The progress of my Mini-CNC build is going along great. I finished my X Table axis this last holiday weekend. Here is a video of the newest working section of my CNC running a stepper test program from the arduino.
I placed a 35Lbs weight on the table to get a feel for how sturdy the table was. The platform is made from two 1/8th” hardboard (masonite) pieces screwed together. You can view the video below to see it moving the weight np. The stepper motor used is a NEMA 23 Alltronics stepper. I am driving the stepper from the older 1.2V Reprap driver board. I had built these boards a long time ago and have not had the chance to get the newer (cheaper / better) models. I currently am waiting for the reprap stepper driver v3 board to become a reality. This board support microstepping also! Which should make the accuracy of the Mini-CNC even more accurate while suppressing vibrations throughout.
I still need to finish the Y and Z axis. This I am hoping show go much faster not that I have the basic idea in what is required for the linear motion using steel tubes to progress. I am hoping for this week to at least finish 1 axis. In a perfect work I would get both done. However I have a work project that is going to need my attention to get together pretty quickly. So we will see. I will make updates as I make progress. Check my flickr photostream for more frequent updates.
Recently, I have been noticing that I have been having a very hard time to stay focused on one project and finish it out. Like the Antenna Bot. I finally get the x,y systems working (mechanically that is) and then I move away from writing the code and getting the last few bits strung together to persue the contraptor.org project work. Mainly I have been envisioning 2 contraptions that I think will have the ability to change the current state of home electronics hobbisys everywhere.
The first contraption is the 5 Axis mechanical arm or more application specific the contraptor based “Pick and Place” system. I have envisioned using a webcam with a pc + arduino serial connection to have some custom software “store” stepper locations and then tie that location to a part that the system will ask the board to put the component on. Today I saw something that I think has changed my existing idea of using PC + arduino to something more specialized.. The chameleon is a new fully compatable arduino multi core, hardcore fast processor with tons of built on stuff like a vga port, ps2 ports etc. This board also allows for the use of some significant processing power and usb devices. This might be the way I am going to go to control the setup of the Pick and Place system.
As of now I have to finish another few projects before I get really into hardcore development of the Pick and Place setup but for now its on my mind.
