Introduction: Homemade 2'x4' Wood CNC Router

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Here I am going to show how I made my CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) router. The table measures 24"x48" and the cutting envelope is about 19”x38.” I made this CNC when I was 17 years old and if you would like to see more on this CNC, visit my website at www.KylesWoodworking.com


NOTICE: THE PLANS AND DESIGN FOR THIS CNC WERE PRODUCED AND PURCHASED FROM WWW.BUILDYOURCNC.COM, ALL CREDIT FOR THE PLANS GO TO BUILD YOUR CNC. THE CNC STAND, COMPUTER STAND, AND ELECTRONICS BOX WERE DESIGNED BY ME.

Step 1: CNC and Stand Assembly

The very first step of making a CNC is PLANS! I got plans and hardware kit from buildyourcnc.com which came with measurements for the CNC and all the nuts and bolts you need, besides the lead screws and various other parts. After I got the measurements of the CNC, I designed it on Google SketchUp as well as a stand for it and a computer to operate it. After I had a set design, I began building it. First, I made the CNC part of it and then I made the stand to fit. I used MDF for the CNC and 2x4s and 1/4" plywood for the stand. I also casters on the stand so I could move it around with ease.

Here you can see time lapse videos of me assembling the CNC and stand:

CNC:



Stand:


Step 2: Lead Screws

The lead screws are what make the x,y, and z axis move by turning them with a motor. I went to the hardware store and picked up 1/2" threaded rods to use as the lead screws.

Step 3: CNC Electronics

The next and most expensive step is the electronics. I got the electronics kit from buildyourcnc.com and I made a box out of wood and plexiglass to house the electronics. The electronics kit included:

(3) 425 oz-in stepping motors

(3) Drivers (3.0Amp 24-40 Volts, 1-1/64 micro-stepping)

(1) 36v 8.8a Power Supply

(1) Breakout board

I wired all the electronics up and added a few more features such as, an e-stop switch, limit switches, and power switches for the router, shop vac, electronics, and the stepping motors.


Here you can view a video of the electronics:


Step 4: Finished and Test Cut

The final step is to make a test cut. I made a test cut of my logo into pine. The software I use is Google SketchUp to design it and then a plugin to convert it into g-code and Mach3 to control it. The total cost of this CNC was about $700.


Here you can view a video of my first test cut: