Homemade 2'x4' Wood CNC Router

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 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 WHERE 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 WHERE 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:

Comments

[crelief]

templates for cnc

http://artforcnc.com/

[mrmeasuretwice]

Attention

Account disabled by server administrator.

[xtreker15]

link is bad, it takes you to a site but says you need admin approval.

[LeRaquin]

hi Kyle,

I went to WWW.BUILDYOURCNC.COM,, to get the plans for the 24" x 48" CNC

Router. They are no longer available from that site. Instead they are offering a kit for m$2567.00. I was looking to build one from plans for way less then that. Any chance of directing me to such plans?

I enjoyed your Instruct able, and it was the answer I needed to get int CNC. Can you help me??

Regards,

Ken

[e-mail]

[MichaelT272]

How easy is it to programme the router to the pc or cutting software? Cheers

[Nreal Spark]

Could you provide the sketchup file if you still have it?

[Ömer YavuzB]

Could you add a schematic about wiring break board and step driver?

[mcaskey1]

Could you use this to cut the pieces needed for a wikihouse? Would you need a biger rig?

[warafael1]

Private movie?

[asad1111]

What is weight of x-axis assembly of CNC in this instructable?

[kristopher.moe]

Perhaps a dumb question here, but you could theoretically expand the design as large as you wanted right? like say if I wanted to make a 48" x 48" instead?

[NaL1]

Good. I like it

[Skysurfer_uk]

I see the nice way you've got the bearings on the top runners, how about the tension? Have you made it adjustable? As in, maybe sprung loaded bearings on the bottom?

A nice instructable, I'm looking at putting something this size together, I'm using a Zen 7x7 at the mo. I don't need super critical tolerances, it's machining wood, +- 1mm is plenty good enough for me.

Thanks for sharing!

[DuaneS1]

i would like to know can i make one to cut envelops

[NaL1]

Verry good. I like and need it

http://www.kizi2x.com/

[madhatter1138]

Nice work. Just getting started on my own, and you gave me some great ideas! Cheers!

[servant74]

Great. Wonder what are the cart dimensions? How high mainly. Just curious.

[MakeItWithJason]

That is some good work, man! If you get a chance, let me know what you think of my design.

[CryoFireProductions]

I wonder if you can cut out an oathkeeper keyblade from Kingdom hearts. I built the oblivion key using a jigsaw and dremel but it looks kinda amateur-ish. 42" by ~16"

[dksmall]

What steps do you take to keep dust/sawdust, etc. from getting into the PC? I would be concerned about the PC being so close to the CNC table.