Self Propelled Automatic "Bartop Arcade" Extrusion Machine (or, my CNC build)

[Typefighter01]

I've been cutting pieces for a Thien baffle dust separator since this morning, I'll keep you informed about the results.

How bout cutting 2 sets  . Just kidding, but yes, keep me posted as I am getting awfully close to making sawdust.

[Yvan256]

I've been cutting pieces for a Thien baffle dust separator since this morning, I'll keep you informed about the results.

How bout cutting 2 sets  . Just kidding, but yes, keep me posted as I am getting awfully close to making sawdust.

I wouldn't mind so much, however we probably don't use the same size of shop-vac hoses and our dust bucket will probably differ too. I have a shop-vac mini and my dust bucket will be about the same size, it would be too small compared to the sawdust-making capabilities of your machine. 

[floriske.nl]

You project is coming along nicely! Looking forward to seeing your first steps

When using mach3 you could use on of these remotes:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=mach3+remote&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xmach3+mpg+remote&_nkw=mach3+mpg+remote&_sacat=0

A lot cheaper and less childish than the one you posted 

Regarding the dust collection: I can advise the oneida air dust deputy deluxe kit. I have one myself and it works absolutely great!

http://www.oneida-air.com/inventoryD.asp?item_no=AXD000004&CatId={6EE79B16-EB63-43E7-8F30-1E06240A24A4}

[Typefighter01]

When using mach3 you could use on of these remotes:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=mach3+remote&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xmach3+mpg+remote&_nkw=mach3+mpg+remote&_sacat=0

A lot cheaper and less childish than the one you posted 

Wow, those are cheap, I will take a look around for some reviews.

Regarding the dust collection: I can advise the oneida air dust deputy deluxe kit. I have one myself and it works absolutely great!

Looks like it is designed for a shop vac with the 2.5" hose and Mountain has convinced me to step up my vacuum specs to the big stand-up jobbies and 4" hoses, but it is a good link none the less as I haven't pulled the trigger on any dust collection yet.

I've been cutting pieces for a Thien baffle dust separator since this morning, I'll keep you informed about the results.

How bout cutting 2 sets  . Just kidding, but yes, keep me posted as I am getting awfully close to making sawdust.

I wouldn't mind so much, however we probably don't use the same size of shop-vac hoses and our dust bucket will probably differ too. I have a shop-vac mini and my dust bucket will be about the same size, it would be too small compared to the sawdust-making capabilities of your machine. 

I figured as much, just fooling around.

I wish I had some friends who were into arcade building and CNC machines, but all mine are into sports and drinking and I don't do either. It is nice to be part of a community that has similar interests and are so helpful. Thanks to everyone that has stopped by and offered advice, it is appreciated... 

[Typefighter01]

Took me 4 hours last night and 4 hours tonight to finally figure out that the 3.5mm mono chassis jacks that I installed for my limit switches have a switched loudspeaker cut-out  I said to myself when I installed them "Why is there 2 leads for positive when it is a mono jack?". Didn't realize 1 lead went dead when you insert the plug  . Thankfully I did the  X axis right or I never would have figured it out.

I will try to do a big update this coming long weekend as I have a few other items completed including getting the steppers to move under Mach 3  .

[Typefighter01]

DIY, KADE powered, Mach 3 pendant...not too shabby for $70. Graphics are just printed on sticky paper right now, once I am satisfied, I will print on adhesive vinyl and laminate.

I want to use the vinyl cutouts on the button tops like Pongo use to make, anyone know who makes them now? It isn't wired yet as the KADE encoder is still in transit, should have it mid next week.

Couple pics including one of me holding it for scale.

[PL1]

I want to use the vinyl cutouts on the button tops like Pongo use to make, anyone know who makes them now?

SlammedNiss has taken over for Pongo.

B/S/T thread here.


Scott

[Yvan256]

DIY, KADE powered, Mach 3 pendant… not too shabby for $70.

That's a lot of buttons! Mine won't be as fancy as that!

Keep us informed of your progress! 

[Typefighter01]

I want to use the vinyl cutouts on the button tops like Pongo use to make, anyone know who makes them now?

SlammedNiss has taken over for Pongo.

B/S/T thread here.


Scott

Thanks Scott

That's a lot of buttons! Mine won't be as fancy as that!

Keep us informed of your progress! 

Electronics are pretty much done...just have to review my driver dip switch settings and some motor tuning and hopefully I can post a video.

[Buick455]

Looking good TF!!

Really like the diy pendent, I might have to look into that If the Xbox controller I see people using falls short.

I already have an extra controller and USB dongle so we shall see, one day, lol.. At the rate I'm going maybe next Christmas 

[Yvan256]

Any update?   

[Typefighter01]

Looking good TF!!

Thanks Buick...

Any update?   

Yes Yvan, I have a few.

First, I think I have gone as far as I can with the trial version of Mach3. I am, to the best of my knowledge, ready to start installing my electronics on the CNC frame. I have my steppers tuned and running very smoothly and I will just have to test accelaration and velocity on the machine itself to see when they will stall and back them off a bit.

Second, I received my KADE in the mail and I will wire it tommorow night. I have already loaded the firmware and programmed the buttons. I have one end of the DB9 cable attached to the pendant and I will wire the other end to computer later in the week.

I did just finish one cool project...I found myself leaving the 48V power supply and drives turned on when ever I was done testing and shut the computer off. It would always be around a half hour later, I would run down stairs, turn off the switch located at the back of computer and sure enough I would find the steppers hot. I am not too keen on leaving the power supply on for days once it gets into the garage, so I built a relay switch inside an old computer PSU. I installed a 120VAC solid state relay that turns on and off with a 5V signal, I included a 10amp thermal breaker (I currently had no fuses between the incoming house current and the 48V power supply, so this turned into a two birds , one stone affair), I mounted the relay to an old CPU heat sink and plopped a bigger fan on top. I have tested it and it works a charm, probably the most satisfing electrical project I have ever done as I made sure every wire was colour coded, heat shrunk and spec'd and grounded everything properly  . So as it sits, the power supply and stepper drives will always turn off with the computer, but I have intercepted the 5V signal, and I will be able to turn it off independently from the computer as it gets sent to a switch on the pendant and installed a 5V green LED to let me know that it is on.

Third, got a simple ASUS 18.5" LED monitor for my birthday, so that's done.

Fourth, and this is the first time in the project that I have not been able to do exactly what I wanted, I asked all the family to just give my some bucks for my B-Day so I could buy my dust collector, I don't know how much I thought I was going to get, but it turned out to be $200. $200 does not get you a whole hell of a lot when it comes to dust collectors, and going on the advice of Mountain and the guys, I was looking for a 2 or 3HP unit with a canister and some kind of Cyclone or Thien baffle setup, problem is, I need more like $800. So, I ended up getting what I originally was going to pick up as it was $209 out the door. My plan is to get the machine running with the dust collector I bought and then step up to a real collector later on, maybe Christmas. I will take a few pics of it tomorrow.

Fifth, and this is more of an experiment, but I have a type of wire loom that might actually make a pretty good, free, diy, cable drag chain. Before I post pics or describe it, I will test later in the week so I don't look like a doorknob (money is starting to get tight, so expect more free diy options  ).

Question:I am going to take a video later this week describing the CNC electronics and showing the steppers moving, but I am not interested in posting it on YouTube. I really only want to share what I am doing (at least on video anyway) with the BYOAC community. What other options do I have?

Anyway, here are a couple boring pics...

[Typefighter01]

Other than a few zip ties, you can stick a fork in the computer and electrical side of this build...I am done  .

Pendant works perfect  BTW .

Started to work on the drag chain holder on top of the Y axis today and then got bored after dinner so I made a label for the I/O panel on the back of the computer to help keep everything organized (see pic below, including a few pics of the dust collector).

Even though I could not afford the dust collector I wanted, at least my original plan of housing the dust collector under the table will work as the one I bought is the one I took dimensions from when I first built the table.

Next item on my list is to put a shelf under the table and install computer and D/C.

[Yvan256]

Nice to see progress on your CNC build, I can't wait to see you cutting some panels! 

[Typefighter01]

Ridiculously over engineered, complicated, Y axis relative, $16, custom, sheet stock only, CNC dust shoe  .

[Rick]

Ridiculously over engineered, complicated, Y axis relative, $16, custom, sheet stock only, CNC dust shoe  .

Looks awesome! How does the flexible tubing work for you? I had actually used something similar with a dust collector I had, and the damn tubing collapsed under the suction.

I was watching this video last night, and thought about your build.



Now that I have a source for CNC, I'm - so - excited to have them cut my own home-built CNC machine I had been working on. Of course, after watching that video, I'm wondering where I can find 12mm aluminum sheets.


 

[Typefighter01]

Nice video Rick...kind of makes me wish I had popped for the aluminum table top and a real spindle  .
Funny, the guy in the video is using the same type of cable management tubing that I have lined up to use. It is cable management tubing used for Home Theatre setups and I have like 50' of it. Once I finish up the dust shoe I am working on cables next.

Ridiculously over engineered, complicated, Y axis relative, $16, custom, sheet stock only, CNC dust shoe  .

Looks awesome! How does the flexible tubing work for you? I had actually used something similar with a dust collector I had, and the damn tubing collapsed under the suction.

Theres no way it will collapse with the current dust collector, but use it with 5hp and 1800cfm, and it might. There is a coiled plastic wire inside that keeps its shape, I will keep you posted on its performance. Here is a link to just the hose http://www.busybeetools.com/products/HOSE-PVC-4IN.-25FT-ROLL.html .

[Typefighter01]

In case anyone thought this project was dead, it's not, I spent a ridiculous amount of time on the dust shoe and I am now just getting the electronics installed. I could not be more satisfied with my DIY dust shoe, I can't wait to post a video of it in action. Speaking of videos, I took one today for you guys of the CNC in motion and the dust collector turned on, but I don't have a mini Fire Wire cable, so I will have to take another video with my wife's IPhone.

X and Z are moving smooth as glass, but the Y axis is running a little rough, not sure what is going on. I turned the acceleration way down and it is not stalling, but it is doing the rough kind of "grumble" when it is coming to a stop. I will play with the motor tuning and see if I can smooth it out.

I need to mount the monitor to some kind of swivel arm and also make a more solid mount for the dust house to be lifted up out of the way.

Wife suggested two things...first, she said to move the CNC into the middle of the garage storage area so I could get around to all sides of it  (I originally had it tucked into the corner) and second, she "forced" me to grab 2 plug in florescence shop lights so I could see what the hell I was doing  .

Here is a couple of pics, I will post a video as soon as I get a minute.I think I am exactly on target to have a bartop cut by Christmas morning  .

[Yvan256]

It's cool to have a dedicated area for your CNC. I can't wait to see it cutting something, especially with your DIY dust shoe.

[CaptainMarvel]

Okay .... now you KNOW we want to see a video .... SEVERAL VIDEOS, actually .... of your creation in action.


 

[Typefighter01]

Who can tell the difference between the first pic and the second? Those of you that have played with Mach 3 might recognize the tap. file.

I have to help the wife clean the basement, I will check in later to see if anyone can tell which test was the fail (one pic was done a month ago, the other 10min ago). Back in a bit...

[Willlard]

I'm going to guess the top one was the failure since the line goes off the paper?

[Typefighter01]

Welcome to the club Willard  .

Should have offered a free bartop cab to the best guess, might have gotten a few more replys. I was using Mach 3's Roadrunner tap. file for testing around mid October when all of a sudden my x-axis started making grinding noises and missing steps. Long story short, after a whole bunch of trouble shooting, I narrowed it down to a bad driver.

Here I am a month later with new driver in hand and we are back in business (actually, two drivers and two steppers as back ups).

I am at the point now where I need unlocked retail copies of both Mach3 and Vetric Cut2D so I can get a couple bartops cut out. I think for my first round of cabs, I am going to use the bartop I built for my godson as a design starting point (see bartop build link in my sig). Only change I will make for sure is a taller marquee (this will be easy as Corbins cab was built with a 16:10 monitor and I think I will design this one for 16:9 as they are more readily available).

Probably have to wait for xmas monies to buy the full software, so in the mean time, I will continue tuning the motors and see about surfacing my spoilboard.

[Willlard]

Thanks! I wanted to post my project last night but I didn't want to wake anyone up taking pictures. About to post it now.

[Yvan256]

 

Any update

[Typefighter01]

Any update

No real updates to report, I intend to use Christmas money to buy unlocked versions of Mach 3 and either Vetric Cut2D or Artcam Express. George from XZero has been following my build and he e-mailed me suggesting Artcam over Cut2D. Anyone out there using either?

Biggest problem for me right now is the cold. Until I get some heat in there, cutting anything is on hold.

Been spending my time lately putting my old MAME cab back together and playing with CNC software.

I have been following your build Yvan and things look to be coming along nicely, thanks for the bump 

[Yvan256]

Is your CNC up and running? Have you tried cutting steel plates yet? I might need your help to repair my old MDX-3. 

[Typefighter01]

Is your CNC up and running? Have you tried cutting steel plates yet? I might need your help to repair my old MDX-3. 

Today was the first warm day this year...just give me about two more weeks and I am going to move the PC and monitor back out to the garage. I still need OEM Mach 3 and Artcam or Vetric, so I still have some work to do before cutting. This project isn't dead either, it was just too cold to do anything.

However, Thanks for the bumpity bump Yvan

[Yvan256]

Is your CNC up and running yet? 

[Typefighter01]

Sorry Yvan, not sure how I missed your bump 

Anyway, purchased my Mach 3 license last night so thats done, and I finally decided on Artcam Express. I purchased it also last night, but it gets sent to my home by mail with DVD and donggle, should be here next week. I am hoping to have something to show you guys by May 24 weekend.

[sharpfork]

DIY, KADE powered, Mach 3 pendant...not too shabby for $70. Graphics are just printed on sticky paper right now, once I am satisfied, I will print on adhesive vinyl and laminate.

I feel honored having our stuff in this sweet machine. 
 
Awesomness!

[Typefighter01]

DIY, KADE powered, Mach 3 pendant...not too shabby for $70. Graphics are just printed on sticky paper right now, once I am satisfied, I will print on adhesive vinyl and laminate.

I feel honored having our stuff in this sweet machine. 
 
Awesomness!

I liked how you approached the community when developing the KADE (my personal opinion anyway), and I knew while watching it come together, that, at some point, I wanted to support it. It suited the pedant project perfect (both due to its size and it performing flawlessly), and I even had the creator of the ViperXZ, George, e-mail me and ask what the KADE was and how well it was working.

Thanks for stopping in...the "honouring", is mutual 

[Typefighter01]

I need help 

Installed Artcam Express 2013 and when I try to open a file I get an error. The error is "MFP (2016) Internal Error Working Box WLM Status Monitor: Name not found".

A little google fu reveals it is more than likely a graphics card that is either not powerful enough or needs updating (looks like OpenGL 2.0 support is essential).

Needless to say, I know my graphics blow (onboard Radeon 3000/AMD 760G). My question is, when I navigate to the AMD drivers download section and I work my way through the drop down boxes it displays a driver updated 10/15/2013 with a rev#8.97.100.11, but it explains that they have shifted to an "HD" driver support model. But, when I go to my Device Manager and click on 760G and then click "Check to see if there is an updated driver", after the search, it says I am up to date. So...I am confused, my current driver is rev#8.710.0.0 and it was created in 10/02/2010. There must have been updated drivers released for the 760G since 2010, so am I safe installing the 8.97?

The better option is to just bite the bullet and install a nice graphics card (I think my processor/hard drive and memory all score 7.3 or higher with my graphics pooping out at 4.4), I was just hoping to save $75 and install an updated driver.

Throw me some ideas guys if you have any 

Edit: After some additional nosing around, it looks like the integrated  GPU is an "HD" 3000, so I am thinking the latest available driver download from AMD should be safe. Still wouldn't mind someone chiming in before I download them.

[Yvan256]

I need help 

[...]

Throw me some ideas guys if you have any 

Edit: After some additional nosing around, it looks like the integrated  GPU is an "HD" 3000, so I am thinking the latest available driver download from AMD should be safe. Still wouldn't mind someone chiming in before I download them.

If I search for the error you got, I get a link to http://forum.artcam.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=22988&p=86565 which also says it's related to your GPU driver. However, since I haven't really used Windows in almost a decade, I can't offer further help.

You should ask ArtCam themselves for help, is there a list of supported GPUs? If there is such a list, you'll be able to see if your GPU is supported and if it's not, you'll know which is the cheapest GPU you can use.

[Typefighter01]

Posted the same question on Tomshardware forum and I was told as long as I am entering the correct info in the drop down boxes while looking for latest drivers on AMD's site, that I should always follow manufactures driver recommendation, never the OS. Considering the current installed driver is creeping up on 5 years old, there has to be some kind of benefit to installing the latest recommend driver from AMD, even if it doesn't solve this exact problem.

I am going to update it later tonight, I will report back.

Thanks Yvan for taking the time to find a solution 

[Typefighter01]

Complete and utter success 

Driver installed without incident and my WEI score went from 4.4 to 4.5 (minor, but shows there were some performance gains to be had).

Artcam now opens models without any errors....so, lets get this thing together and start cutting 

[Yvan256]

Complete and utter success 

Driver installed without incident and my WEI score went from 4.4 to 4.5 (minor, but shows there were some performance gains to be had).

Artcam now opens models without any errors....so, lets get this thing together and start cutting 

I repaired my MDX-3 again and I'm now cutting the NEMA 23 stepper motor plates for CNC64/CNC86. Let's race. 

P.S.: the race was/is still about who has a working machine first. My old Roland MDX-3 doesn't count!

[Yvan256]

So... when are we going to see a video of your machine cutting up arcade-related parts? 

[Typefighter01]

So... when are we going to see a video of your machine cutting up arcade-related parts? 

Easter egg right at the end of the video for you buddy...thanks for all the motivation 


http://vimeo.com/user21565267/cnc-first-cut

[Yvan256]

http://vimeo.com/user21565267/cnc-first-cut

 

P.S.: you won the race.

edit: I guess it takes another CNC owner to get a smile on his face just by watching a resurfacing job.  ;-)