LOW COST DIY 500€ CNC MILL
Intro: 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 like1x
Y_Axis_Front
Y_Axis_Rear
Y_Axis_Nut
Portal_Side
Portal
X_Motor
X_Bearing
X_Carriage
Z_Motor
Z_Plate_Front
(normal+mirror)
Z_Plate_Side
Spindle_Mount
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 bracketAliexpress 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 buyPrice 84x M3 T-slot Nut Slot 6mm
5,60€ 40x M4 T-slot Nut Slot 6mm
5,60€
4x M4 T-slot Nut Slot 5mm
0,88€
32x M4x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
local hardware store
- 32xM4x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
local hardware store
- 8x M4x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screwlocal 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
1204 Ballscrew 425mm
1x1204 Ballscrew 395mm
1x1204 Ballscrew 200mm
4x400mm MGN12 Linear Rail
2x250mm MGN12 Linear Rail
12xMGN12H Linear Rail Wagon
2xFF10 Ballscrew Bearing
3x24mm 1204 Ballscrew Housing
3x5 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.
Amazon 59,99€
3x inductive limit switches NPN
Aliexpress 4,44€ 3x
Nema 17 Motors
Aliexpress 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 32xM3x8mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
32xM3-T-Slot-Nut 6mm-Slot
2x400mm MGN12 Linear-Rail
4xMGN12H-Linear-Rail-Wagon
1xY_Axis_Front
1xY_Axis_Rear
8xM6x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
8xM6 washer
2x20x40mm 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.
STEP 4: Y-Ball-Screw
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 8xM3x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4xM3-nylon nut
8xM3-washer
1xFK10 Bearing
1x1204-ballscrew housing
1x395mm 1204-ballscrew with custom end-machining
1xNema 17 Stepper Motor
1x5x8mm 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.
STEP 5: Y-Ballscrew Plate
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 4xM5x10mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
1xY_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.
STEP 6: The Portal Side
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 4xM4x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4xM4-T-slot nut 5mm Slot
1x330mm 60x20mm aluminium extrusion 5mm slot
6xM5x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
6xM5 washer
16xM3x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
16xM3 washer
2xPortal_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.
STEP 7: The Main Plate
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 1xMain_Plate
16xM6 hammer nut
What you have to do:
You have to hammer the 16 hammer nuts to the predrilled holes.
STEP 8: Attach the Main Plate to the Main Frame.
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 8xM4x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
8xM4 T-Slot mut 6mm slot
8xM4 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.
STEP 9: Portal
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 32xM3x8mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
32xM3-T-slot nut 6mm slot
8xM4x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
8xM4x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
32xM4 washer
2x400mm MGN12 Linear Rail
4xMGN12H Linear Wagon
2x428mm 20x20mm 6mm slot aluminium extrusions
4x4020 angle bracket
1xportal 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.
STEP 10: X-Ballscrew
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 4xM3x10mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4xM3x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
8xM3 washer
4xM3 nylon nut
1x425mm 1204 Ballscrew
1x1204 24mm Ballscrew housing
1x5x8mm coupler
4xM6x20mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4xM6 washer
1xNema 17 Motor
1xX_Bearing
1xX_Motor
1xFF10 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.
STEP 11: X-Carriage
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 4xMGN12H Linear Rail Wagon
32xM3x12mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
32xM3 washer
1xX-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.
STEP 12: Z-Axis Part 1:
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 1xZ-Plate_Front
2x250mm MGN12 Linear Rail
2x250mm 20x20 aluminium extrusions
8xM4x16 DIN912 cylinderhead screw
16xM4 washer
8xM4 t slot nut
20xM3x8mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
20xM3 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 .
STEP 13: Z-Axis Part 2:
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 1xSpindle_Mount plate
1xZ_Motor plate
4xM6x20mm DIN912 screws
4xM6 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.
STEP 14: Z-Axis Part 3:
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 2xZ_Plate_Side
8xM4x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
16xM4 washer
8xM4 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
STEP 15: Z-Axis Part 4:
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 1xNema17 Motor
4x M3x10mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw 1x200mm 1204 Ballscrew
1x1204 Ballscrew Housing
1x5x8mm 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.
STEP 16: Connect the Z-Axis and the Portal
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 4xM5x16mm DIN912 cylinderhead screw
4x M5 washerWhat 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.
STEP 17: Connect the Portal to the Main Frame
What you need for this step:
Quantity Description 6x2040 angle bracket
32xM4x20mm DIN912 screws
64xM4 washer
32x M4 nylon nutWhat 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.
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 4xM4x16mm DIN912 cylinder head screw
4xM4 washer
1xSpindle 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.
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"
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"
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":
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.
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 )
70 Comments
rigault.d 3 years ago
Cordialement
joefromromeo 3 years ago
flashover333 3 years ago
Habe folgendes Problem, das Kugellager meiner Z-Achsenspindel ist defekt. Brauche dringend ein Ersatzteil. Können Sie mir bitte mitteilen, wo ich die Ersatzteile herbekommen kann???
Vielen Dank
Schöne Grüße
flashover333
flashover333 3 years ago
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 3 years ago
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 3 years ago
Mabidopa73 4 years ago
Vulcaman 4 years ago
neilscott100 5 years ago
Vulcaman 5 years ago
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 4 years ago
hhaley 4 years ago
ConH 4 years ago
ngtrhieuut 4 years ago
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 1511026@hcmut.edu.vn.
Thanks so much and best wish for you!
andreas-1711 4 years ago
the download button dont run. Whats wrong ?
Greetings
Andreas
cho42 4 years ago
haraldhartmann78 4 years ago
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 4 years ago
haraldhartmann78 4 years ago
Vulcaman 4 years ago