My DIY CNC Router Project

[Dagster]

Thought I would post a build thread on my cnc router project. It will be constructed from 100% aluminum and steel with Thomson linear movement and a 2.25hp router for a spindle. It will accept a mini-router or dremel as well.

The router will have a 30" x axis, 48" y axis, and 18" z axis. I'm using 450oz/in servo's and will have Gecko 320 drives. I should be able to mill aluminum, steel, and of course WOOD! I built a 1200cfm cyclonic dust collection system for the woodshop that should work nicely for the router when cutting wood.

Here are some random pictures of the materials I have collected to date:

48" Y axis:
http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/yAxis.jpg

30" X axis:

http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/xAxis.jpg

[Dagster]

18" Z axis:
http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/zAxis.jpg

Misc Aluminum:
http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/aluminumCChannel.jpg

[Dagster]

http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/angle.jpg

http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/extruded4x7.jpg

[Dagster]

http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/plate2.jpg

http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/plate.jpg

[Dagster]

I have about 20 of these:
http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/tChannel.jpg

http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/scrapPile.jpg

[thekl0wn]

Awsome!

More, more! What's going to be controlling it? The geek in me must know!

[Dagster]

I'll be using AutoCAD for the design work and layout and the latest Mach software for interpreting the G code etc... I have a computer reserved for the project. I just need to pick up the ACME screws for the linear movement and some couplers. I also need to purchase the Gecko's and a break out board. Oh, and have to build a power supply.

Here are my servos with encoders:
http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/servoConnector.jpg

http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/servoLabel.jpg

This is a picture of a DIY router that I am closely emulating:

http://www.garagehobbies.com/images/cnc/cnc.jpg

[DIYer]

That's a serious piece of machinery. And what will said item be used to produce?

[thekl0wn]

What holds the material to the base? :confused:

[Dagster]

I'll be using the machine to produce pretty much anything I can think of :) I'll use it for speaker baffles, custom aluminum parts for ahem, Cobra parts :D, foam lettering for signage, plaques, circuit boards....

The material is held to the base with T slot and clamps, you can also add a vaccuum table if one likes. The example router pic shows a MDF table top, some use screws, others use carpet tape etc... You can set a program to drill holes every 1/2" or closer in the MDF to create a vaccuum table top and enclose the underside.

I have a similar cyclonic dust collector as seen in the picture of the router. Again, it isn't mine... just one I'm emulating.

[Terry Mac]

Dag, that is exceptional!

[Don]

About how much do you think it will cost all in? Do you have specific reason/need for an 18" Z axis?

I've spent a lot of time on CNC equipment and have always lusted for having something like this at home. The joy of setting up the machine and letting it "print" money is irresistible.

Please keep this thread going with your progress.

dawjr

[Dagster]

I am quite the bargain shopper, I've spent about $800 in total so far. I figure I'll have about $1200 - $1,500 total when all is said and done. The reason for an 18" Z axis is that was the size of the axis I found at the right price. I was hoping for 6" or more. 18" is just that much better and will allow for working on larger objects.

I got my X axis for $120 for instance... that particular part would cost $800 or more new. Ebay is a wonderful resource :D I got most of my plate aluminum from my brother-in-law who had access to scrap. I also got some of the extruded aluminum from Boeing Surplus... a perk of living in the NW. I got my servo's at a steal for $300 for all 3. I've been collecting parts for more than 2 years now and am about ready to start the assembly. I'm in it as much for the build as for the actual use. Just proving that I can build it is half the fun.

[Don]

What a deal on those linear bearings, and servos. I need to spend more time on ebay . . . on second thought, better not.

This is one of the best home project I've seen in a long time. Good luck with it. I'm really interested in the user interface and drives for the servos, let us know how you decide to do that when the time comes.

dawjr

[thekl0wn]

When's this project going to be finished? I've got a list of projects that keeps growing and growing of parts for you to churn out... Some of them are even "money-is-no-object" parts!!! :D

[Dagster]

I'm hoping to get it finished in the next few months... time will tell though :rolleyes:

[thekl0wn]

Well, I want the parts now! But I won't be ready for the parts for a few months, so we may be able to work out a deal! :D

[Dagster]

I'll keep ya posted... I'm hoping to get it done in December but that depends on me getting all the parts gathered.

[thekl0wn]

Sounds like the project I'm needing the parts for... The KISS theory just isn't panning out... I keep going bigger and better, and that means more of what I don't have: MONEY!

[Dagster]

Yeah, I've spread the cost out though but still hard to convince the wife I need to spend $500 more on a project that she hasn't been able to see any progress on yet :D

[Jammin]

Just wanted to know if you have a update on this project.

[Dagster]

Nothing yet. I have run out of room in my garage and would have nowhere to put it if I finished it. I'm in the process of trying to get permits to build my shop. I'm hoping to get it build this spring. After that the router project should be back on.

[Dagster]

Still nothing on this guys. I've been working huge amounts of overtime and I'm salary so no benefit :(

I'm going to have to build my shop before I can get this project any further along. My garage has too many machines in it!

[frankn]

Dagster, great project! Where can we get plans if we want to make one?

[Dagster]

www.cnczone.com (http://www.cnczone.com) There aren't many "plans", mostly people sharing their build and helping each other. Most of the plans are for lower quality machines that could still be very fun and useful.

[Don]

Thanks for keeping us posted, Dag.

dawjr

[Don]

Wow, from the number of views on this it looks like it could be a great how-to project thread.

[Dagster]

Well, if i get my butt in gear I'll be sure and take pictures of the progress and post updates. I dropped the ball on building my shop this spring, I'm hoping to get to it soon though. Might not make it before winter due to lots of hours at work.

I'll finish this thing one way or another :)

[Don]

Well, good luck on your building project, glad to see that you're still with us.

dawjr

[Dagster]

Yup, I'm still around although don't have much time to post anywhere when it takes more than a few seconds to get my thought across. I read a tad when I have some spare moments.

[Don]

Any updates on the garage or the router?

dawjr