Newbie with ambitious build Hey guys... I figured I'd start a "little" project with my kids as we started a CNC Mill build that slowly got pushed to the side. It was supposed to be a gantry ( Cartesian) style mill 1000mm x 750mm 600mm ( L x W x H ) which is quite a fair sized mill for "home" use! Now they were wondering if we could still build something as a family project of course. Seen my buddy pose a few pictures of the things hes been printing and was thinking what a great idea !! He basically was clueless about my setup and gave me 3 pieces of advice : 1. - Controller - Ramps 1.4 2. - Use 1.75mm filament and use 0.3mm Nozzle for better quality, however this will make it slower 3. - J-head hot end So onto doing some homework... I already have quite a bit of stuff that accumulated towards that Mill so might as well put it to use! List of materials on hand... - [url=http://www.8020.net/T-Slot-5.asp]Extruded Aluminum T-Slot Beams[/url] ( Metric ) - 1000mm x 750mm T-Slot Modular Table Top - 4x Applied Motion [url=http://s3.amazonaws.com/applied-motion-pdf/STM23Q-3AE.pdf]STM23Q-3AE[/url] - Antek [url=http://www.antekinc.com/ps-10n50-1000w-50v-power-supply/]PS-10N50N24[/url] - 2x 1000mm x 20mm FSLB ( Fully Supported Linear Bearing ) w/ BB Slide Blocks - 1x 1150mm ACME Lead-screw with Zero-Lash Nut - 2x 650mm x 20mm FSLB w/ BB Slide Blocks - 2x 750mm ACME Lead-screw w/ Zero-Lash Nut - 2x 700mm x 20mm Linear Bearing with BB Slide Blocks Plus... SS Hardware, SKF Bearings and Housings for the lead screws, etc... Yes I know... Its complete overkill, but I have it sitting here collecting dust so why not actually put it to use! So... My questions are : 1 - Are the Stepper Motor Drivers compatible and can they be used with the Ramps 1.4 ? 2 - Is a heated "work area" required ? 3 - Whats your input on other nozzles and are dual/quad nozzles worth the upgrade ? 4 - Software ?? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304139#msg-304139 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:41:01 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,365481#msg-365481 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,365481#msg-365481 A2 Extruded Aluminum Frames Thu, 05 Jun 2014 08:12:38 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,334229#msg-334229 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,334229#msg-334229
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_Adrian_
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bobc
Be aware that Rev 1A of RAMPS-FD has some undesirable issues, but is still usable (and surprisingly cheap). Rev 2a is nearing finalisation, but I can't guarantee it will go into production, although hopefully some Chinese manufacturer will pick it up.

How do you tell the revisions apart ??
( Besides markings )

Also whats the compatibility with the LCD kit from the RAMPS 1.4 ?

This topic covers Ramps FD issues and status.]]> powool Extruded Aluminum Frames Wed, 02 Apr 2014 19:57:37 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,313068#msg-313068 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,313068#msg-313068
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bobc
Be aware that Rev 1A of RAMPS-FD has some undesirable issues, but is still usable (and surprisingly cheap). Rev 2a is nearing finalisation, but I can't guarantee it will go into production, although hopefully some Chinese manufacturer will pick it up.

How do you tell the revisions apart ??
( Besides markings )

Also whats the compatibility with the LCD kit from the RAMPS 1.4 ?]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Wed, 19 Feb 2014 11:33:56 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311654#msg-311654 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311654#msg-311654
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Ohmarinus
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_Adrian_
LOL I guess so LOL

I have stumbled across a box last night in the crawl space that I thought it was misplaced in the move...
( Yes... I'm still unpacking my own stuff as everyone else came first... I was on a scavanger hunt for a spare fan for one of my servers as the one took a poo )
WOW... I got way too much stuff LMAO
In the box:
4 x Nema23 425oz-in,3A
4 x DM542 128 MICROSTEP Driver
2 x 350w 36v power supply ( SMPS )
1 x 250w 12V power supply ( SMPS )

I'm quite happy tho...
A buddy that wants the STM's for his mini-mill and he's willing to pay me nice coin for these, so I might just unload these to him LOL

Hehehe

Wow... someones bored :rolleyes:]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 16 Feb 2014 12:15:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311438#msg-311438 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311438#msg-311438
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_Adrian_
LOL I guess so LOL

I have stumbled across a box last night in the crawl space that I thought it was misplaced in the move...
( Yes... I'm still unpacking my own stuff as everyone else came first... I was on a scavanger hunt for a spare fan for one of my servers as the one took a poo )
WOW... I got way too much stuff LMAO
In the box:
4 x Nema23 425oz-in,3A
4 x DM542 128 MICROSTEP Driver
2 x 350w 36v power supply ( SMPS )
1 x 250w 12V power supply ( SMPS )

I'm quite happy tho...
A buddy that wants the STM's for his mini-mill and he's willing to pay me nice coin for these, so I might just unload these to him LOL

Hehehe]]> Ohmarinus Extruded Aluminum Frames Sat, 15 Feb 2014 18:18:22 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311095#msg-311095 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311095#msg-311095
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Tired2
Nice find, my junk boxes are not that well stocked.

Well i bought them in the spring and we moved into the new place earlier this past summer.
After the move i notice that a few things were missing so i just wrote them off as they were given away with some of the kids stuff that they grew out of.

At least i found them, but makes me wonder what else is there that I overlooked and the wife and the kids just shoved out of the way and stuck it here into storage.]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:11:44 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311052#msg-311052 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311052#msg-311052 Tired2 Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:50:49 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311042#msg-311042 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311042#msg-311042
I have stumbled across a box last night in the crawl space that I thought it was misplaced in the move...
( Yes... I'm still unpacking my own stuff as everyone else came first... I was on a scavanger hunt for a spare fan for one of my servers as the one took a poo )
WOW... I got way too much stuff LMAO
In the box:
4 x Nema23 425oz-in,3A
4 x DM542 128 MICROSTEP Driver
2 x 350w 36v power supply ( SMPS )
1 x 250w 12V power supply ( SMPS )

I'm quite happy tho...
A buddy that wants the STM's for his mini-mill and he's willing to pay me nice coin for these, so I might just unload these to him LOL]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:19:20 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311036#msg-311036 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311036#msg-311036 Tired2 Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:39:23 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311033#msg-311033 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311033#msg-311033 ebay, but they sold out quick !

I was going to program them via the serial interface for the software to double check input commands VS output ( so it doesn't miss a step )]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:29:26 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311009#msg-311009 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311009#msg-311009
I'm just going with the Azteeg3/Marlin setup, as it seems like it is really well adopted and well worked out, but I do see the shift to 32 bit coming up. For the money, I'll just upgrade later. It seems people are getting good prints on the 8 bit AVR, so I'm sticking with it for now.

And to be clear, yours are NEMA 23, but that is just a frame / mounting size. You can get all sorts of servos, steppers, gear boxes, etc, in NEMA 23, so when most people say "my reprap uses NEMA 17", they are leaving out a TON of info about what they are actually using. Most people just assume standard issue NEMA 17 size single stack stepper motors I think.

Mine are NEMA 23 triple stack, meaning they have 3 sets of windings, when some NEMA 23's have just one, or two for a double stack.

Just from reading the description, it looks like it might be difficult if you wanted to actually close the loop on your drives. It uses the incremental encoder for special functions, but it may not actually close the loop, or let you close the loop externally on your hardware. Is that something you were planning to do? I have not yet researched which firmwares support closed loop operation. In your case, I'm not sure how you would get to the signal to EMC2 for instance for loop closure.]]> Tired2 Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:47:31 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311005#msg-311005 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,311005#msg-311005 STM23Q-3AE which have the drivers and encoder built in :)
All i need to do is feed the power to the motor along with Step +/- and Dir +/- and everything else is going to be fed directly from the RAMPS-FD Board.

For firmware I still have to see if which one is compatible with the Due]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:31:08 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,310902#msg-310902 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,310902#msg-310902
Thanks for the suggestion on the bottom of the threads, I plan to print a bracket that will let me mount a bearing to support those down low. That is why the thread goes so far down, the nut will never actually travel that far.

I think you are right about the gantry, if you throw more torque at it, the speed should not be a problem to achieve, not to mention some people are just more patient than others.

Are you going with the standard reprap stepper drivers? If so from my research I've found that these look the best as far as cooling goes. I know this is a huge debate, but the logic seemed reasonable in from the description. [www.panucatt.com]

I know that I'm leaving almost half my torque on the table by using these small drivers, but the price is right and I can upgrade if needed.]]> Tired2 Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 14 Feb 2014 10:42:30 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,310614#msg-310614 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,310614#msg-310614
The main issue with people building gantry style units is the lack of strenth and stability.
of your looking to meve the gantry around you need to have it braced well enough that it wont vibrate / shift while when the head is being swung about.
My design has a wide footrint at the base the spread the load and not only will it be tied in with the proper hardware, but it wil be triungulated from the end of each bearing to the top forming an A frame.
Also most if this will be tied as mentione earlier with extran long screws ( My rule of thumb was always use hardware at least 1.5 or 2x longer than the thickness item your bolting ) and loctite blue so it wont loosen over time.

My other choice is to build a CUBOID with a sliding H frame and hang the print head that way, however...
That would require 4 screws to keep the frame level on the Z axis and x and y could possibly be belted to reduce weight.]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Thu, 13 Feb 2014 16:44:27 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,310529#msg-310529 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,310529#msg-310529


I have not tested it yet, as the main components have just come together and I'm still waiting on electronics and such.

Those are NEMA 23's @ 286 oz/in holding torque. That should give a good reference of scale. Build volume is 9x9x9" or 225mm^3
]]> Tired2 Extruded Aluminum Frames Thu, 13 Feb 2014 14:16:33 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,310204#msg-310204 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,310204#msg-310204 _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:27:23 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,309548#msg-309548 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,309548#msg-309548 [www.ebay.com]]]> Ohmarinus Extruded Aluminum Frames Tue, 11 Feb 2014 13:34:15 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,307867#msg-307867 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,307867#msg-307867
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Bill Clark
interesting project Adrian. Thinking about making my own 3d printer/router too. I have the big machining centers (Haas/Milltronics) to make all the nice parts but have yet to settle on the configuration. Have you seen this one [e3d-online.com] ? What shop in England are you getting your lead screws from.

Sorry, I'm not closely paying attention... My buddy's wife just had a baby so me and the family been over there helping them out a bit till they get into the "groove" LOL

I got all my stuff from Merchant Dice LTD]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 07 Feb 2014 20:23:41 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,306917#msg-306917 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,306917#msg-306917 e3d-online.com] ? What shop in England are you getting your lead screws from.]]> Bill Clark Extruded Aluminum Frames Wed, 05 Feb 2014 23:57:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304963#msg-304963 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304963#msg-304963
Dual Micron E.M.E All Metal Print Head]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:30:34 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304947#msg-304947 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304947#msg-304947 The ball screws I have are made in England by a machine shop that specializing in Mini DIY CNC components.

They are 20mm diameter and 1400mm ( 1200mm threaded area ) and hardened. Came with 2 bearing blocks ( 1 fixed and 1 floated ), Zero Lash Ball Nut.

The moving the table is more work as the frame has to be longer in order to be able to use the full area.
Also in order to keep the table true you need the bearings to be far appart enough to keep it from yawing.
Given the table length at 1000mm the most effective spot for the bearings would be 25% of total length of the work area, which would make it 250mm from the edge of the table inwards.
However this isnt the most efficient spot as the length of the linear bearing has to be least 75% longer then the length of the table/work area. Then a more efficient spot would be 35% ( at 350mm from the edge of the work area )
At this point, in order to be able to use the the complete area, the linear bearings must be at least 1650mm, which makes it inadequate fit on top of a coffee table ( mines 1200mm x 600mm )

The motors shouldnt be an issue as they have more than enough torque and they can and will do microstepping which gives a 0.9 Degree resolution. Also to keep in mind is the fact that these motors will have the voltage and amperage required to work at their full rating so that isnt going to be an issue and with the capability of running up to 3000RPM is more than adequate in my head.

These are all points that I have long studdied and thought about.
I started working on the Mini CNC project about 2 or 3 years ago and didn't start collecting parts till about 3 or 4 months ago... homework first then spend the money!]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:06:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304864#msg-304864 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304864#msg-304864
If you have high lead screws and good motors, then the speed issue can be addressed, but you still want to minimise moving mass. I think I would be inclined to fix the gantry, and have a moving table on the Y axis.

Of course, if it is a learning exercise, then going off the beaten path can find new ways of doing things.]]> bobc Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 02 Feb 2014 12:00:24 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304714#msg-304714 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304714#msg-304714
The speeds that 3D printers run at is typically much faster than a router or milling machine. Using a Ramps board, I peak out at around 300mm/s (limited by the stepping rate of the firmware I suspect). This is about 720ipm, which would be really fast if you were moving a bunch of mass around as well.

I'm sure you will have no problem getting it to print with the design you are proposing, but I would be surprised if it would work as well as a printer with lower moving mass. All the problems with running at high speed just get magnified as the mass goes up, and you can't fix all of it with a larger motor. There are pretty good reasons why we see the printer designs that we do. The newer designs seem to find ways to lower the moving mass to new lower limits, which allows them to accelerate faster, and ultimately allows faster printing speeds for a given area.

Good luck with your project.]]> manton Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 02 Feb 2014 05:28:22 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304686#msg-304686 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304686#msg-304686
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manton
You may want to rethink using a gantry style design for a 3D printer. Ideally, you want the printer to move fast, so that means keeping the moving mass as low as possible, particularly in X and Y. I would think that moving the entire X and Z axis in a gantry would really slow things down.

That's where the torque from the bigger motors come in... most use standard NEMA17 motors which come in at a measely 56oz/in compared to the 210oz/in of the motors im using.
Also note how low the Y and Z axis motors are mounted for low slung weight... another feature thats not in the drawing is the stiffening struts on each side creating a bit of triangulation therefore reinforcing the structure further more.
The screws im using are countersunk...
The hole will be drilled on a drill press, however instead of countersinking which removes material I will press in most of the material and then countersink the other 10-15% so it creates a clean yet strong surface for them.

Thanks for your input though...]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 02 Feb 2014 03:52:30 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304669#msg-304669 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304669#msg-304669 manton Extruded Aluminum Frames Sun, 02 Feb 2014 02:24:46 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304477#msg-304477 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304477#msg-304477 Tons of support from china to make a buck LOL

Anyway, I have some older SCSI U320 10' Cables kicking around that I can use for the umbilical and on the printer end I can use some of the TE connectors ( If not time to go scour the site for Smaples / Freebies )

Now a quick question about end stops...
Do you guys use one for each end or just one for the home/park position ?

Trying to work out my wiring here LOL

SO far im at :

5 Motors - 4 wires each
6 Limit Switches
6 Thermo Couples
2 Heater Relays ( SSR )

Since there is no major current I will most likely use ribbon cables for signal and 18-20 Ga for the heavy loads]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Sat, 01 Feb 2014 13:41:55 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304390#msg-304390 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304390#msg-304390
Be aware that Rev 1A of RAMPS-FD has some undesirable issues, but is still usable (and surprisingly cheap). Rev 2a is nearing finalisation, but I can't guarantee it will go into production, although hopefully some Chinese manufacturer will pick it up.]]> bobc Extruded Aluminum Frames Sat, 01 Feb 2014 10:09:51 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304269#msg-304269 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304269#msg-304269 [attachment 26026 3DPrint2.jpg]

I think I will have to use lead screws for the X axis though as it will have to hold the weight of the extruding/print head otherwise it will drop when you turn it off.
Not a good idea when the kids will play with it... Guaranteed that something will be broken !

How warm does the work top have to be ??]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Sat, 01 Feb 2014 03:31:47 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304238#msg-304238 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304238#msg-304238
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bobc
1. Yes, I think they should work ok. You would just step, dir and enable to the RAMPS.

2. A heated bed is not essential for PLA, although for large parts it can help prevent warping. For ABS it is pretty much a must.

3. 1.75 mm filament allows smaller lighter extruder, but if you are using lead screw you may not be able to exploit that. The hotends are usually compatible between extruders, so you could change that later.

4. Repetier, Sprinter, Marlin are all commonly used firmwares. Repetier host or pronterface are probably main host software.

You'll need a 12V supply for the RAMPS/Arduino.

Thanks for the input.

I was going to get a Arduino 2560, that was untill i saw your signature LOL
I have the Due so im going to use that instead with the RAMPS-FD as i would like to house it in a smaller case with a separate enclosure with a dedicated power supply to trigger other major components in the printer.
Also want to add a nice graphic display so i can keep an eye on it as its progressing. this will be connected to the printer via a unmbilical that will be removable.
( Remember now kids... All manufacturers do give out free samples ;) including TE ... )

The motor supply will have a softstart and it will be off untill the Due is powered up, it will trigger by it to turn on.

Nothing is built yet...
Switching to a belt is easily done and not work as the state of it right now is no more than just a SketchUp Drawing.
I have a few friends that work in machine shops around the city and would pitch in at a moments notice.

Thats why I'm on here to educate myself and learn what would be the best and fastest way to make this.
I was planning on moving the head using a belt as its easier then the lead screw and far more faster, however since there is no extreme resolution required as in comparison to a mill where really fine detail is required.
Either way...

This is where im at...]]> _Adrian_ Extruded Aluminum Frames Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:22:28 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304189#msg-304189 Re: Newbie with ambitious build https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?177,304139,304189#msg-304189
2. A heated bed is not essential for PLA, although for large parts it can help prevent warping. For ABS it is pretty much a must.

3. 1.75 mm filament allows smaller lighter extruder, but if you are using lead screw you may not be able to exploit that. The hotends are usually compatible between extruders, so you could change that later.

4. Repetier, Sprinter, Marlin are all commonly used firmwares. Repetier host or pronterface are probably main host software.

You'll need a 12V supply for the RAMPS/Arduino.]]> bobc Extruded Aluminum Frames Fri, 31 Jan 2014 19:08:37 -0500