# JJ's X-Carve Build and Projects **URL:** \ **Category:** Assembly\ **Created:** [January 26, 2016, 3:25am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273 "2016-01-26T03:25:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 3:25am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/1 "2016-01-26T03:25:17Z")
This is a work in progress as I build my machine. Summary specifications: This is a 1000 mm x 1000mm X-Carve powered by X-Controller **Upgrades:** - [Dewalt DWP611 router](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0048EFUV8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0048EFUV8&linkCode=as2&tag=jersblo0a7-20&linkId=NQW5ZY2JLWLD3BVV) - NEMA 23; 76mm 200+ oz-in - [9mm GT2 Belts for X & Y](https://community.inventables.com/t/9mm-belts-parts-and-tools/18583) - DIY Wasteboard - Y Supports (4 Total, 2 on each rail) - Steel bolted between the X rails - 10" Z axis extrusion; Allows spindle to be raised higher, and longer length NEMA 23 motors - Longer [ACME](http://openbuildspartstore.com/8mm-metric-acme-lead-screw/) rod for longer Z axis; [Anti Back Lash Nut](http://openbuildspartstore.com/anti-backlash-nut-block-for-8mm-metric-acme-lead-screw/) - [Optical Homing Switches](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build/19273/9) for X,Y,Z - Mounted to Rails vs the moving parts - 30 mm wide Y drag chain to support additional wires ([Part Number: 30331-01](https://www.inventables.com/technologies/drag-chain)) - LED lights along X and Y rails - [Engraving Laser](http://us.banggood.com/Wholesale-Warehouse-445nm-2_5W-2500mW-Blue-Laser-Module-With-Heatsink-For-DIY-Laser-Cutter-Engraver-wp-Usa-993521.html?p=N002193681970201602G) - Y rail shielding; clear plastic - Spindle Control via [relay](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WV7GMA2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00WV7GMA2&linkCode=as2&tag=jersblo0a7-20&linkId=7XO5I42J4SO2Y5YI) **Future Upgrades:** - Maybe switch to Makita router; I really like the [3d printed dust shoe](http://www.norwegiancreations.com/2014/08/an-open-source-cnc-dust-shoe/) I am using now on my 500mm machine. - Switch Box to override spindle control and vacuum control ---
**Author:** ![WorkinWoods](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/workinwoods/32/44400_2.png) [@WorkinWoods](https://community.inventables.com/u/WorkinWoods)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2016, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/2 "2016-01-26T23:14:24Z")
very nice!!! ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2016, 4:24am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/3 "2016-01-28T04:24:21Z")
It’s a X-Controller stepper motor party! ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/2X/b/bb77ddae8cb75d8f54b5936cb5794627f9dd06e6.jpeg) ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/2X/6/6e8d5cd8f62d62ad0bf2b19698569b75f461fcf9.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/4 "2016-01-29T03:47:23Z")
Equipment mounted and ready for connections. ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/2X/1/1c424ac88174923ef9d4a3899b3e48fcb2dcba13.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2016, 4:51am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/5 "2016-01-30T04:51:39Z")
A mess of wires! But it works! ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/2X/2/2bfbac2045f0aeff519dd27335e1267de3f0d194.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2016, 4:03pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/6 "2016-02-01T16:03:47Z")
Random build pictures: ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/2X/8/81757ff6ddb4e20f5614ce3315071b84bb3bbae1.jpeg) ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/2X/0/0961d298bc40df87ad615e8f4b07a78c6362de1a.jpeg) ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/2X/a/a4d1f3193a6a0047a3e0fab8c618003b20b76f30.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 3:05pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/7 "2016-02-04T15:05:37Z")
My laser is on its way. It’s a $90 [“triple C” 2.5W 445nm laser](http://us.banggood.com/Wholesale-Warehouse-445nm-2_5W-2500mW-Blue-Laser-Module-With-Heatsink-For-DIY-Laser-Cutter-Engraver-wp-Usa-993521.html?p=N002193681970201602G). No duty cycle or power adjust. Just constant current; either on or off. I will probably use the X-Controller’s M8 output pin for controlling it. Haven’t decided what software to use; I imagine some script to convert Z-Axis movements to M7 commands. I hope Easel will come out with a feature for laser engraving in general. Hooking it up to the Spindle commands will be easy as well… ---
**Author:** ![AllenMassey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/allenmassey/32/84441_2.png) [@AllenMassey](https://community.inventables.com/u/AllenMassey)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 3:16pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/8 "2016-02-04T15:16:12Z")
Your build looks great, I would really like to hear more about the optical homing sensors you used. If you could please provided details about the model of the switch and how you mounted them I would appreciate it! ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 4:06pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/9 "2016-02-04T16:06:34Z")
> [@AllenMassey](#): > > optical homing sensors The sensor were all salvaged from old electronics / machines. The sensors are three: [PM-L24](https://octopart.com/pm-l24-panasonic-39427756). > The PM-L24 is an ultra-small u-shaped micro Photoelectric Sensor with built-in amplifier. PM series NPN open-collector transistor sensor plays a key role in the miniaturization of our equipment. This sensor is equipped with two outputs one for light-on and other for dark-on sensing. ![](https://cdck-file-uploads-canada1.s3.dualstack.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/e/f/ef9abc50994f7648288b469b4865a45fec440683.jpg) ![](https://cdck-file-uploads-canada1.s3.dualstack.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/6/2/6276f70b9fa6c617b018f0cb7d581c9848c9836e.jpg) I am building a breakout board to power them, and “split” the signals for interfacing with the X-Controller; Details in a future post. In the near future I will post some pictures of their locations in a build tour video / photos. ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 10:00pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/18 "2016-02-04T22:00:34Z")
Hopefully my future forum post on the breakout board will contain a simple overview of the circuit board and theory behind the optical sensors. > [@AllenMassey](#): > > Has anyone used these PiBot Optical Endstop Rev1.6 (High Precision Limit Switch) > > [http://www.pibot.com/pibot-optical-endstop-rev16.html](http://www.pibot.com/pibot-optical-endstop-rev16.html) > > The price on that website is $2.29 per switch +$1.50 for the cable > > This looks like the perfect optical switch at a very low price. I am sure there must be some reason why it won’t work. These sensor are similar to what I am using. Replace the Arduino / Rasberry Pi with the my custom breakout board and its essentially the same thing. ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 10:05pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/20 "2016-02-04T22:05:57Z")
I feel they belong in a separate discussion with regards to personal feelings about PayPal, shipping to here and there etc… Trying to keep it On Topic with regards to my build and customization’s in general. I felt it was getting a little off-topic. ---
**Author:** ![AllenMassey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/allenmassey/32/84441_2.png) [@AllenMassey](https://community.inventables.com/u/AllenMassey)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 10:07pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/21 "2016-02-04T22:07:54Z")
Good Point, sorry for taking it off topic. Your use of optical sensors just made me anxious to find some for my machine. I started a new [thread](https://community.inventables.com/t/optical-homing-and-limit-switches/19675) ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 10:13pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/22 "2016-02-04T22:13:37Z")
So far I like them. And more robust. I broke my mechanical Z switch within my first few hours of mounting it. My Z optical sensor is mounted so that physical travel is stopped by metal, and is interrupted by flag mounted to the spindle carriage. The X and Y use the carriage plates as the interrupt flags for now, with physical travel being stopped by the sensor’s plastic housing. But they seem tougher then those flimsy stock mechanical roller switches. I could always add extra interrupt flags to my carriages and setup metal stops in the future. That may not make sense until I post some video and pictures 😄 ---
**Author:** ![AllenMassey](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/allenmassey/32/84441_2.png) [@AllenMassey](https://community.inventables.com/u/AllenMassey)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2016, 10:14pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/23 "2016-02-04T22:14:59Z")
Pictures of how you mounted the sensors would be appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 5:06am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/24 "2016-02-05T05:06:33Z")
The Z: ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/1/d/1d3dd8ff5af5e3e5416e0dd51a8f4f44f7f4a581.jpeg) The Y: ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/3/5/3591ac7df106d905cd9d2b9f872fdc3608e05f16.jpeg) The X: ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/4/6/46b8c2fa39d08096fdcae4b4d51045f082166023.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2016, 5:49pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/25 "2016-02-10T17:49:20Z")
My laser arrived. I will be milling a bracket to attach the laser to the left side of the DW611 spindle mount. I will also create a simple PCB with power in, on/off signal, and power out to control the laser. ---
**Author:** ![DarrylKegg](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/darrylkegg/32/84315_2.png) [@DarrylKegg](https://community.inventables.com/u/DarrylKegg)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2016, 9:36pm UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/26 "2016-02-10T21:36:09Z")
> [@JeremyJohnstone](#): > > 10" Z axis extrusion; Allows spindle to be raised higher, and longer length NEMA 23 motors > Longer ACME rod for longer Z axis Can you provide some additional detail on how you increased the Z? I see the link to the new rods, but what about the Z axis extrusion increase? ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2016, 12:41am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/27 "2016-02-11T00:41:06Z")
I did some math to calculate the minimum height to fit a 76mm NEMA 23 motor, then looked for a rod that was close. The OpenBuild rod was a good match. From there I just calculate the difference in length from the stock Inventables rod, and my new rod’s match, and added that to the length of the stock Z extrusion. Luckily you dont have to be too exact. Any length issues can be adjusted by the position of the pulleys on the threaded rod. The length of the Z extrusion just so happened to be 254mm. Open Builds Rod = 250 mm Inventables Rod = 206 mm Inventables Z extrusion = 200 Difference is 44 mm So the new extrusion needs to be at least 244mm. I must have added 10 for some reason 😄 I think I planned on adding a bearing at the bottom of the rod, for a configuration like this: > **[Etsy - Shop for handmade, vintage, custom, and unique gifts for everyone](https://www.etsy.com/)** > > Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more. But so far its not necessary. ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2016, 1:29am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/29 "2016-02-11T01:29:58Z")
> [@AngusMcleod](#): > > Did you machine the ends yourself? The extrusion was cut myself on my table saw in a miter sled. ---
**Author:** ![JeremyJohnstone](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/user_avatar/community.inventables.com/jeremyjohnstone/32/32277_2.png) [@JeremyJohnstone](https://community.inventables.com/u/JeremyJohnstone)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2016, 1:44am UTC](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273/30 "2016-02-11T01:44:28Z")
Laser is mounted and working without the ON/OFF feature. Mount: ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/0/0/000a0d1867d2a7787c38639c66783863f08e0814.jpg) ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/6/5/65cdeab12437405ae879f8ec5d6cd931db6b2cf7.jpg) [Easel File](http://easel.inventables.com/projects/xJde4b2m_dHIUQGZpI4rpA) The four laser holes are size for M3 bolts. The two bolts attached to the spindle mount are _tapped_ for M4. Some quick sample output: ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/d/3/d308f6f773ec8f184b1aec979e6c2164c34e4d4e.jpg) ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex009/uploads/inventables/original/3X/0/b/0b2a49c955739386425298e40ce3456931127fcb.jpg) [Next page](https://community.inventables.com/t/jjs-x-carve-build-and-projects/19273.md?page=2)