How to Make a Three Axis CNC Machine (Cheaply and Easily)

Step 1 Others Who Have Finished

A salute to those who have laboured through to this point (and to demonstrate that it is reproducable) Here are some pictures of other peoples machines.

Photo 1 - Chris and his friend put together this unit; laser cutting the parts out of half inch acrylic. Not only does it look super it must weigh a ton. But kudos, anyone who's worked with acrylic knows laser cutting it is great but it is a very very unfriendly material to drill and there is a lot of side drilling in this design. Good job guys, check out more details (and photos including some testing with circuit boards) on Chris's blog rainbowlazer.com. I particularly like his work with making 3-d objects out of 2d cuts (here) .

Photo 2 - Sam McCaskill has finished his desktop CNC machine and it's looking really really nice. Super impressively he also resisted the urge to cheat and cut all his pieces by hand. I'm really impressed.

Photo 3 - Angry Monk's - With MDF pieces cut on a laser cutter and drive converted from toothed belts to threaded rod

Photo 4 - Bret Golab's - Bret has completed his and gone through the extra step of getting it setup to work with Linux CNC (a task I attempted and was foiled by complexity). If you're interested in his settings you can send him a message (Instructable ID: bretlyssii ) ). Great job Bret!

(If you have built one and would like it featured here, please send me a PM and we can arrange for the sending of photos)

Comments

[madmonky13]

what would be a step up from a dremel??? and how well does a dremel work for routing??? (what would be appropriate for metal milling? thanks jordan

[rapidprototyping]

would be possible to use on to make one then!!

[bombmaker2]

If the machine has a larger work surface than the one you want to make on it, then, yes you could. That is why he mentioned resisting the urge to cheat and go cut everything on another cnc mill.

[rapidprototyping]

Has anyone mentioned plasma cam. I had their litature sent to me once it was a plasma cutting tourch controlled bt CNC set up thir controlers set motors and programing might be great combo set up with the acrilic cnc body that looks so great. I belive a set up like this could be used to produce savanious wind turbines. the s could be routed into foam then a perfect circle cut out of foam. two sets of cuts is all thats required top plus bottom and two middles. the vanes coukl be pvc piping. the kit could ship flat and be assembled by owner on site with adhesives. the glued up balanced assembly could then be sprayed with a material like grancrete or polymer or some such weather proof uv resistant covering. all made with home made get up and highly repeatable with readiley available off the shelf components.

[naveen.a019]

Can anyone tell me where can i find 100oz or above Used Stepper motors...?

[naveen.a019]

hi, i just sold my cnc project which i built a year ago. I have been visiting this instructables from past 1 year...but never made my mind to make one..but have decided now to build this flawless machine. I personally feel that, if the drive is converted from toothed belt to threaded rod, would possess more rigidity in machining. Hence if any one has done so, could you please share some ideas. my email address is [e-mail].

Regards,

NAV

[slamsworld]

I have completed this project after lots of research behind it  - gave me wood the first time it run - this is such a fantastic tutorial the author deserves a Nobel Prize for what ever this qualifies for

[gdykes]

All finished! Machine works great! Constructed from 7 layer 1/2" plywood. Total cost under 500.00 and 2 weeks of construction in my spare time. I have photos if you are interested. Thank you

[dcorbett]

Do you have drawings, pictures, etc?
I am researching the CNC market, and cannot decide whether to start small, or start with the one I want...
What software, controllers, etc did you use?
Thanks,
Doug
[e-mail]

[gerardo_panero]

Hi gdykes, my english is bad. I hope that you understand spanish. quisiera hacer un cnc, espero que me puedas pasar fotos a mi correo o decirme a donde verlas. thanks.

[cre8ev]

could someone explain the difference between the linux drive and the "other drive"? Also i have a contact for neumatic routers and or lasers. Can i fit either one of those on any of these cnc machines?

[gdykes]

I redesigned the two spindle holders and have one for a trim router, dremel, and a pin plotter. It is an easy modification.

[jmedinav]

looks great and pretty!