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Tools - FireBall V90 CNC Build - Day 5

hobbybotics — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 04:41:59 +0000

On day 5 I got all of the limit switches mounted to the machine. I spent some time trying to figure out where and how I wanted to mount the switches. I also needed to find an easy way to actuate them when the machine reaches a limit. I scrounged around in my junk parts bin and came up with some pretty neat methods on how to actuate the switches at each limit. The main requirements of my chosen scheme is to make it look neat and keep it functional. Go here to read about the ongoing build and take a look at some pictures along the way.

Tools - FireBall V90 CNC Build - Day 4

hobbybotics — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 05:23:41 +0000

Day 4 of the build is now in the bag. Updates on the V90 status slowed down a bit as I had to wait for the limit switches to arrive. I got the limit switch assemblies completed minus mounting them to the machine. Go here to read about the ongoing build and take a look at some pictures along the way.

Tools - FireBall V90 CNC Build - Day 3

hobbybotics — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:15:50 +0000

Day 3 of the build went somewhat quicker than day 2. I got the machine fully assembled and operational (minus adjustments). Go here to read about the ongoing build and take a look at some pictures along the way.

Tools - FireBall V90 CNC Build - Day 2

hobbybotics — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 16:25:39 +0000

Day 2 of the build is a wrap. I got more accomplished today than I thought I would be able to do. I managed to unwrap and inspect the remainder of the parts in addition to assembling the gantry and the base. Go here to read about the ongoing build and take a look at some pictures along the way.

Tools - FireBall V90 CNC Build - Day 1

hobbybotics — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:11:27 +0000

So, my FireBall V90 CNC machine arrived on 30 May 2012. The posts that follow will document the build and my user experience. Day 1 started with me opening and inspecting the components. Go here to read about the ongoing build and take a look at some pictures along the way.

Tools - FireBall V90 CNC

hobbybotics — Sun, 13 May 2012 01:16:34 +0000

Today I managed to gather enough nerve to purchase a FireBall V90 CNC machine with all the bells and whistles from Probotix for under $2000. The V90 has the following features:

Approximately 12″ x 18″
Thomson precision linear shafts
Oilite bearings
Precision Acme 2-start lead screws
Anti-backlash drive nuts
CNC USB controller and software
Aluminum T-slot extrusion spoil board
Bosh Colt PR20EVSK Router and holder
MeshCam software
3-Axis ProboStep Motor/Driver Kit
40 VDC Linear RTR power supply
Larger enclosure for power supply and motor controllers
220 in/min rapids

The machine is supported by the FireBall CNC Yahoo Group.

Gah. Small update.

thebuildroom — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:14:20 +0000

Ok all, there comes a time when you just have to admit defeat. I’m getting tired of doing everything the hard way, and I’ve decided that it’s time to go ahead and get non-diy stuff now. I’ve been tinkering with my non-working mill for a while now, and i’m just downright tired of not being able to cut any parts out. (or even move the mill with my computer lol)

At the last update, you saw pictures of my “kind of” assembled CNC. No where near complete, I had everything sort of mocked up. Well, due to an oversight on my part, I should have had the parts cut from .5″ plywood, but i had it cut with .75″ thick stuff. Doesn’t appear to be a big deal, but it’s amazing how an extra 1/4″ of thickness really messes up a design.

So this brings me to my next thing.

I am going to buy this machine,

http://microcarve.com/mcMV1.html (Microcarve MV3) ($549.00)

along with this Ready to run CNC 3 axis kit

3-Axis ProboStep Stepper Motor Driver Kit ($404.95)

And eventually once I break or wear out my Dremel 300,

http://www.wolfgangengineering.com/Home.php (TB650 complete package) $289.00

So I know it seems like alot of cash out, but i’m basically putting together a kit that will be almost plug -n-play.

Since no parts have been ordered yet, my total cost remains the same. More updates soon.

Kit Review: Mini Mill CNC Conversion

Nick Raymond — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:30:38 +0000

Instructions on Make: Projects What do you do when you want a CNC machine but don’t have the r

FireBall V90 CNC Router Kit

Jake Spurlock — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:23:02 +0000

Although the V90 is an entry-level machine, it’s decidedly not a toy. The way it functions is complicated — a platform carries the tool holder; a larger gantry moves the tool back and forth; the frame positions the gantry; and it’s all driven by a motor turning the screw interposed between two shafts. Indeed, this three-axis Cartesian robot is probably the most complex machine I’ve ever built, and I had expected it to be correspondingly difficult to assemble; however, quite the contrary — it’s easier than many common bike repairs. A thriving community actively updates the online build guide, and all the materials were very helpful during my own build.

3-Axis Monster Mill Stepper Motor Driver Kit

Jake Spurlock — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:03:57 +0000

Probotix offers several kits that add computer numeric control (CNC) to the X2 Mini Mill. I used their 3-Axis Monster Mill Stepper Motor Driver kit, plus a Ready-to-Run bundle that includes some additional components required to get it operational. For the computer itself, I used my old ThinkPad, but if your laptop is too new to have a parallel port, Probotix offers USB and PBX-RF breakout boards. Once the electronics are mounted and connected, you just need to install and configure CNC software, such as Mach3 or EMC2.

As a final step, you can fine-tune the machine and install limit switches and emergency buttons, which, although not included or required, are a safety feature that will inevitably prevent you from crashing your machine someday. Then, if you did everything correctly, you should be able to design and automatically mill your own precise and identical custom parts.