I am going to start a build log of my Joe's 4x4 Hybrid CNC
I am building this CNC to expand my Vinyl sign business so I can make 3D routed signs.
I also work as a Project Manager and CAD drafter for a custom woodworking shop, so I want to be able to build custom cabinets.

I bought the plans last month and have been acquiring all the components to build the machine.
A friend of mine has 2 industrial laser cutters and a powder coating system.
He will be providing some of the parts needed for the machine.
He is also going to build the metal table that everything sits on.

I have a new computer that I built and will be dedicated to both the 4x4 Hybrid and the Phlatprinter.
Vectric's Aspire program, AutoCAD 2000 and Mach3 will be my CADCAM package.
I am going to use the same controller that I am using on my Phlatprinter.
It is a Hobby CNC 4 axis board built by Mike Beck at http://www.mikebeck.org

Travis

 

Here is the computer I built.
I bought this thru tigerdirect http://www.tigerdirect.com
Easy to build, started right up with no problems. Attached files

 

Here are the parts I cut out on our CNC at work
These are the only MDF parts on this machine, the rest is steel, aluminum and HDPE Attached files

 

Here are the parts primed and ready to paint

Attached files

 

This is the parts painted.
I went with the silver hammered paint. Attached files

 

Oh, what I wouldn't give for a workshop that big! :mrgreen:

 

Thanks,
That is my messy detached 2 car garage.
I am in the process of building a loft so I can store all my junk.
I bought the house 2 years ago and the garage was only a year old at that time.
I should have built the loft and insulated then.

This is my 2nd flatbed CNC I have tried to build.
The first was a joes 06 a 2ft by 4ft table.
I used sub par parts and deviated from the design that in the end did not come out right,
that's when I stumbled upon the Phlatprinter.
Now I need a large CNC to further along my sign business.
I wanted a Shopbot, but did not have the funds, so I chose the Hybrid.

 

Hi travisc,

I am very interested in your build, also. I noticed the 90 deg steel angle and v-roller bearings, which is similar to what the PP Mark2 is using. Can you tell me if the steel angle edge needs to be machined or if it is just used as is, from the metal supplier?

-Kwok

 

The #2 V groove bearings ride on standard 3/4" angle , you do not need to bevel the edge, you can, but it is not required. I thought the Mark2 used U groove bearings?
At Toledo it looked like they roled on a 1/4" rod.

 

I got no idea, of the specifics. I just know from the videos, there is a 1/4" rod and a roller of some kind.

 

Hey, did you see this new stuff from PBC Linear? Looks pretty cool to me! [attachment=0]IV Snap-in (PDF)[1].pdf[/attachment]

Attached files .pdf]IV Snap-in (PDF)[1].pdf (313.7 KB)Â

 

Yea I saw that a while back.
Looks like an alternative to use instead of angle, however it would require modifications to the parts I already have done. I am getting the angle from work so it is not going to cost me anything.

 

I got a quote on that PBC stuff awhile back (and many others) and it was pricey. Its hard to beat hardware store angle prices. The v-rollers on my 2'x4' machine actually 'rolled' the angle into a 'seated' shape. It did burnish the v-rollers a bit but all seams well. After you run the machine at 1000ipm for a 100 times everything starts to work itself in. You have to watch the quality of the angle stock. I went to a couple different sources before I found straight/true angle. Of course you can get it at supply houses in 20' lengths with much better quality.
Dan

 

It has been a while since I posted on here about my CNC.
It is comming along fine, I have just a few things to make and all I will than need is the metal table that it all sits on.
I got my controller back from getting it upgraded to a 4 axis.
Now I will be able to use it on my phlatprinter and my CNC.
will post pics of my progress when I get home from work today.

 

Here are the pics.
I am using plywood in place of the HDPE. Attached files

 

travisc, that sure looks good!
If I ever get my workshed built, I'll be building mine.

 

Well, I have the Hybrid built for the most part.
I still need to get the router mount and my metal table built.
Everything is working, once I get the table made, I can get it lined up a lot better,
for now I just have it sitting on my work bench.
I should be cutting soon. Attached files

 

Looks good. Any progress?

 

Sorry I have not added any more to this post but it is done and working fine.
I will post some pics of what I have cut on it.

 

The River City Radio Controllers in Louisville Kentucky had this years War Bird Event on the first weekend of October and I made the trophy's that we gave away.

These were cutout on my 4X4 Hybrid CNC.
They are made from 1/2" Plywood and 3/8" Acrylic.
This was all cut from leftovers from projects at work that were going to be tossed into the trash.
I saved them and gave them a new home.

I used 3 differnt bits to cut these, a V bit a 3/16" bit and a 1/2" cove bit.
I stained them at work on my lunch break (I work in the office drawing and programing the CNC)
And our finisher at work sprayed them with a clear coat.
The Acrylic is cut reversed on the back, so it gives it a 3d look this keeps the face smooth.
The Acrylic is held on by 10/32 machine screws, washers and acorn nuts.
The backs are spray painted black, The stands are from Hobby Lobby craft store.

I made the best of show award as a demo of what I can cut, and showed it to the club officers, and they asked me to make the rest of the awards.
Everyone thought they looked great. Attached files

 

Thanks,
That circle pocket was suspose to have the club logo in there printed on photo paper and glued on, but you could not see the plane very well, so I changed the design on the others.
Now they want me to make awards for the other flyins we are going to have.