My fiance gifted me a desktop CNC for the holidays. The machine was easy to set up, and the assembly was straightforward. The software was different from what I have used before, so it will take some time to learn.
Newest tool in my arsenal
After running a demo that carved a spoked wheel using a piece of cardboard, I managed to operate the machine successfully with a custom shape. However, exporting G-code was difficult as the manufacturer's instructions were incomplete and outdated. I found a way to do it with AutoDesk Fusion 360 by selecting "Grbl / grbl" as my post-processor. Although my first cut on hardboard wasn't perfect, I learned from my mistakes for the next piece.
Cardinal shape
I added the last bits of hardware to the cyberdeck, including a wide handle I found on playground equipment and a divider between the keyboard halves. I secured everything with bolts and internal right-angle connectors. I also borrowed a micro PC and added a 10-port terminal strip, but I had to add a removable pillar for servicing the connections due to the enclosure's shape.
Micro PC and power terminals
I soldered an XT90 battery connector and USB power port to my terminal strip. The voltage display showed the battery level and the USB A port output 5V.
Battery voltage and USB voltage
I started the touchscreen by connecting three cables: one for power, one for touch feedback, and one for video input. The video was challenging due to the screen's proximity to the board, but I made all the necessary connections by loosening the mounting bolts. I plugged the micro PC into mains power to ensure everything worked correctly.
Working screen
The screen needed standoffs to clear the micro USB cables, but after raising the corners, the HDMI cable still would not fit, so I ordered a new one with a 90° bend. I selected a voltage regulator for the computer and tested that it could run off the battery and provide a clean 12V.
12V regulator doing its job
The rest of the summary posts have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
After running a demo that carved a spoked wheel using a piece of cardboard, I managed to operate the machine successfully with a custom shape. However, exporting G-code was difficult as the manufacturer's instructions were incomplete and outdated. I found a way to do it with AutoDesk Fusion 360 by selecting "Grbl / grbl" as my post-processor. Although my first cut on hardboard wasn't perfect, I learned from my mistakes for the next piece.
I added the last bits of hardware to the cyberdeck, including a wide handle I found on playground equipment and a divider between the keyboard halves. I secured everything with bolts and internal right-angle connectors. I also borrowed a micro PC and added a 10-port terminal strip, but I had to add a removable pillar for servicing the connections due to the enclosure's shape.
I soldered an XT90 battery connector and USB power port to my terminal strip. The voltage display showed the battery level and the USB A port output 5V.
I started the touchscreen by connecting three cables: one for power, one for touch feedback, and one for video input. The video was challenging due to the screen's proximity to the board, but I made all the necessary connections by loosening the mounting bolts. I plugged the micro PC into mains power to ensure everything worked correctly.
The screen needed standoffs to clear the micro USB cables, but after raising the corners, the HDMI cable still would not fit, so I ordered a new one with a 90° bend. I selected a voltage regulator for the computer and tested that it could run off the battery and provide a clean 12V.
The rest of the summary posts have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
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