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[Newbie] First Cnc Build : Hd Router/mill
- Thread starter Iceman
- Start date
The enclosure is 24x20x8 made by Yuco (?) found on Amazon. It isn't the highest quality, but it didn't break bank - came a horrible beige color, nothing two cans of protection enamel spray paint couldn't fix. Accidentally signed the front panel with a thumb print this morning as a small section is still curing.
The meters you see (I am also a sucker for instrumentation) are Volt meters, to measure the split phase and phase legs on the input, and the the 24VDC control voltage. I have though about measuring the current each driver is drawing with ammeters, I bought a Shurite Edgewise series meter to scope it out, and it requires a rectangular mounting hole (what a pain). Any good tips - wish there were rectangular knockout tools like the round ones I used on the holes. I also have fuse holders for the stepper drivers, not exactly sure on where the stepper driver ammeters and fuse holders are going to go.
The panel is a good size, and I know it looks like it was planned, but I feel like it is still too small. I've seen it written before, find the size you think you need, and add 4-6 inches on both sides - you'll almost never curse it being too big, but slightly small creates headaches. I think this enclosure will just barely work - I may need to come off with conduit to a small secondary box for stepper driver instrumentation, and eventually with a third box for the VFD/Spindle controls.
Slowly making progress, it will come in waves as I suspect these things often do.
-IM
The meters you see (I am also a sucker for instrumentation) are Volt meters, to measure the split phase and phase legs on the input, and the the 24VDC control voltage. I have though about measuring the current each driver is drawing with ammeters, I bought a Shurite Edgewise series meter to scope it out, and it requires a rectangular mounting hole (what a pain). Any good tips - wish there were rectangular knockout tools like the round ones I used on the holes. I also have fuse holders for the stepper drivers, not exactly sure on where the stepper driver ammeters and fuse holders are going to go.
The panel is a good size, and I know it looks like it was planned, but I feel like it is still too small. I've seen it written before, find the size you think you need, and add 4-6 inches on both sides - you'll almost never curse it being too big, but slightly small creates headaches. I think this enclosure will just barely work - I may need to come off with conduit to a small secondary box for stepper driver instrumentation, and eventually with a third box for the VFD/Spindle controls.
Slowly making progress, it will come in waves as I suspect these things often do.
-IM
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2014
- Messages
- 2,274
I agree with the logic of larger is better than smaller in most cases. for your rectangular holes and depending on the gauge of the sheet metal you could use a nibbler after drilling as much as you can and then clean up with a file. You can find Nibblers under $50 that say they are good up to 18 Gauge steel. If you use the nibbler be sure to put some tape down to protect your paint finish from the tool. Also if you do add current meters, be sure to put on on the Spindle motor. When I was using a smaller mill I used one and it was a great way to keep me from over loading the motor.
I've decided to hold what I have - this is after all version Mk 1. Mod 0. The ammeters would be great, but I don't want to clutter the panel. The next Version, or perhaps down the road I can implement some type of current transformer/ pickup system and touch screen user interface that monitors the system in conjunction with what is already there. Always looking to improve the human/machine interface.
I have the holes drilled for the cannon plugs, and I need to dill/punch the last hole for the main power feed before I can reassemble the cabinet and drop in the bulk of the electronics. I can then start to mount the front panel components, and continue on with the wiring and testing. I am including two 14 pin cannon plugs along with the four 4 pin stepper cannon plugs to accommodate I/O needs, position sensors, limit switches, etc. I also need to figure out how I'm going to get a DB15 pin cable in to the panel for the MPG I have that works with the Hicon. Looking for a panel mount for the DB15 hasn't yielding much. I also need to panel mount the ethernet - that or go for a cable gland system. Le sigh.
I should be so fortunate that I am able to frustrate myself with entertaining challenges on the side.
-IM
I have the holes drilled for the cannon plugs, and I need to dill/punch the last hole for the main power feed before I can reassemble the cabinet and drop in the bulk of the electronics. I can then start to mount the front panel components, and continue on with the wiring and testing. I am including two 14 pin cannon plugs along with the four 4 pin stepper cannon plugs to accommodate I/O needs, position sensors, limit switches, etc. I also need to figure out how I'm going to get a DB15 pin cable in to the panel for the MPG I have that works with the Hicon. Looking for a panel mount for the DB15 hasn't yielding much. I also need to panel mount the ethernet - that or go for a cable gland system. Le sigh.
I should be so fortunate that I am able to frustrate myself with entertaining challenges on the side.
-IM
Disclaimer: The holes are not perfect : especially the cannon plug bulkhead screw holes - I feel like it's going to be a rat tail file kind of assembly (I.E. "Assembly went smooth, but it was somewhat of an organic process").
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- Joined
- Feb 8, 2014
- Messages
- 11,176
Ask and ye shall receive - alas, I need a old school DB15, not the db-HD15 - Picky, I know. I had read some bad reviews on Allied (after my 5th- or 6th order) - but have had no issues with them, and they seem to have a good stock selection.
Thank you for taking the time to help source parts. The cat 6 port looks perfect for my needs. Phoenix Contact also makes some interesting panel mount ports (industrial ethernet - way overkill)
-IM
Thank you for taking the time to help source parts. The cat 6 port looks perfect for my needs. Phoenix Contact also makes some interesting panel mount ports (industrial ethernet - way overkill)
-IM
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2014
- Messages
- 11,176
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Now thats a thing of beauty. Wish it had cat5/6 too - it would be perfect. The more I research, the more interested in the M12/M8 cable standards for sensors and such - but that will have to be a V2 thing.
I think that second find is going to be the win.
Thanks for that find.
Tomorrow I'll hopefully get to a point when the electronics/electrical drop into the main enclosure. It will make some of the wiring harder, but enable the final wiring at the same time - the old chicken and the egg dilemma.
-IM
I think that second find is going to be the win.
Thanks for that find.
Tomorrow I'll hopefully get to a point when the electronics/electrical drop into the main enclosure. It will make some of the wiring harder, but enable the final wiring at the same time - the old chicken and the egg dilemma.
-IM
The main switches other than the E-Stop (which was made by Fuji) are Mfg. by IDEC. I have limited experience, but the first few switches I bought were so cheap (overseas poorly made IE Uxcel - stay away) -( but hard to pass up) - ended up feeling terrible. Poor actuation feel, just did not feel proper for such a project (or maybe even safe). The IDEC switches are superb. They feel like they will outlive this project.