CNC router, mini (TD 3040) ID:141

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Type	TD 3040 Mini CNC
Make/Model	TD 3040
Serial number
Original owner	Configured by Andy
Loan status
Arrival date
Location	Laser / Storage area
Functional status	Working, ready for training
Usage permissions	Should take CAD and Tormac CNC courses
Certification
Wiki-ID	141
Label	1.0" 1.5" 2.0"

Notes

The effective bed size is only about 1' by 1'. I put purple marker lines on the bed, that's the limit where the spindle can actually reach.

The router is running on Mach3 (a program running on Windows),instead of LinuxCNC (a Linux distro), so when you boot up the PC sitting next to it, remember to select XP as operating system. We might just wipe the Linux partition in the future.

The ER11 collet we currently have only accepts 1/8' bit shank. Maximum spindle speed is 13,500 RPM. The speed is controlled via a dial knob. As Mach3 can read and adjust spindle speed, I think we can use either optical or Hall sensor with two 1mm by 1mm magnets counter-balanced each other to get this feature.

All Axes are calibrated bang on (don't quote me on this, but the dial gauge says so); however, the backlash compensation must be disabled to achieve a smooth helical ramp in operation. More on this later, but for now if your project requires only straight line milling in and out (like milling a square pocket inside your stock) then feel free to re-enable backlash comp.

All old limit switches got replaced, soft limit settings in Mach3 are in place. Please keep soft limits on.

Test result

After calibration, we tested the machine with 2D Milling operation (Nested square pocket) and 3D Milling operation (Dome shape) and it churned out shapes nicely. (Image 2&3)

I suggest that you keep the speed & feed rate conservative (i.e make it slow) and see how this machine plays with various materials, both wood and soft metal. I have no idea whether or not we can mill Aluminium chunk with this little bugger without wearing it out *prematurely* but aye I'm not expert on this so your opinions are more than welcomed.

Usage

The machine runs on Mach3, the same software previously used on Tormac. Anyone who know how to use the Tormac, or know what you are doing, or can hit E-Stop fast enough, or well, is curious enough and want to play with it, are welcome to use the machine.

The basic procedure:

~Use a 3D Modelling software to model your object (like Fusion360 or Solidworks) then have this software spit out the GCode needed to manufacture your object. ~Launch Mach3 program, turn on CNC machine, do Homing sequence and Stock origin sequence ~Feed this GCode into Mach3 and it will control the CNC machine to churn out the parts.

I think Danny is running a introductory Fusion360 class for those who want to use the Tormac Metal CNC machine.

Enclosure

While noise is not much if an issue, this machine can generate lots of fine sawdust so you need to stand at the machine, pointing the shop-vac hose right at the spindle to minimize the dust. I think a machine of this size and weight, an enclosed box for it is manageable.

Training & Liability

Future (proper) training needed for this machine. Use the machine as your own risk. Wear PPEs at all time.

Samples

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