"MINI"
The Mini range of wood/plastic cutting machines based on flexible adaptations of the WOLFCRAFT X-Y table.
(The wolfcraft table under 2 axis control)
("Flapper" shows another design for 2 axis control with the wolfcraft table)
Compucut do not offer "turnkey" systems, but to allow woodworkers with no metal cutting lathe etc. to learn what this new technology can offer at an introductory level by using a cheap, small CNC machine made from easily available standard parts which can be purchased locally by the user. We offer a manual and metal parts kit to adapt the WOLFCRAFT X-Y table (part No 4060). When fitted with the WOLFCRAFT vertical column (bought as a drill stand part No 5020) which will carry the MINICRAFT 240 volt drill with Euro standard 43mm collar or any 400/500 watt 43mm router, the user can configure the machine to 2 or 3 axis plus mounting brackets, toothed timing pulleys and belts. The original acme leadscrews are retained as they are nicely made, but a "cassette" containing two ball races lightly preloaded for thrust and radial location replaces the thrust washer.
The two axis overhead router can be built in one day; the tools needed are drills, screwdrivers, spanners, and a tube of loctite. The timing pulleys are supplied reamed for the stepper motor and bored for the leadscrew. The manual handles are retained in situ for hand use. The machine is assembled on a piece of 40mm non-absorbing MDF, which you can buy as an "off-cut" from your local DIY store
METAL PARTS KIT FOR WOLFCRAFT ADAPTATION
1). TWO AXIS KIT
2 timing pulleys reamed for steppers,
1 motor mounting plate for x axis
1 motor mounting plate for y axis
1 table clamping bracket for x axis
1 base angle bracket for y axis
2 spacers for x axis
4 spacers for Wolfcraft table unit
2 double ball combined thrust/radial bearings
All screws nuts and bolts
Assembly notes and suppliers for stepper motors, timing belts, timing pulleys for leadscrews, and Wolfcraft xy table, drill stand, and drills.
(note, we do not supply XY table)
The above can be assembled in one day to perform as a CNC router, engraving jig drill etc
For those wishing to D.I.Y the project a full manual will be available with text, drawings, and a sequence of photographs covering the build.
The full manual shows how to convert the two axis machine to 3 axis by controlling the vertical motion, very useful for engraving etc. enabling the cutter to lift to move to the next character automatically. Not as comprehensive as the 2-axis kit, hacksaw, power drill, file and 1/4 BSP tap required, but still very simple. As a guide, the two-three-axis conversion is a gentle weekends work; you will need a larger baseboard
(The wolfcraft xy table under 3 axis control)
The basic X-Y table can be converted to a CNC router-lathe by removing the vertical column and replacing this with a purpose made stand for the DREMEL small mains drill. The workpiece is held between centres and driven by the Z axis stepper motor, enabling "barley twist" legs etc to be designed on computer then turned to dolls house scale. Alternatively, the workpiece can be turned at NON-synchronous speed by your 43mm power drill for plain CNC turning by chisel or router. Suppliers of centres and associated parts are in the manual.
Convert 2-axis X-Y table to turning centre
The wood lathe sold by Argos (superstore) can be shortened to fir straight onto the X-Y table, if your variable speed power drill is providing the cutter speed then you only need to support a high speed steel turning chisel in the vertical column socket and you are CNC plain turning.
If your designs require synchronous rotation of the work with regard to the X feed as in "barley twist" features then the Z axis stepper can drive the rotation of the workpiece, but only relatively slowly. The cutting speed can now be generated by a small router such as the DREMEL mounted horizontally in a toolpost located in the vertical column socket. In this configuration you may decide that the Argos (superstore) lathe is under utilised and a more economic solution is to use PICADOR or similar pillow blocks to provide the head and tailstocks for the lathe.
Plain turning kit
(Uses Argos (superstore) lathe and your 43mm power drill) (see creative woodwork page)
Needs additional: Rigid turning tool holder to locate in vertical column socket, high speed steel or tungsten carbide tool bit, or rigid holder for router
Ornamental turning kit with synchronised feed/rotation
Needs additional: Holder for DREMEL to be used with standard PICADOR plumber blocks mounted on 1/2 inch bearers, centre height 1.5 inches. Size 23 stepper motor, mounting bracket, 2 * timing pulleys, 1 * timing belt. (see creative woodwork for pic)
WHEN RE-CONFIGURING YOUR 2-AXIS MACHINE PLEASE NOTE
The above "Additional" accessories needed for the WOLFCRAFT adaptations are detailed in the 2-axis manual, together with suppliers. When asked to do so we MAY make them in small quantities, using the same production methods likely to be used by yourselves. We buy from the listed suppliers and pay the same prices that you pay; we then have to post them to you. Consequently it is more cost effective for you to make your own additions as you will not reckon on the time taken for your project, were as we have to charge you for our time.
Richard and Quinton Bartlett are always pleased to hear from anyone interested in producing the mechanical accessories for Compucut systems, as they are described, or as improved by yourselves.
The trademarks of the independent companies WOLFCRAFT DREMEL and PICADOR are acknowledged.
(Wolfcraft stepper mounting for top slide)
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