Hi everyone, I am considering building either a cartesian bot or a reprap. from what ive seen, the reprap is more accurate as far as plastic extruding goes, however i also wanted to use one as a milling machine. it seems like the mcwire is better suited for milling. my question is, how accurate is 3d printing on a mcwire? is it comparable to a reprap? also, is there a cheaper way to do the electronics for a mcwire. i will probably end up using a reprap mobo, but just curious. Thanks, - Joey https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31826#msg-31826 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 23:57:41 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32342#msg-32342 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32342#msg-32342
I can do it how ever you want but I was going to incorporate some things I learned first.

Research takes priority over documentation, as always. :)
I think it helps, though, to simultaneously cross-post into the wiki while blogging. Otherwise, it stays on the todo list and becomes a massive chore, or falls off the todo list.]]> SebastienBailard General Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:09:53 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32335#msg-32335 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32335#msg-32335 -------------------------------------------------------
>> Ideally human-viewable, rather than a zip?

As to be seen inline by the browser? or PDF?

I can do it how ever you want but I was going to incorporate some things I learned first.]]> bjbsquared General Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:16:17 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32330#msg-32330 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32330#msg-32330
Cheers,
Sebastien]]> SebastienBailard General Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:05:18 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32315#msg-32315 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32315#msg-32315
I think it is for stiffness encase you want to mount a rotary tool. That's the only thing I could think of. I only have one installed and it is fine for the plastruder. I do plan to have the Dremel tool mounted to it one day so I had it made. However, I have a 1/2" plywood interface/adapter between the pipe flange and the Z platform. That is adding stiffness so I probably won't need the second copy.]]> bjbsquared General Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:20:31 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32284#msg-32284 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32284#msg-32284 kevin_e_schmidt General Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:18:39 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32263#msg-32263 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32263#msg-32263 bjbsquared General Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:48:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32257#msg-32257 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32257#msg-32257
Is there any reason not to simply get some plexiglass cut to roughly the correct size & use the "stickers" as guides to drill? As far as I can tell, the only features other features are the curved corners and the notches. I can't see any mechanical use for these features.

Kevin]]> kevin_e_schmidt General Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:47:51 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32248#msg-32248 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32248#msg-32248 $83 for the cutting.
$17 for the shipping.

This will be Lot less if you only do the platforms. They will give you a quote before you commit to a puchase.]]> bjbsquared General Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:56:46 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32245#msg-32245 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32245#msg-32245 Do you mind if I ask how much pololu charged?]]> kevin_e_schmidt General Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:26:51 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32222#msg-32222 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32222#msg-32222
I did have the bearing arms laser cut too but unfortunately they are failing. They could be made out of aluminum or 1/8" to 3/16" fiber board. I have been using fiber board to replace the ones that have failed. I have been documenting my journey through the build. Here is my entry for the laser cutting. I need to go back and alter the files to reflect what I have learned.]]> bjbsquared General Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:02:05 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32221#msg-32221 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32221#msg-32221 Thanks for the reply! I had a few follow up questions if you'd be willing to answer. Did you make your own platforms or have someone laser-cut them? If you had someone laser cut them, who did it? Secondly, what did you make the bearing swing arms out of if not plastic?

Thanks!]]> kevin_e_schmidt General Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:21:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32212#msg-32212 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32212#msg-32212 bjbsquared General Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:31:51 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32192#msg-32192 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32192#msg-32192 kevin_e_schmidt General Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:57:33 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32180#msg-32180 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32180#msg-32180 Chris Weiss General Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:51:32 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32112#msg-32112 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32112#msg-32112 jg General Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:38:47 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32030#msg-32030 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32030#msg-32030
When I get around to it, I'll post some pictures, but it has spent about 30 hours total doing milling (bookmarks with engraved names for Christmas), and has held up very well.

One thing that is a pain with the Dremel is the maximum 1/8" size for bits. I got some really nice coated carbide bits from carbidedepot.com, and have been happy with them, but a 1/8" endmill takes a LONG time to face a piece of wood with a machine driven by a leadscrew (it is slow...).

I wouldn't put a full-size router on a McWire-type machine. The way the z stage is constructed, it would likely not hold up to the combination of weight and vibration, especially at the higher feed rates and cut depths you'd be able to do with the full-size router. I've been playing with the idea of putting a mini-router (called a trim router or laminate router ususally) though, which would at least allow me to use 1/4" bits (and make those facing operations a ton faster).]]> quadshop General Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:50:28 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32007#msg-32007 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32007#msg-32007 jg General Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:32:57 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32004#msg-32004 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,32004#msg-32004 www.cnczone.com]]]> Thorp General Sat, 26 Dec 2009 15:38:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31884#msg-31884 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31884#msg-31884
You may want to do a bit of research and confirm that the McWire has the precision and power that you need; I've become skeptical of it, but without any actual experience; just absence of evidence.

If you decide the McWire is no good, you may want to go with a small CNC router or CNC mill or mill/drill. e.g.:
[cgi.ebay.com]
[cgi.ebay.com]

Sherlines and Taigs seem to hold their value well, which will hurt when you buy it and help when you sell it.]]> SebastienBailard General Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:55:40 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31834#msg-31834 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31834#msg-31834 jg General Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:58:25 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31833#msg-31833 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31833#msg-31833 -------------------------------------------------------
>
> Does anyone know if 24v steppers will work for
> this project?

They should. You get a 24v power supply with them so you should be able to get the full rated torque. Here is a catalog of steppers provided by that Japanese company.

[tamagawa-seiki.com]

Looking through, it appears that your particular model is no longer made under that serial number. Looking through, however, it appears that the modern equivalent to what you have is...

TS3103N255

You've got about 95 oz-in of torque out of it, which is pretty good for the amperage you are putting in.]]> Forrest Higgs General Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:05:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31831#msg-31831 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31831#msg-31831 jg General Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:24:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31830#msg-31830 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31830#msg-31830
Generally speed is more important for additive processes than subtractive processes because the amount of work you have to do is proportional to the total volume. Big things take a long time to make.

I haven't seen anyone put a router on a RepRap. I believe the main problem is that the rods that hold the tool will likely flex under the weight. There may also be a problem with the tool moving when it contacts the work piece (although this may be minimized in the Mendel design).]]> mccoyn General Sun, 20 Dec 2009 08:42:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31827#msg-31827 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31827#msg-31827 cgi.ebay.com]

are these too high of voltage to work with reprap electronics?]]> jg General Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:34:40 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31826#msg-31826 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,31826,31826#msg-31826
Thanks, - Joey]]> jg General Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:22:14 -0500