The goal is to build a CNC router from 8020 aluminum extrusions. There are a number of impressive designs made entirely from MDF, UHMW, plywood and other low cost materials. These have all been a source of inspiration in some way or another. This is not my first CNC machine. I have previously converted a Harbor Freight Micro Mill to CNC, and designed and built a tiny router from 3/8" acrylic (nanoCNC). Both of these machines are too small for some of the projects I want to tackle. I have no intention of restricting the tools needed for building this router to commonly available workshop tools. This is not an Instructable - just a loose guide to building your own and detailing the essential elements of construction. Ultimately the picture below shows where we will end up, but that is jumping ahead a lot. If you can figure out what you need to do looking at the picture, then you can skip the rest of the blog! If you need more detail, read on....
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| The completed CNC Router |
Goal
Size
Cutting area in the region of 18 inches X-Axis, 20 inches Y-Axis with about 4 inches of Z-axis travel. The size limitation is physical space in an already crowded garage, the added expense of going larger (extra support to keep things rigid over a longer span, longer lead screws or rack and pinion drive, more torque required from the stepper motors etc. you get the idea) and the additional technical complexities of a large router.
Material Cutting Capability
Must be capable of cutting hardwoods, MDF, plastics, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. Aluminum requires a rigid machine. This is one of the reasons for using 8020 construction as apposed to MDF or other wood/plastic based construction materials.
Accuracy
It would be nice to be able to achieve 0.005" accuracy with repeatability of 0.002". Just seems like a decent goal.
Rapid Speeds
40 IPM should be achievable. Not going to break any speed records but suitable for my needs.
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how much did it cost to make this?
ReplyDeleteI stopped counting after $1000.... Building your own CNC machine is more about the experience and the utility.
ReplyDeleteI am researching on a DIY CNC router. And so far this is probably one of the best design and your log is very informative. Do you have the rest after part6?
ReplyDeleteI have a number of ongoing projects and needed to allocate my time to them. There didn't seem to be any real interest in this build so I stopped documenting it. If your interest is real, let me know and I will document the y and z axis for you.
ReplyDeleteI have ben coming back to check ever since you posted on CW....This is a better looking router than any I have seen on CNC Zone....looking forward to the rest !
ReplyDeleteYona
Thanks yona. I've not had time to complete the documentation. Need to finish the bike first.... another blog that is way behind. I'll get the docs done eventually
ReplyDeleteChecking back again....puter crashed and i am doing custom car work to get another....I will continue to check back ...check on the back build...looking good !!!....Yona
ReplyDeleteI have actually read a lot of your blog posts in the last hour. I really enjoy what you are doing here.Thank you for helping people get the information about heavy machines CNC routers they need Keep up the great work!!!
ReplyDeleteThe following time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I truly thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you may fix should you werent too busy looking for attention. cnc
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