ScotY wrote: ↑Sun Apr 01, 2018 6:21 pm
Hi,
I’ve been just quietly enjoying your build thread...thanks for posting all the pics and info! I sure wish I could find an older good machine here locally rather than dealing with my little cheap Chinese junk machines. Finding anything here locally is all but impossible though.
Wanted to say that I agree with you re. the Pro vs Ultimate software upgrades. Digitizing is of no interest to me but the probe routines are. The price jump is too much to justify for me so I have to live with what I have unless they break it down into smaller bits (fingers crossed!).
Also agreed about the 3D printer advice. PETG is the way to go and Simplify3D as well. S3D made a HUGE difference for me...pricey but worth it. If (and that’s a big IF) you know what you’re doing, you can get away with the various free slicers but otherwise, it reduces the headaches a lot. I use Edge PETG from the E3D guys and have good luck with it...easy to print decent and I don’t pay too much attention to the moisture absorption issues. And I live in a very humid location.
Funny thing is I first got the 3D printer thinking it would help me figure out CAD and all that stuff. It’s helped a little but I find now that it helps a lot when making parts. I tend to not, let’s just say plan well when designing stuff so it’s easy to print out the part and see where I messed up.
Hey, nice of you to post. I enjoy it when folks drop by and post on my thread. This is one of the few things I like about Facebook (ThreeDJ Smith if anyone wants to look me up), is the sharing of knowledge in a social environment. I've learned so much in the last few years about CAD/CAM/CNC/3D printing and I try to always pay forward what I've learned plus my years of working as an E&I tech. But mostly, I love to continue learning every single day form everyone in which I interact. So thank you.
Also, I live in Ga, extremely humid. My PETG went to the next level after moving to dry boxes (it was crappy before except on a new roll). Wish I could find the article and the differences from just a small amount of moisture absorption to a print totally sealed from moisture (it's very noticeable, even if you don't think there is an issue). For a few bucks, it's a great way to improve printing. I'm printing at low res and fast now (something impossible before) and they still turn out great. I can't imagine how they would look if I slowed it down and used a higher res...LOL....but I'm always in a hurry for my parts. This is a super cheap brand I buy from Amazon, but it works fantastic.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075M ... UTF8&psc=1
Good luck on your search for a small Emco. Join our Facebook group, as people post deals they find there and you can ask around. I see them on Ebay quite often too. There is one guy in particular on Ebay who just seems to deal in all Emco stuff. Might take him a few months, but he will get what you want. He also travels the country and if you are willing to wait, will delivery on his trips. (Edit...just realized you live in Hawaii...LOL...don't think he's be driving there).
Anyway, I'll have some more pics up soon. Realized this weekend that I had forgot to hook up the new closed look steppers to the pulley and belts. The Emco stepper pulleys are pinned and also 6mm (and steel). So I literally lost half a day getting those worked out, as the lengths worked out different (new plates were thicker) and the old motors had a recess in which the pulley collar slipped down in (new steppers did not). So had to turn down the pulley collars, bore them out, do a lot of measuring, say a prayer, toss some salt over my shoulder and git R dun....LOL. Luckily it all worked out great. Between that, replacing the prototype spindle motor plate and getting a temporary encoder setup going, I lost a day or so. But had to be done before the wiring. I'm currently about 1/3rd done with the wiring now. Took tomorrow off from work in hopes of finally finishing this up (at least get it running). Still have my back cover plate and fan to deal with next weekend. But finally see a light at the end of the tunnel....LOL.
As soon as I finish up this project, I have several new mill upgrade project lined up. Never ending cycle, but I love it!
