Stevos758

This is nice work! I think I am going to make my pit like this. Seems one can keep it more modular. You can fly another plane just by switching out side consoles.

I have one of these. Its fairly compact and I have build a small cat to move it around in my shop. From what I understand so far is Laser engraving is better for panel making overall. The CNC to me seems more useful as I can do aluminum as well and wood plastic ect. When in doubt get both! I believe a few members have the Shapeoko and I Think it would be fine for panel making but I'm sure they will chime in. I personally went with something a little more capable so I can use it for other things. If you get something more robust like mine plan on spending another $500 for mach 3 controller software, Some sort of CAM(cut2d,meshcam), Bits, and Gwizard feed and speed calculator. Here is some info some members have come up with http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=121827&highlight=CNC http://www.carving-cnc.com/x61500series-1/cnc-x61500gt-router-engraver-drilling-and-milling-machine.html

AS soon as I get some free time I really want to try this! This looks awesome! Ill have the whole room blinking!

Can you solder? If so I would just pick up a teensy 2.0++ or 3.1 You can flash the USB firmware and hook up 3 pots for trim control and switches and buttons. That will hold you over and get you on the learning path for a decent cost. You can always use it for other projects if you decide to get a LEO down the road.

If only you were in the states. I have one laying around unused.

Thanks Warhog! I'll give that a go later this week!

This is coming together nicely! Hopefully I will get some time soon to contribute!

Thanks, I'll give that a try soon!

I'll contact them and get a quote. On another note. Anyone have any recomended feeds and speeds for engraving acrylic on CNC? Tried running 25000RPM and 1600mmpm and started to get some melting. Tried again at 3000mmpm and same thing. I am using These http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=151247764955&view=all&tid=1074695945005 Cutting .04" deep.

NICE!

Thanks! I already have a CNC router so that is no problem there! I just want to play with a laser too!

They will ship for a reasonable fee. What do I need for a controller? I'll start pricing one out. Something like this? http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives.html How do you like the laser?

What about this guy here? http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/laser-engraving/35w-co2-laser-machine-19-7%E2%80%B3-x-11-8%E2%80%B3

Any brand names you could recommend? I may be willing to spend 3k I have a job that will pay for most of it lined up already.

Ok, now you all really did it. Recommend a laser cutter for 1-2K I "NEED" one!

Most pots have a wire spool in them. They are wound however many turns they say they are. It takes the input signal and limits the output resistance. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-potentiometer.htm

Teensy 3.1 or the 2.0 ++ depending on the amount of buttons you need. They are only $20 os it's not much to mess around with one. I suggest getting the one with pins and getting a solderless breadboard for experimenting. Here you can see my teensy 2.0 experiment. Ignore the arduino in the vid. That was just attached to the breadboard mount I made for it. You can see the teensy 2.0 in the middle of the breadboard there. http://www.amazon.com/hacktronics-Solderless-Breadboard/dp/B001M0KGME I have yet to get an encoder working on the teensy. I know it can be done but have not had time to mess with it. I almost had it working I just haven't come to grasp the whole programming thing yet. I've used pots and switches no problem. Yes the rotary encoders have the "click" positions. I believe most have infinite turns both ways in most cases.

Thats the thing. You just plug it into your computer and open the arduino software and select Joystick.. It then is pre loaded with 16 switches and 6 axis for you to just solder your components on and you are good to go. https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/td_joystick.html It's rather simple. But with a little more you can have more options like with the arduino mega. As far as the pots go... yes and no. The arduinos can only use so much resolution any way. Someone may come along and give you the technical explanation. Technically yes it will be more accurate but you prob wont notice and the board cant really use that much res anyway. They will work though at a greater cost. If you want plug and play no hassle just get a leo bodnar. You wont be dissapointed.

I think i'm going to go with wood sides and acrylic top panels for that classy look!

Look into Teensy boards. they have a built in USB Joystick Program. Plug and play basically. $20 each. I'll try and get a topic made in the DCS wiki the guys are working on. Missed the link above! Whoops. that should get you started. Any Pot should work. I have used 10k on mine with good results.

I just purchased some new cam software! Expect a proto panel by next week some time. I have some work i need to complete before then. Damn simpit stuff always gets pushed aside!

I have a gardena fitting from amazon if anyone wants it. I dont need it since I started making my own extensions out of nylon on my 3d printer. ; ) I'll ship to you if you cover shipping costs. And yes M36x2.0 is correct.

I'm not sure yet. I have a cutter that has a .002" tip so we will see. Ill be trying some engraving out in the next few days hopefully and will report back.

I think I will just pick up Cut 2D. Thanks very much for the offer metalnwood! I have played with the demo and it looks good to go!

I just picked up switches from ebay. http://www.ebay.com/bhp/tactile-switch I plan on CNC engraving my own PCB when I get time. I was going to CNC the master caution button out of acrylic and just use a tactile switch. I haven't had time to work on mine yet but have been gathering ideas lately. I have other projects ahead of this one.