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DIY CNC anyone?

dmaxAl

dmaxAl

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AMA #: 2815458
Started a project on building my own cnc machine. Initial version will be to run my plasma cutter on sheet metal, so XY + limited Z will be fine, but I'm hoping to use basically the same machine to also mill non metallic materials (mostly wood). Will build a 12" Z axis for this, running a 2HP routing motor.
Work deck size will be ~ 24"x36".
Anyone else do this? Something similar? Ebay took care of the linear rails, ball screws, steppers and power supplies. I'm thinking mach3 for initial bringup but might design an arduino based dedicated controller. Gonna fabricate the frame, brackets, tool deck etc myself.
 
Are there off the shelf parts and programs to accomplish this? Sounds like a real bear, otherwise. Take lots of pictures for us!
 
Ive seen a lot of projects on Hackaday and Instructables, but haven't had the space and money to get started on them. damn low-budget, apartment dwelling life :(

can't wait to see how yours turns out
 
As long as you're expecting router level accuracy rather than mill level accuracy it seems like a reasonable project. Many of the DIY CNC "Mills" that I've seen online don't look anywhere near beefy enough to hold good numbers.
 
i wouldn't be surprised if you could find good Arduino code for a 3D printer that you could easily port to your wood CNC. at the very least, id add "3d printer" to my search terms in Google when looking for info.

+1 to lots of pics
 
if you are setting up for metal, than forget about woodworking. you are in tolerance denial. not a slam.
what, exactly, are you putting your effort forth to produce?
Personally, If I cant do it with a sawzall, its out of my pay grade.
 
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stangmx13 said:
i wouldn't be surprised if you could find good Arduino code for a 3D printer that you could easily port to your wood CNC. at the very least, id add "3d printer" to my search terms in Google when looking for info.

+1 to lots of pics
Click to expand...

easily? :laughing
 
dmaxAl said:
Started a project on building my own cnc machine. Initial version will be to run my plasma cutter on sheet metal, so XY + limited Z will be fine, but I'm hoping to use basically the same machine to also mill non metallic materials (mostly wood). Will build a 12" Z axis for this, running a 2HP routing motor.
Work deck size will be ~ 24"x36".
Anyone else do this? Something similar? Ebay took care of the linear rails, ball screws, steppers and power supplies. I'm thinking mach3 for initial bringup but might design an arduino based dedicated controller. Gonna fabricate the frame, brackets, tool deck etc myself.
Click to expand...

this is cool, I know nothing about anything you're doing but would love to learn.
 
carries an axe said:
this is cool, I know nothing about anything you're doing but would love to learn.
Click to expand...

Well that makes two of us :p I've wanted to do this for a while cos there's a bit of machining, design, software, motors etc. The end result isn't really as important as what I learn on the way.

wilit said:
Check out http://www.cnczone.com/forums/ I used it a bit when I had my Sherline mill. They have a DIY section that has a good bit of traffic, so there's bound to be someone there that can help.
Click to expand...

Thanks wilit yeah I've been browsing around there, some good information.

Under no illusion what takes to get a proper cnc machine for metal milling - buy one or convert a manual mill. Nah, plasma and wood routing. If I can get the precision then engraving also. Maybe a laser cutter? Maybe 3d printer? Dunno..

Here's the bit's I'm starting with and what I have in mind for the Z carriage. The acrylic is just for mock up so I can lay some lines and play around with layout without cutting any aluminum. Z will be 4 of those stainless posts, 1 in each corner, with the base of the leadscrew attached here. Got some thinking to do on how to complete the top which needs to include a motor mount.
I'm going to fab up a couple of 6" risers to get the Y axis rails above X. X rails will ride on the edge of a 'box' so the total Z depth should still be 12". maybe. :rofl At 5TPI on the leadscrew and 1.8deg step the theoretical precision is 0.001" As I said, theoretical :laughing
 

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The only DIY CNC's that I'm aware of use a mill from Harbour Freight as the starting point. That said, I do admire your ability to take on a project like this...have you checked out the Gingery books? They might have some information that you can use...http://gingerybooks.com/Marvinsphotos.html
 
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well so far so good. All the cheap kit i ordered from fleabay has arrived (from China :) in good shape and actually not bad quality. Picked up a 40W CO2 laser plus all the mirrors etc for shits and giggles. I need to figure out a basic cooling system before I fire that puppy up. And a fire extinguisher.
Got the power supply and stepper motor control board together, hooked up to the pc. xyz controls all work properly and the limit/estop circuits too. I'm using mach3 software for the pc for the controller.
11960479244_15ae611fa3_b.jpg


the table itself is coming together. Need to finish the tool carriage top and various webs before I mount the ball screws.
11960337383_edbf1afc88_b.jpg
 
My buddy bought a Haas VF3, tooled, it was $71,000. Brand new. I want one, I run one 12 houra a day at work, maybe a used one in the next couple years. I want something that will make some money. A lot of miney.
 
I converted a Harbor Freight mill a few years ago. I use it on a regular basis to make replacement parts for toys, RC helicopters, guns, and lots of bits and pieces for various motorcycles.
If you have any questions let me know and I'll help wherever I can.

[youtube]6vigVSiFv1k[/youtube]

Here are some Brembo caliper adaptors being cut
[youtube]fEquQ3iKMEY[/youtube]
 
I've built two kit machines, 24x48 and 48x96. Pm me if you have any questions on set up. I'm using mach3 as well.
 
Freakin' awesome project. Thanks for documenting the build and your learning process. Keep it up!
 
RC30fan said:
I converted a Harbor Freight mill a few years ago. I use it on a regular basis to make replacement parts for toys, RC helicopters, guns, and lots of bits and pieces for various motorcycles.
If you have any questions let me know and I'll help wherever I can.

[youtube]6vigVSiFv1k[/youtube]

Here are some Brembo caliper adaptors being cut
[youtube]fEquQ3iKMEY[/youtube]
Click to expand...

What did you do to stiffen the column? I've thought about converting mine, but it flexes and chatters so much, I didn't think it would be worth it.
 
I've got an early 60s Cincinatti ToolMaster mill, that I've been told, would make a good base for a retrofit, its bigger than a Bridgeport and everything works, but needs a quill spring, the quill handle doesn't spring back up when drilling holes, but I never felt a need to replace it. $1000 and its yours.
 
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