LOW COST DIY 500€ CNC MILL

Hi,

in this Instructable I want to show you, how you can build your own CNC-Mill for less then 500€. I designed this machine for CNC-beginners, who don't want to spend a lot of money for their first experiences with CNC machines but also expecting a rigid and professional looking CNC.

This machine is perfect for maker, tinkerer and everyone who wants to start CNC-Machining.

In the pricerange of sub 500€ you will not find any other CNC with these features:

• 710 Watt spindle motor
• MGN linear-rails on all axis
• 1204 ballscrews on all axis
• effective workarea of 250x220mm
• max. travelspeed of 3000mm/min (at 12V)
• high accuracy of 0.1mm in all axis
• super rigidportal frame (out of one piece of wood and aluminium extrusions)

Below on this site, you will find a detailed instruction + a bill of materials (BOM) with links, where you can source the required parts.

The complete CNC is build out of CNC milled screen printing wood plates. So assembling will not be a problem. For the build you don't need any expensive tools like (3D-Printers, CNC or Lasers). The only special tool is a M5 and M6 thread cutter.

Video of CNC in action:

If you like my Instructable, please vote for me in the Build a Tool Contest

You can see the CNC live at Makerfaire Ruhr 2020

I really like to see, when someone has rebuilded the CNC, so please post a photo of the CNC in the comments with "I made it" :-)

Change Log:

• [06.03.2019] Added step "Configure Estlcam for This Machine" + video of test run
• [07.03.2019] Added video of CNC in action
• [15.03.2019] Added photo of Linear Parts

Step 1: Mechanical Parts

The complete CNC is designed in Fusion 360, below you will see the complete CNC in an interactive 3D-model:

Required Parts:

CNC-Milled-Parts:

Here are all required CNC-milled parts. You can buy all the CNC-milled parts in my Online Shop. The total cost of all the CNC-milled parts will be 150€ + shipping.

Quantity	Description	How the part looks like
1x	Y_Axis_Front
1x	Y_Axis_Rear
1x	Y_Axis_Nut
2x	Portal_Side
1x	Portal
1x	X_Motor
1x	X_Bearing
1x	X_Carriage
1x	Z_Motor
1x	Z_Plate_Front
2x (normal+mirror)	Z_Plate_Side
1x	Spindle_Mount
1x	Main_Plate

Aluminium Extrusion Parts:

I am trying to use as much standart aluminium extrusion parts, so it will be relativly easy to source the parts.

Quantity	Description	Link	Price
10x	2040 extrusion angle bracket	Aliexpress	9,10€ (for 20 pieces)
2x	428mm 20x20mm aluminium extrusion 6mm slot	dold-mechatronik	2,07€
2x	400mm 20x40mm aluminium extrusion 6mm slot	dold-mechatronik	3,70€
2x	250mm 20x20mm aluminium extrusion 6mm slot	dold-mechatronik	2,60€
1x	330mm 20x60mm aluminium extrusion 5mm slot	dold-mechatronik	4,26€

Nuts, Screws and Washers:

I am trying to be as accurate as possible while counting all the screws and nuts. If you find any fault on the list, please tell me, so I can update the parts list. Also I recommend to buy some more screws.

Quantity	Description	Where to buy	Price
84x	M3 T-slot Nut Slot 6mm	Aliexpress	5,60€
40x	M4 T-slot Nut Slot 6mm	Aliexpress	5,60€
4x	M4 T-slot Nut Slot 5mm	Dold-Mechatronik	0,88€
32x	M4x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
32x	M4x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
8x	M4x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
8x	M3x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
52x	M3x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
8x	M3x10mm DIN912 cylindergead screw	local hardware store	-
84x	M3x8mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
6x	M5x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
12x	M5x10mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
16x	M6x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw	local hardware store	-
8x	M3 nylon nut	local hardware store	-
24x	M4 nylon nut	local hardware store	-
8x	M3 washer	local hardware store	-
6x	M5 washer	local hardware store	-
80x	M4 washer	local hardware store	-
16x	M6 washer	local hardware store	-

Linear parts and custom machined ballscrews:

For the CNC mill you will need three custom machined 1204 ballscrews. I have attached a drawing with the dimesions at the bottom of this step. Additionally you will need MGN12 linear rails, ballscrew, bearings and housings. Because it was a littlebit hard to source all the parts, I contacted a manufacture, who can supply all these parts for a resonable price. This manufacture will also make the custom machined ballscrews. You can buy all the parts here: Aliexpress

Quantity	Description
1x	1204 Ballscrew 425mm
1x	1204 Ballscrew 395mm
1x	1204 Ballscrew 200mm
4x	400mm MGN12 Linear Rail
2x	250mm MGN12 Linear Rail
12x	MGN12H Linear Rail Wagon
2x	FF10 Ballscrew Bearing
3x	24mm 1204 Ballscrew Housing
3x	5 to 8mm shaft coupler (rigid ; not the red or flexible)

Step 2: Electrical Parts

Electrical Parts for the CNC:

Here you will find all the required electronic parts for the CNC mill. For the router you can use the Katsu from Amazon or a Makita RT0700C. Both will fit to the CNC-milled parts.

Quantity	Description	Link	Price
1x	710W 230V spindle motor	Amazon	59,99€
3x	inductive limit switches NPN	Aliexpress	4,44€
3x	Nema 17 Motors	Stepper-Online	33,00 €
1x	Arduino Uno + CNC-Shield + DRV8825	Aliexpress	9,76€
1x	12V Powersupply 5A	Aliexpress	7,05€
some	wires	-	-

Step 3: The Main Frame

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
32x	M3x8mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
32x	M3-T-Slot-Nut 6mm-Slot
2x	400mm MGN12 Linear-Rail
4x	MGN12H-Linear-Rail-Wagon
1x	Y_Axis_Front
1x	Y_Axis_Rear
8x	M6x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
8x	M6 washer
2x	20x40mm aluminium extrusion 6mm slot

---

What you have to do:

At frist you have to cut eight M6 threads inside the aluminium extrusions. After that you need to attach the MGN12 linear rails to the alumnium extrusions by using the M3x8mm screws. Then you have to take the two wood parts and attach them to the aluminium extrusion with eight M6x20mm screws.

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Step 4: Y-Ball-Screw

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
8x	M3x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4x	M3-nylon nut
8x	M3-washer
1x	FK10 Bearing
1x	1204-ballscrew housing
1x	395mm 1204-ballscrew with custom end-machining
1x	Nema 17 Stepper Motor
1x	5x8mm shaft-coupler

---

What you have to do:

Now it is time to install the Y-ballscrew to the main frame. At first install the Nema 17-motor to the rear plate and fix it with four M3x16mm screws. Then you can slide the 395mm ballscrew in. Once the ballscrew is in place, attach the FK10 bearing at the front plate. The FK10 bearing is fixed by four M3x16mm screws and M3-nylon nuts.

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Step 5: Y-Ballscrew Plate

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
4x	M5x10mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
1x	Y_Axis_Nut

---

What you have to do:

For that step, you have to install the Y_Axis_Nut plate to the ballscrew housing. You do that with four M5x10mm screws.

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Step 6: The Portal Side

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
4x	M4x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4x	M4-T-slot nut 5mm Slot
1x	330mm 60x20mm aluminium extrusion 5mm slot
6x	M5x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
6x	M5 washer
16x	M3x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
16x	M3 washer
2x	Portal_Side

---

What you have to do:

At first you have to connect the two Portal_Side plates to the linear wagons. After that you have to attach the 60x20mm extrusion to the Portal_Side plates by using the six M5 screws. Finally connect the ballscrew housing from the previous step to the extrusion.

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Step 7: The Main Plate

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
1x	Main_Plate
16x	M6 hammer nut

---

What you have to do:

You have to hammer the 16 hammer nuts to the predrilled holes.

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Step 8: Attach the Main Plate to the Main Frame.

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
8x	M4x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
8x	M4 T-Slot mut 6mm slot
8x	M4 washer

---

What you have to do:

You have to connect the preassembled Main_Plate to the main frame. The connection is made with eight M4x12mm screws.

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Step 9: Portal

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
32x	M3x8mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
32x	M3-T-slot nut 6mm slot
8x	M4x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
8x	M4x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
32x	M4 washer
2x	400mm MGN12 Linear Rail
4x	MGN12H Linear Wagon
2x	428mm 20x20mm 6mm slot aluminium extrusions
4x	4020 angle bracket
1x	portal plate

---

What you have to do:

At first you have to connect the linear rail to the aluminium extrusion.Then place the extrusions on the portal plate. Now screw the extrusions to the extrusions. Don't forget to place the angle brackets.

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Step 10: X-Ballscrew

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
4x	M3x10mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4x	M3x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
8x	M3 washer
4x	M3 nylon nut
1x	425mm 1204 Ballscrew
1x	1204 24mm Ballscrew housing
1x	5x8mm coupler
4x	M6x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4x	M6 washer
1x	Nema 17 Motor
1x	X_Bearing
1x	X_Motor
1x	FF10 Bearing

---

What you have to do:

You have to place the ballscrew between the two linear rails. The connection of the motor and the FF10 bearing is made by four M6 screws. Don't forget to cut the four M6 threads to the aluminium extrusions.

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Step 11: X-Carriage

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
4x	MGN12H Linear Rail Wagon
32x	M3x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
32x	M3 washer
1x	X-Carriage plate

---

What you have to do:

Connect the X-Carriage plate to the linear wagons by using the M3x12mm screws and the predrilled holes.

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Step 12: Z-Axis Part 1:

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
1x	Z-Plate_Front
2x	250mm MGN12 Linear Rail
2x	250mm 20x20 aluminium extrusions
8x	M4x16 DIN912 cylinderhead screw
16x	M4 washer
8x	M4 t slot nut
20x	M3x8mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
20x	M3 t slot nut

---

What you have to do:

Connect the linear rails to the extrusions by using the M3x8mm screws. After that attach the extrusions to the Z_Plate_Front .

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Step 13: Z-Axis Part 2:

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
1x	Spindle_Mount plate
1x	Z_Motor plate
4x	M6x20mm DIN912 screws
4x	M6 washer

---

What you have to do:

Connect the Spindle_Mount at the bottom of the Z-Axis and the and the Z_Motor plate at the top of the Z-axis. Don't forget to cut a M6 thread inside the extrusions.

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Step 14: Z-Axis Part 3:

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
2x	Z_Plate_Side
8x	M4x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
16x	M4 washer
8x	M4 T-slot-nut

---

What you have to do:

Place the Z_Plate_Side plates at the side of the Z-axis. Then connect them with the M4x16mm screws

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Step 15: Z-Axis Part 4:

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
1x	Nema17 Motor
4x	M3x10mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
1x	200mm 1204 Ballscrew
1x	1204 Ballscrew Housing
1x	5x8mm shaft coupler

---

What you have to do:

Attach the Nema 17 motor to the predrilled holes and connect it with four M3x10mm screws. After that connect the ballscrew to the Nema 17 motor with the 5x8mm shaft coupler.

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Step 16: Connect the Z-Axis and the Portal

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
4x	M5x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4x	M5 washer

---

What you have to do:

Slide the Z-Axis into the linear wagons on the X-Carriage. Then connect the Z-ballscrew to the X-Carriage with four M5x16mm screws.

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Step 17: Connect the Portal to the Main Frame

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
6x	2040 angle bracket
32x	M4x20mm DIN912 screws
64x	M4 washer
32x	M4 nylon nut

---

What you have to do:

Finally connect the portal to the main frame. You do this by using six additional angle brackets. All the requiered holes are predrilled. Please take a look at the pictures, where the angle brackets are located.

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Step 18: Prepare the Spindle

For the connection between the spindle and the machine, I am using the allready existing spindle mount. You simply need to remove the plastic part at the bottom of the mount.

Step 19: Attach the Spindle Mount to the Machine

What you need for this step:

Quantity	Description
4x	M4x16mm DIN912 cylinder head screw
4x	M4 washer
1x	Spindle mount

---

What you have to do:

Place the spindle mount on the Z-axis. Then connect it to the Z-axis with four M4x16mm screws. Once completed, you can slide the spindle inside the spindle mount.

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Step 20: Electronics

For the electronics I am using an Arduino Uno with a CNC-shield. This is the cheapest methode to controll the CNC.

For the connection you have to connect the X-Motor to the X-Motor-Port, the Y-Motor to the Y-Motor-Port and the Z-Motor to the Z-Motor Port. Then you have to connect 12V to the board at the blue terminal pins. After that connect it to your PC and flash the software (GRBL or ESTLCAM) to the Arduino.

Now you should be able to move your machine.

(coming soon):

On the machine there are also holders for inductive 12mm end switches in the CNC milled frame. I am still waiting for delivery, so when they arrieved, I will update the instruction.

Step 21: Software

To controll the machine you need 3 types of software:

1. CAD software:

Inside the CAD software you create your 3D-File, which you want to manufature. I personally use Fusion360 for this kind of application.

2.CAM software:

In the CAM software you define the tool path of your CNC machine, here you can also use Fusion360, because it has a build in CAM-module.

3. G-code Sender:

The G-code sender took the G-code file, from the CAM-Software and sends it to the controller of the machine. Because I am using an Arduino as the controller you can use GRBL as a software on the Arduino and a G-code sender like "Univerversal-Gcode-Sender" or "bcnc"

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As an alternative I also want to mention Estlcam. In Estlcam, the CAM and controller part are combined in one software (If you use an Arduino as your controller). Also it is more simple to use compared to other CAM Software.

Step 22: Configure Estlcam for This Machine

I personally recommend to use Estlcam over GRBL for this CNC because of these aspects:

• It is a lot easier to configurate than GRBL
• It has a build in CAM, so you don't need any additional Software
• Controller and CAM are combined in one Software

Now I want to show you which configuration you have to do, that the machine will work propably:

1. Open Estlcam and go to "Einstellungen" then click on "CNC Steuerung"

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2. After that a window will open with some configurations. There you will see all the basic values for this machine. Once you have all the settings like in the picture, connect your Arduino to your computer, select the right COM-Port, click on "Steuerung-Programmieren":

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3. If the programming of the Arduino was a success, close "Estlcam" and open "CNC-Controller". Now you should be able to move your machine.

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4.Here is a video of the test-file. The test file can be downloaded at the bottom of this step. The feedrate in the testfile is 2400mm/min.

Step 23: CNC-Milled Results

Here I will show you some CNC-milled parts, which where milled on this machine. ( list will be extended in the future )

Comments

[flashover333]

Hallo und vielen Dank für die tolle Beschreibung. Habe mir alle Teile bestellt und warte noch auf die Lieferung aus China. Habe aber ein Problem mit der Einstellung der Treiber für die Nema17 Motoren. Welche Spannung soll ich da einstellen? Ich möchte ja nicht, dass die gleich durchbrennen. Habe eine Formel gefunden (2.1 A x 70% = 1,47 A

VRef = 1,47A x 5 x 0,1 = 0,735 V). Laut dem Datenblatt, dass bei den Nema dabei war hätten diese 2,1 A. Soll ich 0,735 V einstellen oder was wäre der richtige Wert.

Danke und ich warte schon mit Spannung auf die restlichen Teile.
Schöne Grüße
flashover333

[Vulcaman]

Hi,

die Formel ist mir so nicht bekannt, aber ich mache es selbst auch immer nach frei Hand. Stell die Referenzspannung zunächst so niedrig wie möglich und erhöhe diese dann soweit, das du deine benötigte Geschwindigkeit ohne Aussetzer erreichst. Falls die Motortreiber zu warm werden, entsprechend die Referenzspannung reduzieren.

Die Motortreiber (DRV8825) sind zudem thermisch überwacht und es ist sehr unwahrscheinlich, das diese an einem Hitztod sterben. Einfach ausprobieren!

Viele Grüße
Vulcaman

[christian_roeckl]

Gibt es auch die Fusion360 Zeichnungen der Teile oder DXF Dateien zum Download?

[Mabidopa73]

Hallo Johannes. Tolles Projekt. Ist die Maschine in der Lage Aluminium zu fräsen (evtl andere Spindel)?

[Vulcaman]

Ja die Fräse ist in der Lage Aluminium zu fräsen, die Stabilität reicht dafür aus. Jedoch ist es empfehlenswert sich eine HF-Spindel (Chinaspindel) zu besorgen, sodass man präzise den Vorschub einstellen kann. Zusätzlich sollte noch eine Minimalmengenschmierung verwendet werden für optimale Fräsergebnisse.

[neilscott100]

very impressive, the parts that you sell to make the mill do you create these on this mill? m based in spain and am very interested in this, I only use Mac though, would it be compatible with OSX.

[Vulcaman]

The parts I sell are not milled on this machine, because the machine is not big enough to mill their own parts. I have another DIY CNC-Mill (completly different design) out of aluminium, where I can mill all these parts very accurate and in a decent speed.

I think this machine will also work with a Mac if you use this software combination: Fusion360 for CAM, bcnc or UGS for Gcode-Sender and GRBL on the Arduino. Sadly Estlcam will not work on a Mac, but for GRBL there a lot of tutorials in the internet, how you have to set it up.

[Mabidopa73]

Hallo Johannes. Wo finde ich denn die Anleitung zu der anderen DIY Fräse? Diese hier hat mir etwas zu wenig Workspace. Vielen Dank.

[hhaley]

This looks awesome, thanks. Unfortunately not having the cutout files would be a real pain. Someone has to do the work finding all the measurements and from there extrapolate the shapes. You don't even ship the cutouts to Canada. The community needs a truly open-source machine.

[ConH]

Mee to can't seem to find the files for the CNC parts. I am thinking about having them jetted out of alu. Are those files still available?

[ngtrhieuut]

Hi,

How can I download your parts. I want to do it by different materials, but I dont see and can't download some of your part. If you can, will you share your design with my Fusion 360 account [e-mail].

Thanks so much and best wish for you!

[andreas-1711]

Hi,

the download button dont run. Whats wrong ?

Greetings
Andreas

[cho42]

The parts list unfortunately lacks the 2 250 mm aluminum profiles required in step 12.

[haraldhartmann78]

I already informed him in july via email.
Step 17 lacks some m4 6mm t-slot-nuts and some shorter m4x12, because you have to mount two angle brackets in the portal aluminium profile

[MarkusK39]

I am stuck in my build in this stepp. I ordered the last profile on aliexpress. My steppers was without conections, so I orderd a crimp pilers to.

[haraldhartmann78]

Have the limit switches still not been delivered? (End of Step 20 "Electronics")

[Vulcaman]

Sadly the limit switches are not delivered yet, because my order from aliexpress got lost

[cho42]

Did you already order new limit switches? I would really like to know how to install....

[haraldhartmann78]

For which purpose do you plan these limit switches?
I will mount them in the three M12 holes, one in Y_Axis_Rear and two in the Portal. But i don't want to use it for referencing or homing, only for the axis limits if i accidentally use wrong sizes.

[cho42]

I am not sure what would be really possible with the limit switches. I just want to get the maximum out of it.