Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Ok that didn't work but I forgot to resize so here goes.

For those that didn't figure this out the last few posts were a test I did for Brian using his account. I was on for way longer than I planned because I haven't posted many pics but It works fine from my location Brian, hope this helps.

Is it Scotty's router?

Hi, yes this is mine. Took a couple of months to build. It's a Joe's CNC http://www.joescnc.com/themachines-hybrid.php but with a smaller footprint and a wood base.

Hey. I need one of those to do my other hobby! How much did it cost to build? Are those linear bearings of your own creation? Would love to see more. I build guitars hence the need. Currently use a pin router with templates.

Oh and thanks for doing the test. Now at least I know something. It is probably related to the pathetic broadband service we have here! Hopeless. Got very excited when I saw the cnc and almost forgot what we were doing.

Brian, cost really depends on how much you want to scrounge but to make guitars I figure you would need 3d software so probably 3,000 to $3,500 for everything if you make a Joe's Hybrid, using rack and pinion gears for movement.

The linear bearings we're made by me but were not designed by me.

Just to give you an idea
Dedicated computer with a parallel port - not included in the estimate.
Software - Vectric Aspire 1,900 and
Motors and Electronics - 600 to 1000 (very basic version with Gecko g540 - done well it can be more but doesn't get you much more functionality, does make it somewhat safer)
Base, Aluminum Extrusions and angle iron accounts for the rest.

If you want to add a 4th axis (like a lathe) which might be helpful for making necks on guitars then thats extra - probably 200 to 400.

Mine only cost 2000 to 2500 but mostly because I use VCarve Pro and Cut3D, not Aspire. Really would have liked having Aspire but it just wasn't in the budget. If you want to build one of these you should buy the plans and join the website I posted, It's worth the money and there are lots of mods that are worth doing. Some of the guys on the site make a cast aluminum version that you can buy (doesn't include everything but really beefs up the CNC which allows you to run faster and cut things like aluminum more easily). I typically run mine at 100 Inches per minute but can go much faster (gets pretty scary - I cranked it to 1000IPM once without cutting - don't try this at home). There are DXF files online for Telecasters and Les Paul jr guitars so it can be done.


Glad I could help with the test.

Forgot you will also need Mach3 software to run the CNC. Aspire is for designing your files and creating the toolpaths. Mach3 runs the Gcode that tells the router where to go. Mach3 is only around $175.

My next sump/pond will be in the shape of a Fender Precision Bass, the fretboard an NFT channel feeding in to the edge...
Pump house and relays will be in a hollow Marshall Stack.
I guess the fish pond will have to be in an upright piano then.

Rick

Its always so much more pricey than one would like it to be, but i guess it is cheap by comparison with a serious machine. A guy in our factory black manufactures them but his are big and they cost $8k or 9 last I checked. It is 'Mech mate' or something like that...

Hi Rick. That would be cool! When you going to start? It would need 4 nft channels. one for each string

Hey. While this thing is working. I am nearing completion of my greenhouse but have no clue about temp regulation in there. The one side is totally open and the other side has a gaping hole in it and the water temps are in the very high 20s already. Will I need a fan and thermostat? How much air do I need to move? Its pretty small. About 2.5 meters by 6 meters and a little over 2 meters high.

If this post works I may just post a pic!

I Have some Tilapia in the greenhouse system now. I am only running two growbeds. If you go to a shop to get a pump and the guy pulls out a thing that looks way smaller than what you had in mind... trust you instincts! Say no more.

I got the Tilapia from Bassmonster. Thanks Carel They are all doing great. They are eating like crazy. And they keep their tank spotless.

Trout from a while ago. Not sure I posted this pic. Just testing actually. Have been having forum woes...

Maybe Michael O'toole has performed a fix of some kind! Let's hold thumbs

Glad your connection is apparently working now. Found this Greenhouse Fan size calculator http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/fan-calc.shtml

According to the site you need to move about 30 cubic meters of air per minute. The fan should do approximately one complete air exchange every minute. You will need a large enough opening to allow the air to enter the greenhouse - usually these have louvered shutters that open when the fan comes on.

Some other ideas - Shade cloth to protect the plants is a really good idea. You may also want to look at swamp coolers if your temps get really high. You should probably get a fan just to circulate air around the greenhouse when the main fan isn't running. Does your greenhouse have any roof vents (they make automatic openers that you might be able to hook up to these). Hope this gives you a few ideas.

Those Mechmates are very nice but I can do just about anything I want on my CNC, just have to go a bit slower and take more passes with the router. Some of the guys with aluminum carriages probably are not far from having the equivalent of a Mechmate but at about half the price.