Newbie - Looking for advice on new AvidCNC build

919 Views 6 Replies 7 Participants Last post by RainMan 2.0, 9 mo ago

jmdye

Discussion Starter · 10 mo ago

Hi all, new to the forum, new to operating a cnc, not new to CAD.

I'm putting together a build for an AvidCNC Pro that I'm going to use for hobby woodworking. One of the things I want to make sure I add to the machine in relatively short order (once I've got it up and running, dialed in, etc) is an ATC. I plan to use the S30C with spindle. Naturally, it requires a compressor to operate the drawbar and the product page indicates it needs a compressor capable of 100psi output at 5-6cfm.

Compressor: You will need a standard shop air compressor capable of 100psi output at 5-6cfm (1-2cfm if no case pressure is used). The air supplied to the spindle should be clean and dry. Different regions will require different air preparation, but a 5 micron filter is recommended at minimum. It is critical that the air pressure supplied to the machine is not compromised by use of other tools, etc.

I'm curious if anyone else is using this ATC and if so, what compressor are you using. Most compressors have their SCFM rated at 90psi and pressure typically has an inverse relationship with volume. So if I get a compressor that just meets the requirements at 90psi, at 100psi the same compressor likely will not meet the requirements.

Since this is just for hobby woodworking, I'm not trying to spend a lot until I've proven the usefulness of it all but I doubt I would want a CNC without an ATC as I don't want to babysit the thing for tool changes all day.

Also, I don't know what is meant by "case pressure" so that would probably help.

TIA.

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jw2170

· #2 · 10 mo ago

Welcome to the forum...

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old55

· #3 · 9 mo ago

Welcome to the forum.

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MikeMa

· #4 · 9 mo ago

I do not use an ATC on my CNC. However, generally for compressors, you will want to size up based on your needs. Most compressors have a duty cycle of 50% and if you frequently exceed that, you will burn out the motor prematurely. The bigger the compressor, the better.

You noted that you want to use the ATC to keep from babysitting the CNC. Babysitting a CNC is the nature of the beast, as you do not want to leave a CNC unattended, as they can be a fire risk. Typically when I have my CNC running, I am in and around the shop doing other tasks, ready to hit the e-stop if something unexpected happens. For bit changes, for most of what I have done, I use about 3 bits on average. The time between each bit change is usually long enough that I can work on something else, or short enough that it is not a big deal to stand at the machine waiting for the next change. Also, depending on how big your machine is, the ATC does take away workable space on the CNC. If it is a smaller machine, you may find you want the space to work bigger projects.

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PhilBa

· #5 · 9 mo ago

You are getting a fantastic machine! I have an Avid Pro4848 and love it. Super solid and great support from Avid. But, I don't use the S30C. You might want to join the Avid CNC User Group (that exact name) on facebook. A fair number of members use the S30C and it comes up frequently in posts. Pretty sure you will get all your questions answered there.

FWIW, I thought long and hard about getting an ATC but, honestly, I don't find tool changes that onerous. I'm a hobbyist and do a number of jobs that require 6-10 tool changes. I can change a bit in less than 2 minutes. If I was running a production shop, I'd be there in a heart beat. Being able to be doing other tasks in the shop without interruption will make you a lot more productive. The 17"x10" tray pictured below took 11 toolpaths, 7 bit changes, double sided processing and took about 2.5 hours start to finish. Tool changes only took about 15 minutes of the time.

And, MikeMa is spot on. A CNC Router is not a machine to leave running unattended, especially a professional level beast like you are getting.

Table Furniture Drinkware Tableware Dishware

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wyzarddocbill

· #6 · 9 mo ago

1. I have owned a CNC machine for 12 years. I can't count the times I have had to hit the emergency stop. Anything from a software glitch to a power glitch.If your good with electronics you can take a cheap ESP32-cam board and watch whats happening on your cell phone. If your into programming you can do a remote stop.
2. Instead of a tool changer my first upgrade would be Clear Path Hybird steppers, their is a YouTube video that shows this system going the full 8' of a 4X8 machine and returning to within a couple of thousands or less measured with a dial indicator.
3. Good luck learning the nuances of the Avid/Router Parts machine. My friend and I have been working for over 3 years up grading his 4X8 Avid/Router Parts Machine with end stops, limit switches Clear Path Hybrid steppers etc.
4. Keep a good sense of humor CNC can try your good nature.

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RainMan 2.0

· #7 · 9 mo ago

wyzarddocbill said:
1. I have owned a CNC machine for 12 years. I can't count the times I have had to hit the emergency stop. Anything from a software glitch to a power glitch.If your good with electronics you can take a cheap ESP32-cam board and watch whats happening on your cell phone. If your into programming you can do a remote stop.
2. Instead of a tool changer my first upgrade would be Clear Path Hybird steppers, their is a YouTube video that shows this system going the full 8' of a 4X8 machine and returning to within a couple of thousands or less measured with a dial indicator.
3. Good luck learning the nuances of the Avid/Router Parts machine. My friend and I have been working for over 3 years up grading his 4X8 Avid/Router Parts Machine with end stops, limit switches Clear Path Hybrid steppers etc.
4. Keep a good sense of humor CNC can try your good nature.

I also purchased an avid CNC pro, but have not had a chance to assemble yet. I want to build the electronics myself in order to get a better understanding of the system , while making it easier to trouble shoot .
I already have avids nema. 34 steppers , and was looking at buying these stepper drivers .

http://americanmotiontech.com/products/productdetail.aspx?model=em806-digital-stepper-drive-80v-8.2a-stall-detection

also was debating to use uccnc as opposed to Mach4. This is the breakout board I’m debating to get

AXBB-E Ethernet Motion Controller and Breakout Board Combined Motion Controller Unit

AXBB-E Ethernet Motion Controller and Breakout Board Combined Controller

www.cnc4pc.com

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