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Routy CNC Router (V-Slot Belt & Pinion)

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by kram242, Nov 11, 2013.

  1. Protodrake

    Protodrake Well-Known Builder

  2. Chris Allen

    Chris Allen Journeyman Builder

    I have the same as you, but haven't busted out the soldering iron yet (got an unassembled board). Good to know it works fine.
  3. Cuse

    Cuse New Builder

    Think my frame is finished. I might need to do a better job with the z-axis leadscrew, but i'll see how it goes. My driver board and power supply should be in on Friday so i can hook up all the stepper motors!

    Attached Files:

  4. JustinTime

    JustinTime Veteran Builder

    Looks good, Cuse. Just needs the bed and it's done! Besides the electronics, of course. :D

    I just wish I didn't have to tilt my head, till it hurts, to the left to see the pics properly! LOL
  5. The Dude

    The Dude Veteran Builder

    Hey man it works. Got the spindle going and all 3 axes :)

    It's kinda slow cause I have it all turned down for safety until I get the limit switches on. I tested it at 200mm/s and it does fine.
    kram242 and Chris Allen like this.
  6. Chris Allen

    Chris Allen Journeyman Builder

    Can you tell me what type of screws you used for the ends of the z-axis v slot? Did you tap them separately or use self tapping screws? If you use self tappers, does that make it a one time deal ( i.e. you can't undo it and do it back up again ) or does it make a reusable thread?
  7. kram242

    kram242 OpenBuilds Team Staff Member Builder

    @The Dude Nice job! Love to see a machine come alive :)
  8. The Dude

    The Dude Veteran Builder

    I tapped the ends of all the axes using my m5x8mm screws. It took about 15min per screw. I used vegetable oil for lubricant and dabbed off the removed aluminum with a paper towel. I can definitely remove and rescrew the screws. I think self-tapping screws can have problems cause they will re-tap if you screw them in wrong the second time. Maybe if you just used one self-tapping screw on all the holes and then after it's tapped use a normal screw it will be reuseable?
    Chris Allen likes this.
  9. Chris Allen

    Chris Allen Journeyman Builder

    Thanks, I don't really want to buy a dedicated tap and die for just a couple of holes, but I also know that pretty much every screw I have used has been in and out multiple times before I have worked out how it is supposed to go together.

    Also, I borrowed your 20x80 z axis idea. Works better with my custom spindle mount, and should be a bit more stable.
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2014
  10. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 Journeyman Builder

    Umm... M5x0.8 taps can be had for as little as $1.99. Not great quality at that price but they will still save you about 14 minutes per hole.
  11. Chris Allen

    Chris Allen Journeyman Builder

    Cheapest I can find in the UK is closer to $10.
  12. Colin Russon

    Colin Russon Journeyman Builder

    Here are some files based on my version of the Routy CNC, I hope it helps in the parts list debate but bear in mind this version is slightly different from the openbuilds version.

    1. I use Domed bolts a lot more, I think it helps make the machine look a little better than using T-Nuts or Low Profile screws
    2. My Z axis is different, I think it is simpler and it utilizes the anti-backlash Delrin Nut featured on this forum elsewhere, mine has been adapted to suit V-Slot and Makerslide profiles and it is thicker than the one featured elsewhere.
    3. I use Cast connectors rather than L plates a lot more on my builds, I think it gives the machine a bit more rigidity.... Routy-Y-Axis2.pdf
    4. I use 4 hole Plates instead of 3.
    5. Other stuff may be different as well!
    6. I hope, given time, to produce a reference for the X and Y axis the same as I have on the Z, plus reference charts for the gantry sections, arms and other parts. I will upload them when they are complete.
    7. The build will change again soon as I want to utilize other components to make the build simpler. I will post details again when the build changes.

    Attached Files:

    Chris Allen likes this.
  13. rafael angel

    rafael angel New Builder

    hello all from spain!
    I'm finishing the this project. I have used a cnc shield grbl (without soldering), arduino and pololu 4988.
    This week will have a lead screw (from UK).
    I will post photos soon! (I hope).
    Sorry for my english.
  14. Chris Allen

    Chris Allen Journeyman Builder

    Great job. I would prefer a thicker z axis if you are going to put a lot of weight on it though. Maybe even a double gantry plate somehow? Some of those routers are huge!

    welcome, nice to see lots of builds coming together
  15. Colin Russon

    Colin Russon Journeyman Builder

    I don't think the Routy as it stands warrants a thicker Z axis... in my eyes it is has been developed to cut ply woods, mdf, plastics, even thin soft metals like aluminium sheet. Of course given the right build and the right spindle with of course the proper tool bit it can cut far more materials than that as is proven by Mark's use of his Routy machine to cut Garolite, however I would still class the Routy as a very light CNC machine so putting a large router on the frame is expecting a little too much.

    The OX is far better suited for the larger Routers.
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2014
  16. Colin Russon

    Colin Russon Journeyman Builder

    This is how my Z axis works... it uses SK shaft supports which come in a great deal of sizes, any of which can be placed onto the 2020 horizontal profile.. and it is very rigid but it does lose a portion of the Y axis cut length.

    Attached Files:

    kram242 likes this.
  17. Chris Allen

    Chris Allen Journeyman Builder

    I like the flexi shaft spindle on your site, but 43W seems a little light even for wood. How does it perform on a routy?
  18. Colin Russon

    Colin Russon Journeyman Builder

    I hope to make a video of it cutting soon, lack of time just beats me. This spindle will actually cut brass and aluminium, but it is a light spindle, more of a hobby spindle if you like but it will cut a lot of materials with the correct tool bit. The correct tool bit is far more important than spindle ability or power.
  19. JustinTime

    JustinTime Veteran Builder

    The PhlatPrinter has as standard a flexshaft as a spindle. I cut with it many materials including pcbs. I didn't cut aluminium because the machine is made of MDF and you can't even let it smell liquid, otherwise I would have cut thicker metal with it.
  20. Bryant

    Bryant Well-Known Builder

    Robert Hummel and kram242 like this.
  21. Protodrake

    Protodrake Well-Known Builder

    Hey guys! Grand opening of Protodrake.ca!
    10% of all orders this week using coupon code : grand opening
    The 10% also works for the Routy kits!
    Hope to see you all soon!
    kram242 likes this.
  22. Chris Allen

    Chris Allen Journeyman Builder

    Back with another question. What are people using for lubricant on their leadscrew? A specialist product or something more general?
  23. Tweakie

    Tweakie OpenBuilds Team Staff Member Builder

    I don’t know if this is relevant but I have ballscrews and I just use a standard multigrade engine oil (sparingly).

    Tweakie.
    Chris Allen likes this.
  24. kram242

    kram242 OpenBuilds Team Staff Member Builder

  25. Greenman

    Greenman Journeyman Builder

    Could I use the same electronics bundle as used on the Ox? In the build sheet it says to use the version 5 shield. Also the guy who sells the bundle is out of stock anywhere else to buy them in the USA?
  26. Chris Allen

    Chris Allen Journeyman Builder

    Yes, you could. There are lots of options for electronics, including the TinyG, the gShield and the protoneer CNC shield. All three are good choices for the Routy. You just need to make sure that whatever you buy can provide enough current for your motors.
    kram242 likes this.
  27. Forrest DIetrich

    Forrest DIetrich Journeyman Builder

    I currently have it working with a gShield v5 (by synthetos, website says it will be back in stock mid-February ) on an Arduino U3. Loading software into Arduino was pretty simple ( https://github.com/grbl/grbl/wiki/Flashing-Grbl-to-an-Arduino using Windows and XLoader) and Sketchup with PhlatBoyz SketckUCam add-in. Still playing around cutting some 1/4" plywood for practice, to make better brackets to hold Dremel tool. I have ordered some garlite and aluminum from McMasters Carr which should get here today, then I may try some V-Plates. Playing around with different bits and speeds. Setup seems pretty robust, I had to change around the wires until I got everything running the right direction, and nothing burned out. Does seem I will need to run this pretty slow to keep accurate with multiple passes ... I plan to try tgFX and TinyG at some point in the future, plus the gShield v5 with Arduino Due as it will automatically switch to the 3.3 volts.
    kram242 likes this.
  28. Greenman

    Greenman Journeyman Builder

    Were did you guys end up buying the lead screw and nut? I don't see it on the open builds site.
  29. Forrest DIetrich

    Forrest DIetrich Journeyman Builder

    There was some info about this in earlier emails that I followed ... here is what I ordered. I modified the Flange Nut into a wood block ... note this includes two 12" lead screws ...

    Shipping for 3-day Fedex was about $12 for sending to Texas ...

    Seems to work good for me ... I measured and calibrated the setting based on actual movement.

    [​IMG]
    Part NumberDescriptionQtyLengthUnit PriceLine Price
    60764Hi-Lead Screw, 1/4 X .250, RH, Stainless Steel
    Lead time: 1 - 2 business days212.00$14.94$29.88
    91948Hi-Lead Flange Nut, 1/4 X .250, RH, Plastic
    Lead time: 1 - 2 business days1$13.71$13.71
    91186Hi-Lead Threaded Mount Nut, 1/4 X .250, RH, Plastic
    Lead time: 1 - 2 business days1$27.29$27.29
    Note:Sub Total:
    Tax:
    Shipping & Handling:

    Total:$70.88
    $.00
    $.00

    $70.88
    All shipping & handling costs not billed collect will be prepaid and added to the invoice.
  30. Forrest DIetrich

    Forrest DIetrich Journeyman Builder

    By the way, seems Mark and most people now though are recommending an 8 mm screw ... for a bit more heft.

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