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

Step 12 Finished

There you have it hopefully you are finished and ready to go into production. I hope I have not left out any crucial details but if you think of something you'd like to know which I have omitted please just ask. Finally to demonstrate that it all works a video of my machine cutting out a pattern in pink foam.

Comments

[jj.inc]

I wan't a cnc machine pretty bad, but I have a few questions. I have a couple old printers, so could I use their stepper motors. What do I need for a driver, how hard is it to pair the driver and computer, and how to you configure the whole thing.

[outland86]

Hi Everyone

We have a set of pre cut wood parts avaialble for this Router with all the edge boring done and cut professionally on a KOMO CNC..absolutely precise parts.
from MDF. an inexpensive option to ensure you have an accurate machine when you are done...www.makecnc.com

some minor improvments and modifications have been made to the original design.

also for FREE....FREE....FREE

you can download free from our site an extensive and comprehensive set of plans for this machine that includes the DXF files of all parts drawn by a professional draughtman with dogbone fillets added to allow you to cut the parts uisng a CNC router..as well as a set of drawings ready to laser cut.
a parts list and indervidual part drawings including metal parts belts etc to make building this cool little machine a breeze..hindreds of hours of work went into these plans and cut files and they are your for free..no obligations.
www.makecnc.com

[RobLoughrey]

The table is specc'd at 12x14x4, so I would think no guitars, maybe a ukalale?

[rgale]

you spelt ukulele wrong

[pfred2]

A "ukalale" is another instrument Spock plays when he isn't playing his Vulcan harp!

[merdogan2]

Hi!!

Can i use this for pcm milling and drilling? I want to use 24K rpm spindel motor and i'm planning for this project stainless steel

What is the sensitivity of the device?

for example i will open 0.20mm hole on 0.30 coper surface if it possible?

When i will complete drawing of this project on solidworks, i will send laser cutting.

please put your comments.

Thanks and Regards

[mkane]

Would this CNC machine be capable of cutting 0.75" MDF or Aluminum?

[squiggy2]

that depends on your cutting tool. you'd be stretching it with a dremel type rotary tool, but if you set the machine to move very slowly it'd work. but you'd have to replace the cutting heads more often

[Cswick_S-117]

I guess the biggest question I have is, if I follow these plans to the T, will the milling machine be big enough/have a big enough cutting area to cut out guitar bodies?

If not, how expandable is it without modification to anything but the dimensions?

[Raziel_LOK]

Hi everyone, anyone can tell me if with this CNC setup i can cut MDF and acrilic? and what how thick can i cut?

Another question, What the name of that driller yellow collored (yeah i dont know how its called)? sorry, everything is new for me about CNC.

Thanks.

[WillyTheKid]

i imagine it all depends on the dremel and bits/attachments you get. Google "cutting acrylic with dremel" (sub mdf appropriately) there's a ton of information out there. People use dremels to cut these materials all the time. the reason I say "I imagine" is because yes maybe you can cut 1-1/2" mdf with your new bad larry dremel, but that may not mean your cnc machine's frame is built for that.

[aggrav8d]

Do you have any advice for someone looking to make a bigger machine? I'd like to build a 4'x6'x12" envelope.

[prosi9]

How did you connect the motors with the computer ?

[wout smeets]

look on step 4

[captnkrunch]

the software you name (lazycam) seems to import only 2D drawings. Do you have a recommendation for 3D models?

[M4industries]

If you don't mind prices, MasterCam, Mach3, and TorMach all work very well. I'm not sure about the other free editions of the software. Try google for more advice.

[the merog]

Can anybody help by answering this...

How to control the z-axis, if laser cutter is used (ON/OFF)?

Awaiting replies...//MEROG

[ethanzonca]

Just use a relay (SSR might be a good idea). Also, you can probably leave off the z-axis transport, depending on the power your laser puts out and the varying height of the part you'll be working on.

[cerberoos]

 what is the tolerance of this machine? Can it drills only foam or have a good precision also for wood?

[huntervalley]

Would you sell a complete unit? If yes how much including delivery to Australia SYDNEY

Thanks in advance
JC

[outland86]

shipping a complete kit to sydney costs about $800 usd not economical i have checked
but you will soon be able to get the FAB files( Gcode and instructions)
from my website www.makecnc.com
to be able to have one cut out for you no matter where in the world you are
about two weeks and they will be available

[TheNotchJohnson]

is this machine as designed capable of cutting cast aluminum. if not what alterations would be required, increasing the scale, materials, or cutting tool? how is the tolerance? thanks.

[theLane]

I too am starting to collect/build this machine and want to use it for cutting delrin plastic and very small aluminium pieces (3D). Can someone recommend any required modifications such as stepping motors and tool other than a dremel if required?

Thank you for all the help and to the creator, very nice work!

[pbawesome]

i think you could replace the dremel with new holders and maybe a high power air or cord drill and i dont know but maybe getting stronger steppers

[galaxyman7]

as long as you have a sharp enough bit, you go slow enough, and you do multiple passes, it should be able to cut aluminum. I don't think you would be able to use an endmill to face it, but I do think you could make 2d cutouts with a small pointed bit.

[abomb55076]

Once youve finished it you can go onto something like this http://www.homegrowncnc.com/diycnc/pad-printing-with-cnc/

[lidak4]

After all , where I can get the software ?