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Hi Guys,
I couldn’t pass up this thread, but I felt the need to try and make some of you feel better about your learning experience. I have (3) 3D printers, an EggBot, a NextEngine, and a Fuel3D scanner. Not to mention an X-Box 360 hacked scanner. Each of these purchases came with a learning curve not to mention modifications.
I am a mechanical engineer of 35 years and love to tinker so after researching all the different routers, china and USA types I decided to go all out with the 1000mm XCarve full blown.
I designed and printed my own dust collection system, Ordered different sized ER-11 collets, Then I started to cut some aluminum dog tags. I couldn’t even get a good engraving of letters much less cut out shapes in .040" material.
So after hours of trying different things and reading hundreds of threads on this forum I have the hardware to stiiffen the x-axis, a dewalt 611 router and spindle holder, on order. I’m designing a new dust shoe to 3D print on my Makerbot. Then I’ll try it all over again. Once that’s done I’ll move onto Vectric trail software. I do all my 3D design work in SolidWorks, then I’ll see what’s next.
I wish that Inventables included the stiffener between the extrusions on the x axis and made the DeWalt 611 the top of the line but live and learn.
I still think I made the BEST choice. Their service is by far the BEST.
The stiffening mod most refer too is a steel plate sandwiched between the x axis. This prevents it from sagging in the middle especially with the dewalt or other heavier routers. Very hard to see in my photo. But I have done this and it seems to have helped even with the stock spindle.
This is the article I followed… Mostly. I got the steel bar from lowes. It’s a store in the U.S. If you are not here.
It was simple honestly. Put the bar in. I matches it with the bottom so it was flush there. Then clamped the axis with the bar in. Took the z carriage off while taking the axis off. So I ended up with two pieces of makerslide clamped with steel between them. Then used furniture bolts and their nuts to attach them. I used the drill press and a 1/4 inch bit all the way through. Then a 5/8 through half of one of the maker slide. This was done because the nut is thicker than the bolt. I did this four times and then re attached it all. Seems to work wonders. Has gotten rid of a lot of the nasty sounds and some chatter I had heard.
I have not gotten the 1/8 collet for the dewalt yet. I had been hoping cncroutershop http://www.cncroutershop.com/us_en/ in tri county would have one… Which sadly they do not. So I will be ordering one tonight.
What I am doing with the router needs a sharper inside corner that 1/4 doesn’t give. Of course it is possible to get 1/4 shank to 1/8 bit size as well.
