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Arduino / ClearPath Servo Controlled Chop Saw Stop

By September 28, 2017July 6th, 20213D Printing, DIY, How-To, Non-CNC, Start to Finish
This project has been rolling around in my head for a long time.  More than a year in fact.  With the help of the ClearPath “pulse burst mode” servo from Teknic it is now a reality.  I hadn’t heard of this mode of operation until talking with Teknic but it turned out to be a perfect fit.  I’ve used the Clearpath “step and direction” servos on my 2 CNC machines for a few years, ever since one of my viewers turned me onto them (thanks Anthony:)

This project turned out better than I could have hoped. It’s simple to use and extremely precise, like 0.00067 inches precise.  That’s 0.017mm for the rest of the world. I dare say, for woodworking…   it’s spot on.  The wood will move on it’s own more than that amount.

This project isn’t very complicated.  I’d love to see others build it and see how they do it differently.  I’ve included a list of all the main components that went into this build. The digital resouces, like Arduino code, libraries and part files will be available via the link at the bottom of the page.

If there’s something I missed or you need more detail, let me know.

Project Pictures

Project Videos

Links and Sources

Teknic ClearPath Servo and Power Supply Details

ClearPath servo from Teknic as built – Model CPM-MCPV-3432S-ELN after proof of concept, could have used CPM-MCPV-3411S-ELN (still pulse burst mode type)

Teknic ClearPath controller cable and IPC-5 power cable (if used) – Cables

Teknic 75vdc power supply – Model IPC-5 (a 48vdc power supply could also have been used)

 

Items from Amazon – Using these links helps support the channel and doesn’t cost you any more.  Thanks for your support!

Generic DC Barrel Jack 5.5×2.1mm 12V Panel Mount for Wall Supplies (pack of 10 – you need 1) http://amzn.to/2gZ68Li

BUD Industries NBF-32016 Plastic ABS NEMA INDOOR USE 11-51/64″ L x 7-55/64″ W x 5-7/64″ H, Light Gray Finish (for power supply) http://amzn.to/2xsGzZQ

BUD Industries NBX-32916-PL ABS Plastic Internal Panel, 10-1/2″ L x 6-11/16″ W x 1/8″ Thick, for NBF Series Boxes (for power supply) http://amzn.to/2wWPKjJ

BUD Industries NBF-32012 Plastic ABS NEMA Economy Box, 7-55/64″ L x 5-57/64″ W x 3-59/64″ H, Light Gray Finish (for Arduino) http://amzn.to/2gYLyqH

Electronics-Salon Nylon Round Spacer Assortment Kit, for M3 Screws, Plastic http://amzn.to/2wWI156

Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Kit – Stackable Version R3 http://amzn.to/2y153Gy

4×4 16 Key Matrix Membrane Switch Keypad Keyboard 76x69x0.8mm http://amzn.to/2y0Xfop

2x Switch 6a/250v 10a/125v Black Kcd1-105 Spst On-off Panel Round Rocker A8 http://amzn.to/2y168hA

RGB LCD Shield Kit with 16×2 Character Negative Display-Uses Only 2 Pins http://amzn.to/2xsBy3k

Arduino A000067 Dev Board, ATMEGA2560, Arduino MEGA 2560 R3 http://amzn.to/2h0SKCm

80/20 Inc., 2020, 10 Series, 2″ x 2″ T-Slotted Extrusion x 97″ http://amzn.to/2f1fTI5

80/20 Inc., 6724, 10 Series, 4″ Double Flange Linear Bearing http://amzn.to/2jk4dSf

RAM Mount 2-1/2″ Diameter Base w/1.5″ Ball (you need 1) http://amzn.to/2f1IUn5

RAM Mounts (RAM-103U) 1.5 Inch Ball Double Socket Arm with 2.5 Inch Round Base http://amzn.to/2w3k1P0

 

Additional Hardware

Onvio pulleys and mount plate – pulley part# OV107843 (AT5, 22 teeth, Dual Flange, 0.5in Bore), AT5 clamp plate Part# 5005092

Gates Mectrol – Belting AT5 / 32mm wide, polyurethane with steel tension members, Approximately 12 feet needed as shown in video

Icotek cable pass through – Used on power supply enclosure – Model KEL-ER product page 

1/2 motor coupler halve (you need 2) from McMaster-Carr https://www.mcmaster.com/#9845t2/=19hitwp

Coupling spider for motor coupler from McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/#9845t14/=19hiubb

1/2 inch nylon plastic spacers from McMaster https://www.mcmaster.com/#90295a492/=19hiv2q

Loc-Tite 648 from McMaster-Carr (clean parts with alcohol before assembly) https://www.mcmaster.com/#91458a801/=19hit9b

2 inch long aluminum spacer from McMaster-Carr (you need 6) https://www.mcmaster.com/#92511a085/=19hishb

0.5 inch shafting from McMaster-Carr https://www.mcmaster.com/#1346k17/=19hiru9

Leveling feet from McMaster-Carr https://www.mcmaster.com/#2531k61/=19hiqsq

(Pack of 2) Flanged Ball Bearings Precision Sealed 1/2″ ID x 1-3/8″ OD G8 http://amzn.to/2wlTLe9

 

Additional Video Resources from Teknic

ClearPath servo overview

Connecting a ClearPath servo to Arduino 

Using the MSP software with ClearPath Servos

Auto tuning the Clearpath servo

 

Fusion 360 Design Files

Neo7CNC keypad and LCD template http://a360.co/2xz9GJW

NEMA34 motor mount plate http://a360.co/2jXhoIO

Free end pulley bracket as seen in video http://a360.co/2xz4rdc

Servo end pulley bracket as seen in video http://a360.co/2jVRIfH

[Better Version – You’ll need 2] Pulley bracket LEFT http://a360.co/2xumxLy 

[Better Version – You’ll need 2] Pulley bracket RIGHT http://a360.co/2wQtMf7

Enclosure air filter frame – SMALL http://a360.co/2wQwqS3

Enclosure air filter frame – LARGE http://a360.co/2wQbiex

 

Download Link for Source Code and Technical Instructions

Neo7CNC-Arduino-Clearpath-Chop-Saw-Stop.zip

David Burrell

David Burrell - A lifelong inventor, designer and creator. Besides being a CNC enthusiast and maker, he also invented the LoopAlien and patented QuickIT cord attachment devices that were successfully launched on Kickstarter.