Drawer Slide CNC Machine for under $200
Like many of us interested in this hobby, I wanted my own machine. But I didn’t want to dive into it, spend $2k plus and have a large paperweight out in my shop. The idea was born for a simple, cheap, somewhat accurate CNC machine that I could modify as I gained knowledge (and funds).
The first step in the process was deciding what hardware I was going to use.
I decided on the TB6560-3 axis driver bought off eBay for $22.00/free shipping. I chose this driver because it was very affordable, and that is how I chose most of the components for this project. Next came the 12V 8.5A Switching Power Supply, also bought off eBay for $14.99/free shipping
For stepper motors, I found a lot of 5 on eBay for $10.00/free shipping. They are small, but they actually have plenty of power for this machine (I’m not milling aluminum and the x-y is quite small).
The spindle is probably the most important part of the machine. If you buy something that has too much run out (movement in the shaft/bearings which makes your cutting tools “wobble”) you will have difficulty achieving any sort of accuracy. This is the mistake I made, I chose a Dremel 100. This is a great tool, don’t get me wrong, but it is made with a plastic housing, and it turns at 35,000 RPM so it has quite a bit of run-out.
There are a lot of misc hardware pieces need to build this machine, but most of which can be found at your local Lowes, Home Depot or local hardware store. I will detail a list of materials needed here:
Also, you will need some sort of software(and obviously a computer) to run the machine and to do drawings. I use Mach3(free... http://www.machsupport.com/) for the controlling software, and I do most of my drawing in Turbo Cad for Mac. There are many choices out there, some more expensive than others.
****EDIT**** I forgot to mention what I would do with the laser cutter if I were to win! I would make a lot of crafts and projects to benefit a not for profit I'm involved with. It's a great organization that helps children increase their self esteem and self confidence.
(2) 2”x4”x8’
(2) Pairs of heavy duty drawer slides
(1) small linear slide rail (bought off eBay $5.00/free ship) for Z axis
(1) 2’x2’ 1/8” sheet of luan plywood (could also use Plexiglas)
(1) Sheet of Plexiglas or lexan ¼” to 3/8” 10" x 10"
(1) 3/8”x 3/8”x 36" aluminum angle 3
(1) 3/8” x 36"aluminum U channel
(1) ½” x 1/8”x 3’ aluminum flat stock
(1) ¼”-20 x 3’ Threaded rod (lead screw)
(3) ¼”-20 hex standoffs 2” long
(1) ¼” fuel line hose for coupling motor to threaded rod
(1) Tube of super glue
(4) Wood screws for securing drawer slides to frame
(16) Nuts and bolts 10-24 x 5/8”
(12) Nuts and bolts 8-32 x 3/8”
(2) drill bushings (for lead screw support)
Wire:
-For stepper motor hook-up determined by stepper motors (how many wires) and how far your drivers are placed.
-Power cable for power supply (used 3 wire cord of old power tool)
-Small length of 12ga wire for driver power (from power supply) + and –
1. Start by building a 2x4 frame, as shown in the Illustrations.
2. Attach the drawer slides to the frame
3. Glue or weld a small piece of sheet metal (with holes), or plastic to the hex standoff for the lead screws and attach to bottom of both X and Y axis
4. Attach the X axis plywood, luan, or plexiglass
5. Attach the next set of drawer slides to the X axis
6. Attach the Y axis plexiglass (10" x 10") to the drawer slides on the X axis
7. Next, attach the small linear slide to the upper Z support
8. Attach a small piece of plexiglas, or any other rigid material for the Z axis, along with another hex standoff mounted to the back for the lead screw.
9. Depending on your spindle motor choice, you will have to figure out how to mount it. I used a 2" plastic pipe holder, found at Lowes in the plumbing section.
10. Also depending on which stepper motors you choose you will have different options on mounting them. I used aluminum angle to mount them.
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http://www.stepperonline.com/tb6560-3-axis-cnc-stepper-motor-driver-board-35a-output-current-p-113.html
Good Idea's on Sourcing component's...
You have given me some Invaluable Ideas on cutting down the cost's of the
http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-CNC-Machine/
I am building with quite afew modification's...
Thanks !
What did you use for the bushings that hold the screws in place?
I see a plastic part with a cylinder in it, but what is that? You didn't specify it in your BOM.
I don't really have any backlash, yet. I'm sure as the nuts and rods wear, it will get more noticeable.
I did however find a Chinese supplier on ebay with a warehouse in the US that I got a 4 axis version of the same controller, and 4 motors for about $100. The cheapest I found anywhere was $85 for the 3..
I'll just keep looking around.
Thanks!!
Thanks :)
Mike
I wasn't asking about the side to side support though. I was concerned about the vertical - Yes it's on a slide, but what other than the motor and screw is keeping that slide from dropping to full extension? As an example, if I have two pounds of trim router, small mount to connect it to the slide, etc, wouldn't that two pounds be pulling down on the screw, trying to pull it off the motor? Since there is no spring to help alleviate the weight, wouldn't this stress and break the hold made by glue, etc with the coupling hose?
I have not had the tubing "coupler" break loose yet. I guess super glue, and a very tight hose connection is enough for the light weight dremel. I am in the process of rebuilding the machine and upgrading it. Stay tuned! Thanks.
How long are all the drawer slides that used?
I thought it would be a good idea to get the best slides, and use them through upgrading later.. Only $3-5 difference from the smaller/lighter duty ones..
Can you speak a bit about the resolution you're getting out of your CNC? Also, you say that you had touble with your Dremel100, is there are Dremel tool that you would recommend that doesn't have as much play? Can you speak a bit about your source for the U channels, threaded rods and other hardware you used in your build?
Sorry for the deluge of questions, but I'm trying to build my first CNC and I'm still trying to get a feel for what kind of hardware and where to purchase it for a reasonable price.
I got almost everything from the local hardware store, which was the point of this whole project. Let us know how your project is coming!
http://www.hobbycnc.com/
The LED worklight is a nice touch though!
GREAT!