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Post by uzumati on Apr 10, 2018 16:06:27 GMT -5
Hello all from Alabama, I just ordered my 8pro+ this morning and already can’t wait for it to arrive. I have some experience with cad/cam work in the past so I am not to concerned about picking up on Vectrics software, but I was wondering if anyone has any tips they found while assembling thier machines? I have watched a couple assembly videos on utube but nothing beats first hand experience.
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Post by stevem on Apr 10, 2018 16:38:52 GMT -5
Assembly is straight forward. With a machine that size, I would suggest you get help with it.
If you bought the Axiom stand, it is quite heavy, but can be assembled by one person. Getting the machine on the stand or anything else you built, will require some help. I only have the AR4 and I still needed 3 people to put it on the stand.
The main machines are built quite well and weigh alot.
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Post by ricphoto on Apr 10, 2018 16:52:47 GMT -5
Check everything ;-)
All of us have had "little" things pop up with our machines...I have the same machine as you're getting and once you get it set-up you'll love it.
Mine was missing a coupler screw on the Z axis...killed another week looking at it while waiting for a replacement
couplers have been setup wrong in some machines...check where they've been set...should be equidistant on the mating shafts
Others have reported loose wiring connections in various places...
Check your table T tracks...a few reports of the T tracks not being the correct width...
Check the connections for the cooling system...leaks have been reported
Make sure you get the latest "manual"...sparse but better than nothing...better yet search for and download the Powermatic version of the manual...lots more detail
USB drives can be finicky causing lots of frustration...look through the postings and get some of the smaller ones mentioned
I think member "Cletus" is from down there too...he just got his so the set-up is fresh in his mind...think he even posted his phone # for another user to call him for tips etc...might be nice to have someone nearby to bounce stuff off of...
Make lots of sawdust and ask questions...here and over at the Vectric forum...lots of very helpful folks on both
have fun...Ric
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Post by BigMoose on Apr 10, 2018 17:14:37 GMT -5
Like others have said get help lifting stuff I was shocked at how heavy duty the stand was and it weighs a ton. Also a set of taps can be handy. I had to use my taps to clean out the threads before running bolts in.
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Post by gerry on Apr 10, 2018 17:53:54 GMT -5
My son and I lifted my AR8 Pro+ on the stand with the help of an 'A' frame. Lots of straps from the hook. Then, just rolled the assembled stand under the lifted CNC bed. Put the bolts in, and disconnected the frame.
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Post by uzumati on Apr 10, 2018 18:27:23 GMT -5
I was thinking about using the tractor with the pallet forks and lifting straps to hoist it up and roll the table under it, but without a good look at the underside yet I’m not sure if that would compromise any of the control mechanisms. Is the screw and drag chain under the bed tucked up high enough to prevent a strap wrapped around the bottom of the frame from coming in contact with them?
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Post by cletus on Apr 10, 2018 21:41:31 GMT -5
I used my tractor with forks to lift my ar8pro+. just gently slid forks under frame with help of a friend to guide me. Worked great then rolled stand under it and bolted together. I put some padding on forks so i didnt scratch it.
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Post by traindriver on Apr 14, 2018 17:53:30 GMT -5
I, too have picked up my AR8 Pro+ with a tractor and pallet forks - no problem. The square tubing frame of the machine is extremely rigid, just make sure you don't go between them and the bed of the machine - THAT will do some damage to the Y-axis ballscrew. I was able to lift mine by myself (w/tractor) no problem.
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Post by uzumati on Apr 15, 2018 8:43:51 GMT -5
Thanks guys delivery is scheduled for tomorrow (Monday) morning, gonna have to find a way to get to sleep tonight.
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