Plotting

I was able to finally run a legitimate test of the CNC today. I didn't cut anything yet, but I was able to plot the LinuxCNC default code with a Sharpie. It was flipped (because I had the axis direction flipped) but turned out okay. The errors in the test were from pen deflection. There wasn't enough grip to hold the pen perfectly in place, and as a result, caused the tip to wiggle back and forth as it dragged on the paper.

First plot.

To reach this point, I had to put the table and its torsion box on and mount the router. The table was relatively easy and I put it on last Sunday. I just had to glue the torsion box to the table top and then bolt that to the side walls.

Table mounted.

How not to use a jigsaw.

Mounting the router was a considerably more difficult challenge that I tackled this night. I drafted out dimensions for a router clamp and drew the lines to cut on the wood. I had only used a jigsaw maybe three times before and my inexperience showed in cutting the clamp out. I was surprised that the router sat pretty snugly in the mount. It's ugly, but it did the job.

Split wood.

I need to learn how not to split wood. And use cutting tools. (I should find time to practice.)

Router mounted.

The first thing I'll be cutting out on the CNC will be two new clamps for the router. Two are needed to prevent the router from deflecting. You can even see the router sagging inwards with my single clamp. I just hope my crude clamp (which I will likely need two of) will survive a couple of cuts so I can replace them.