Modular Synth Panels

I am actually thinking of getting a small cnc machine do both panels and green circuit boards.  I would share it as I don’t need the full capacity of the thing.  I was thinking of drafting the Ills , expert panel designers they are but when costing out a trapezoid via a while back an fpd panel costed out to over $200.  One tenth the cost od some cnc rigs.

Check out cnczone.com Lots of helpful folks.

--- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, gino wong <ginowong@...> wrote:
>
> I am actually thinking of getting a small cnc machine do both panels and
> green circuit boards. I would share it as I don't need the full capacity
> of the thing. I was thinking of drafting the Ills , expert panel designers
> they are but when costing out a trapezoid via a while back an fpd panel
> costed out to over $200. One tenth the cost od some cnc rigs.
>

There are two very active CNC groups at Yahoo

CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com

mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com

The second one revolves around the MACH3 CNC processing software program:

http://www.machsupport.com/

There is also an excellent open source Linux version available:

http://www.linuxcnc.org/

You can download a disk image of the latest version of this application and
it will create a bootable CD-ROM so you can explore the program without
making changes to your system. It comes with Ubuntu Linux.

Both stepper and servo drives are "talked to" by step and direction pulses.
These generally come from a parallel printer port. USB is not recommended
as there is a large latency issue while the parallel ports are locked
together. If you are simultaneously moving two axes, you need to have them
in lock-step otherwise you will have machining errors.

Gecko is one manufacturer of controllers

http://www.geckodrive.com/


The language of CNC is G Code -- a bit of a learning curve but not too bad
and there are lots of tutorials out there. Using G Code means that you will
be able to use all sorts of 2D and 3D software out of the box.

A lot of time to get into but not that much money if you are frugal. The
learning curve is a bit stiff but your time will be very much in demand once
you come up to speed and have reliable equipment.

DaveH

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Doug
> Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 2:43 AM
> To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [ModularSynthPanels] Re: getting started
>
> Check out cnczone.com Lots of helpful folks.
>
> --- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, gino wong
> <ginowong@...> wrote:
> >
> > I am actually thinking of getting a small cnc machine do
> both panels and
> > green circuit boards. I would share it as I don't need the
> full capacity
> > of the thing. I was thinking of drafting the Ills , expert
> panel designers
> > they are but when costing out a trapezoid via a while back
> an fpd panel
> > costed out to over $200. One tenth the cost od some cnc rigs.
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

judging from the examples on that page it's probably only capable of engraving and drilling soft materials like pvc/wood/epoxy...

--- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, Dean Luca <lucadean@...> wrote:
>
> is this good for doing your own modular panels (holes and engraving)?
>
> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-3020T-DESKTOP-ROUTER-ENGRAVER-ENGRAVING-DRILLING-MILLING-MACHINE-NEW-q9-/180832846184?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D220917809781%26ps%3D54
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Doug <dougslocum@...>
> To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, 30 March 2012, 10:42
> Subject: [ModularSynthPanels] Re: getting started
>
>
>  
> Check out cnczone.com Lots of helpful folks.
>
> --- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, gino wong <ginowong@> wrote:
> >
> > I am actually thinking of getting a small cnc machine do both panels and
> > green circuit boards. I would share it as I don't need the full capacity
> > of the thing. I was thinking of drafting the Ills , expert panel designers
> > they are but when costing out a trapezoid via a while back an fpd panel
> > costed out to over $200. One tenth the cost od some cnc rigs.
> >
>

> is this good for doing your own modular panels (holes and engraving)?

I thought it looked an unbelivable price, untill i noticed the shipping cost...


Some things to note -

Its axis are "trapezoidal screws" which meens they will require software compensation when changing direction, to take account of the backlash. This is possible, but not perfect.

In light of the issues with backlash, i would take this example file with "a pinch of salt" -

http://www.jinlantrade.com/ebay/3020t/use1.jpg

Maybe thats a true representation, maybe not. I think the opperator has been very very skilled, or its a stock photo, made on a different machine.

The line in the listing -

"If you want to make sure this laser engraver..." doesnt inspire confidence that evreything applies to the unit for sale! ; )


...but for the price, what do you expect! : )


As an indication, the main machine here was not brand new on accquisition, but still cost more than my 7yr old german made car did...


But the machine in question could still be a lot of fun - just dont expect it to produce work that would not still look a little 'diy'

If you dont want things perfect, lasertran is a much cheaper option.

Julian

There are two very active CNC groups at Yahoo

CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com

mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com

The second one revolves around the MACH3 CNC processing software program:

http://www.machsupport.com/

There is also an excellent open source Linux version available:

http://www.linuxcnc.org/

You can download a disk image of the latest version of this application and
it will create a bootable CD-ROM so you can explore the program without
making changes to your system. It comes with Ubuntu Linux.

Both stepper and servo drives are "talked to" by step and direction pulses.
These generally come from a parallel printer port. USB is not recommended
as there is a large latency issue while the parallel ports are locked
together. If you are simultaneously moving two axes, you need to have them
in lock-step otherwise you will have machining errors.

Gecko is one manufacturer of controllers

http://www.geckodrive.com/


The language of CNC is G Code -- a bit of a learning curve but not too bad
and there are lots of tutorials out there. Using G Code means that you will
be able to use all sorts of 2D and 3D software out of the box.

A lot of time to get into but not that much money if you are frugal. The
learning curve is a bit stiff but your time will be very much in demand once
you come up to speed and have reliable equipment.

DaveH

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Doug
> Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 2:43 AM
> To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [ModularSynthPanels] Re: getting started
>
> Check out cnczone.com Lots of helpful folks.
>
> --- In ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com, gino wong
> <ginowong@...> wrote:
> >
> > I am actually thinking of getting a small cnc machine do
> both panels and
> > green circuit boards. I would share it as I don't need the
> full capacity
> > of the thing. I was thinking of drafting the Ills , expert
> panel designers
> > they are but when costing out a trapezoid via a while back
> an fpd panel
> > costed out to over $200. One tenth the cost od some cnc rigs.
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Dean Luca wrote:

>
>
> thanks, I will stick with Schaeffer...unless there is a cheaper
> alternative in the UK
>

Rittal are generally cheaper than Schroff and are available from RS I think. SRS
is also UK based but you need to buy direct. Their prices are comparable to
Schroff but you get much better customer service. Min order is £100.

Cheers

Ian

> thanks, I will stick with Schaeffer...unless there is a cheaper alternative in the UK

As mentioned in post #3104 -

http://www.thebeast.co.uk/cnc/

: )

Julian

Took you long enough to speak up Scottie.

Yeah, yeah :)

I see their store is not up, but...

Tube technology!!

"For those that want the pure sound from tubes with the latest technology. We are developing new kits now based on your recommendations. Please check back for updates and product launches."

http://www.heathkit.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=238

On 2 Apr 2012, at 19:05, Scott Deyo wrote:

> I see their store is not up, but...
>
> http://www.heathkit.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120&Itemid=233
>
> Scott Deyo
> contact@...
> The Bridechamber
> www.bridechamber.com
> Jealous Edison Record Kompany
> www.jealousedison.com
>
>
>
>
> On Apr 2, 2012, at 11:58 AM, Darren Shorsky wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> woah..... Heathkit is back, how? doing what??
>>
>> wait a sec........ April fools.
>>
>>
>>
>> To: ModularSynthPanels@yahoogroups.com
>> From: contact@...
>> Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2012 11:23:41 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [ModularSynthPanels] getting started
>>
>>
>> Yeah, yeah :)
>>
>> I've been moving into a bona fide space the last couple weeks. It's so liberating -- windows! And no having to duck beams, and no more spider and centipede friends, and no more radon poisoning.
>>
>> Heathkit is back?!?! Gotta check that out. Thanks Gino!
>>
>> Scott Deyo
>> contact@...
>> The Bridechamber
>> www.bridechamber.com
>> Jealous Edison Record Kompany
>> www.jealousedison.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Apr 2, 2012, at 8:37 AM, gino wong wrote:
>>
>>
>> Took you long enough to speak up Scottie.
>>
>> Heathkit is back in business guys. You are all very well placed.
>>
>> --
>> "All music is folk music; I ain't never heard no horse sing a song."
>> Louis Armstrong
>>
>>
>> Gino Wong Birgelo
>> BSComm, BSEE, CG, CSEC
>> Audio Production, Logistics, Analog Synthesizers, Sound Design
>>
>> Ginowong@...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>