watt. I would say a 1.5 - 2 watt would be better for ply all that would be needed really is a lower value resistor and cooling fan for the laser module

Good info, thank you for the update Robert
The build is looking great BTW

Ty just linked to a video of the y axis test wiring the x axis now

Nice and smoooooth

Question; since your not using eccentrics did you move the holes in your plate design in so that you would have a pre-load already?

To tell you the truth I'm kicking myself in the butt for not getting some, I basically pre load them with light pressure then tighten. Two wheels don't move the others slide in to tighten on the rails when I pinch them/tighten, a lot more tinkering and adjusting to get things smooth

X tested just as smooth
Getting close

Here's a little tip I learned while working on v wheels without eccentrics. With the gantry on the rail. If you can get a clamp across head of the screws (above the plate) and squeeze them together (I know it would be hard with these being low profile) you will create a slight angle then you tighten them down. What happens is the screw will want to line up straight to take the angle out and in doing so it will pull itself into the rail creating a pre-load Hope this helps

That's how I do it
Will be getting some eccentrics for sure next time.
I just finished config of mm per min and 1/16 stepping. Things work great, just finding the max speeds

Just when I thought I knew something special

Very cool! You know you may have to start selling this diver board, I know I want one!
BTW the XY look great working together. Are you using one motor on the Y for both sides? That's what it looks like, are you noticing any racking at all?

Yes I'm using one motor for each axis , on the laser mount/rack there is no issues. On the x I did at first but got rid of it with adjusting the wheels. If I was to have a z I would use 2 motors for sure.
I know the stepstick can run two nema 17 motors so I'm going to add another pin header on the driver boards motor output along with micro stepping jumpers.
I most deff will make and send you a sample board and you can give me some input in return

I just posted its first g-code run after config
Working on the board mods now since I can't cut any extrusion "kids are sleeping"
I got a blade that cuts like butter for $22 very nice clean cuts with dead square ends, Ty for the advice

You got my brain running now and I have the parts, so another motor it is and then I can be 100% on the racking of the x axis and pull off faster mm/min

Thats a great idea then like you said you can slave them off the same axis with out having to come up with some wire block to bring the two sets together. That is going to be a nice feature.

YES!!! Thank you Robert I will put it to good use
I agree even though you know its not racking it will be nice to not have to worry about it and like you say quicker speeds as a bonus.
Keep up the good work my friend its looking great.

I

Well got it done last night before bed and cut some 20x40 for legs to get the assembly up off the ground this morning
Way better performance and no worries of racking at all.
I added the dual motor pins and micro stepping pin options to the PCB layout.
Your board will have the new options to make it a little more flexible to what ever build you decide to attempt.

P.S
What color would you like the board
Red,Blue,Green or Purple?

thats great to hear!
Blue! Please let me know what I owe you (and your paypal email) for this including shipping I will paypal you the dough
Thanks Robert
Mark

Blue it is bud!
BTW 10,000 mm/min without a hickup
Around 6.5 inchs a sec
Video is in build
Off to make your board

SWEET!
The Laser V is flying! I love that you went with the dual x set up I think that was a wise decision for this build seeing that you it to be as accurate as possible, that should help a lot.

Yeah!
Thanks Robert
Mark

Well your very own Laser V Driver board is ready and tested.


If you know what laser diode you plan on using I can set the current for you before I ship it

That looks awesome!
Thank you Robert!

Not sure but I am guessing same as yours, do you know where I can get it?
How soon before you have the parts list links

Ok I will just set it for 125ma, this way you can get a blue-ray diode, can burn wood, cut foam, misc stencil work.
If you get a 1-2w 445nm diode then you just have to turn up current control to max. Should run the 445nm diode at 1w max
Both can be found on eBay just be sure to search well and you only need the diode.
Some will list the 445nm for around $45, anything more is crazy.
http://bit.ly/1bFdoQr
The 405nm blue-ray diode maybe $25.
Be sure to buy safety glasses, again eBay $14 is average with a case.
Make sure they are rated for your wave length " RED in my case 445nm
http://bit.ly/1bFd2JM
" BLUE for a red laser
http://bit.ly/1h19ItA
again read up on basic laser safety and you will be good.

Then you can always get that old DVD burner out and extract its diode and run your board @ 250ma and do the same things as the Blu-Ray diode just nothing white and a glass lens for 650nm is needed

I have a spare diode housing I will send with your board, if you use a 1-2 w 445nm diode then be sure to cool the housing with a fan

As for a lens for the 405-445nm
http://bit.ly/1bFdJmd

For 650nm good price for housing and lens
http://bit.ly/1bFe7kN


I'll be working on a parts list ASAP,
also be updating the driver board parts list to what will be the new standard "your boards version"

I will be shipping your board tomorrow or the next.
Do I just ship it to open builds address?

Thanks for the info Robert I will read up on it.

Nice!
Yes if you can ship to that address that would be great, can't wait!

What do you think of this set up
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321271448327?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

With one of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laser-Diode...867?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20d5de306b

or this kind
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Laser-Modul...606?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c34d8c486

first and third links are perfect

Got'em
Thanks

Robert can you tell me what the NEMA (11,14?) for the steppers you are using are?
Thanks
Mark

I believe they are NEMA 11 the specs are as follows
1.8 angle
200 steps per rev
300ma per phase
Shaft is 4.7mm
Can't find them to easy, lucked out with a wholesale place and grabbed all their stock.
Still have 6 more