The GREEN MACHINE

[artwood_decor]

I've been addicted of this forum for about a year now, after participating in a laserbits laser clinic
http://www.laserbits.com/index.php?main ... &chapter=0
Now it is time to start building my machine.
It is based on Bart's 2.x design with slight modifications, for increased working area.

Parts from Bart will ship soon and Misumi + Lightobject parts will follow after.
I have decided to order the laser tube and laser power supply when everything is ready for alignment.

I intend to run the machine by Mach 3 initially, and switch to LO DSP after.

[artwood_decor]

Received parts from Bart before Christmas. Thank you.
Also purchased:
-aluminum grid for the table
-all necessary belts.
-water pump


Bart, it looks like my e-mail doesn't find it's way to your inbox anymore (tried twice at about 1 week interval).
Apparently you forgot my 200mm black anodized Makerslide.
I will order some more parts from you soon, and you can add it to that shipment.

Lucian

[artwood_decor]

I have the 4 axis stepper driver and planning to use it with MACH 3 for the beginning.

http://www.buildlog.net/blog/2011/08/open-source-4-axis-stepper-driver/

Can I use limit switches with this board?

Is there any diagram on how to use laser PS and this 4 axis controller.

(I have a feeling I am missing something in the whole picture... )

[bdring]

The 4 axis controller is for the drivers only. It does not break out the limit switches.

[artwood_decor]

Thanks Bart.

I have an extra Breakout board, same one I am using for my CNC router.

http://probotix.com/breakout_boards/pbx-rf_isolated_breakout_board/

Can I use it with the 4 axis Pololu controller, and take advantage of isolation protection and limit switch feature?

[bdring]

I think it will work. The wiring starts to get a little messy. Putting optical isolators in front of schmitt triggers could start to affect the pulse integrity a little. You might need to lengthen the step pulse in Mach3.

[artwood_decor]

Tube and LPS from CNColetech arrived.
I've seen better packaging from other builders. Fortunately the tube was in one piece.
The Power supply box was damaged, so I'm concerned if it will work or not.
I have contacted CNColetech and they asked for pictures. No answer so far.

The box was not difficult to fix, but thinking of the shocks it went through to get lige that makes me nervous...

[artwood_decor]

I have (almost) finished assembling the frame, and realized I don't have the rubber feet.

Found some good replacement parts at Home Depot. I have used 1" diameter. You have to add M5 bolts, washers and nuts.

package as sold at home depot

surface grip package.jpg (25.53 KiB) Viewed 27325 times

part is intended to be used with wood screw

anti skid 1in.png (57.98 KiB) Viewed 27325 times

before assembly

after assembly

[artwood_decor]

I have aligned the mirrors and fired the tube for the first time.

More details here:
http://www.buildlog.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1569

[artwood_decor]

Can I use the "motor disable" with 4 axis POLOLU controller and MACH 3?
http://www.buildlog.net/blog/2011/08/open-source-4-axis-stepper-driver/