Build Log Entry #3: Electrical, Spindle, and Initial Squaring
I finished up the electrical and I just couldn’t help customizing the extension cables a bit. I fitted the panels on the back, but I need to customize those a bit too (Especially the panel over my Jackpot.) For the cosmetic-only parts I used a Matte Black PLA which used CF to create the appearance. It’s pretty brittle and I’ve broken several parts if there is the slightest bit of stress. Overture Matte Black PLA. Looks really cool but I don’t think I’ll be using it again for any machines.
My EE student son has been working hard on a PCB based on the WLED controller I’ve been breadboarding. I think I’ll probably install one when they arrive to take care of the lighting.
The RS485 stuff took me a while. Fluidterm was invaluable in figuring it out. Turns out some of the sample code and images reverse gpio13 and gpio15. I ended up setting them according to BDring’s board rather than any of the references. The VFD is an H100, so most of the defaults work, but it takes a bit to go through and set them all up. Baud rate, etc. is some of the last, but most important. As pointed out, it gives me a speed, however, I don’t really have any way to know if it’s true. Not sure it matters enough.
I had to pull and reattach the struts/rails to shim them out about 22mm. And it appears I shifted the rail side about 6mm. When squaring I ended up compensating with pullback. I’ve got the room to spare, and I don’t really want to extend the screw that far. If it causes problems I’ll revisit.
Project To Do List:
- Struts are temporary, I need to modify the bottom strut to have holes for mounting my hardware.
- I have aluminum for the permanent struts. But I think I’ll cut another set from something more forgiving before committing to the metal.
- I want to create a new spoilboard. I cheaped out on the last one at 12mm. I want to create an 18mm spoilboard with mount points for fixtures and jigs.
- I need to figure out how to get a wrench on the spindle when I change tools. The current (Makita) shoe doesn’t allow for any of my wrenches to fix the spindle while I change bits.
- Kinematic mount needs Laser, Mist Coolant, and Pen/Dragknife tool mounts.
I’m anxious to get back to cutting projects!