Building a desktop CNC mill - part 12

What I didn't mention in the vid is the price of the Gecko drive. It runs for about $245. Which is why I hesitated in the beginning to make such an investment. But again and again I'm learning that when you buy China junk, you get less than you pay for. In your quest of building your dream machine, always question the quality of what you're buying. This philosophy works both ways. I've seen some really interesting cnc machines running chain drives instead of the expensive ball screw units and they look pretty sturdy, for example. "Know what you're going to do with your machine before you build it" is a big lesson I've learned in my experience so far.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• cnc
• gecko
• drive
• homemade
• homebuilt
• axis
• machine
• milling
• steel

[WilliamTang]

hey , i got a little bit problem about the software , how did you know the each of the step ?

[modiphyd]

@WilliamTang use the Wizard in Mach 3. You tell it how far you want it to move...it moves..and then you type in how far it actually moved. The software does the rest. Do this with each axis.

[commadore129]

Hey Modiphyd, Can't wait to see any updates that you might have.

[modiphyd]

@commadore129 The mill is essentially finished, I've just been swamped with overtime at work. I'd like my last "building" vid to be correct. I hope to get it up by this weekend. While it will be the conclusion of "How to Build.." I'm very excited about the next phase of design with CAD/CAM software, export with the DWG/DXF file, proof the G-code, and cut the parts you dream about..and it not breaking the bank...lol

[pashabulker12]

Hi just wondering what size stepper motors you are using. I thought I heard you say in a previous video you were using nema 23, 640 oz/in. Did you buy them from Keling because I can only see 570 oz/in and they draw 5A per phase.

Those g540 geckodrives can only handle 3.5A per phase. Can't see how these numbers are going to add up. I'm guessing its something to do with how you wire your stepper motors.

PS. Best machine I've seen so far in terms of simplicity and strength.

[modiphyd]

@pashabulker12 Yes the stepper motor specs are correct. I was foolish to buy motors with such a high oz/in, but I was sort of buying for the future, although I've actually seen 800 oz-in steppers being sold in a combo with the 6560 board..*man that makes me mad*. A reasonable motor would be a square frame nema 23 300 oz/in motor in combo with the gecko drive I have now. Although it will work just fine, I won't see close to what the motors are capable of.

[NuvolariF1]

I just stumbled on your vid. Great job. I will start from the beginning and follow on through. I am a trained aerospace machinist and I find you videos interesting and very informational. Thanks.

[commadore129]

Hey Modiphyd, I been trying out some odds and ends for programing. I am not new to auto cad from machine trades, and We used to use feature cam for post processing and I was doing a lot with that and also with Solid Works i have an evaluation for it and I have to say it's the best cad system I have used yet. I hear it's about $80.00 for the licence but i'm not sure yet. But i do know programs like mastercam and visual mill are way to expensive to consider. I hope that helps.

[irishkendoll]

i ran gecko g540 on my older machine liked it.

[commadore129]

Okay thanks for the help my cnc project is at a stand still state since i'm out of work right now lol. I was looking to find a way to use the old power source that i have and spend more on the more inportant stuff like bearings and ball screws. I do this kind of work for a living (machinist). I want to build my for use with a 4th axis too. So i can cut gears in brass and steel. Thanks for your help.