Build a CNC Router from Scratch (Part 1): Complete Video Tutorial

Step 2 Right Angle Joint Video

Another concept to get out of the way is the joint that is used throughout the build. I'm using 1/4" bolts and nuts. The bolts are 2.5" long to reach the nut. You simply drill a 3/4" hole to receive a nut and a transversal hole, the size of the 1/4" bolt. Since the screw is centered through the middle of the piece, the boards can be used to tension things like the slide bearings. You'll understand this concept better throughout the later video tutorials.



If cross dowels are desired, I give some instructions how to use these.

Comments

[Loooser]

Did you try making a pcb with the mill?

[phooddaniel]

Yes, I have created PCB's with the machine.

[rock crawler]

hey. i am 15 and really into rc cars and trucks. i was wondering if this could be used to mill derlin, aluminum, and other soft plastics and metals? any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[phooddaniel]

Hi Rock Crawler, You will have no problem with Delrin, but aluminum is tricky. Aluminum has a relatively low melting point and this will cause a BUE (Built Up Edge). Also, the tool may gum up. The way around this is to mill at extremely shallow depths per pass with a high feedrate. Adding a bit of lubricant also helps, but it's good to practice and find that perfect balance with depths, speeds and feeds.

[rock crawler]

hi again, forgot to ask wether this will cut carbon fiber?

[phooddaniel]

I have never tried to cut carbon fiber. I would suppose with the right end mill (diamond coated) and an extremely shallow cut per pass, you should be able to. The machine may require some reinforcements so there is absolutely no flexing when shear load is put on to the end mill.

[rock crawler]

cool! thanks for the quick reply. cant wait to get started on this project. peace.

[stuwegie]

These videos are excellent. Im fairly competent at building things however i also lack a proper work space and am constantly trying to improvise with the few tools that i have. I managed to build a few electric guitars in my bedroom much to the dismay of my girlfriend as i got sawdust over pretty much everything in the room. Im slowly collecting the parts i need to build this as without a band saw etc its not feasible to build the others on this site. Wish me luck with my build.

[millingabout]

I found this technique so interesting it was the first Instructable I tried! I found it time consuming to make. However, I am willing to write that off to inexperience. I did find it to be very strong. My initial test joints used a 3/4" hole to receive the nut. However, a second test with a 1/2" hole worked just as well. The difference that I found between the two tests was that as the "nut hole" gets smaller the accuracy of the placement of the "nut hole" and traversal holes become more important. I was using 1/2" MDF, and tried counter sinking a flat head screw. Some loss of wood occurred on the board edge, but the experiment largely worked. The loss of thickness (1/2" minus counter sink hole) on the MDF did not seem to affect the joint. My suspicion is that with a 3/4" MDF board, edge loss won't be an issue. Thank you phooddaniel for inspiring me to try an Instructable!

[phooddaniel]

You're very welcome. These videos are intended to give that extra nudge.