Thread: CNC Router for the Disabled

Great work, I like the look of the 8020 frame.
Like others here, I'm considering building a CNC router.
Lacking any facilities for metal work, I was going to build out of MDF, probably this design: http://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx. but your build looks a good alternative.

To get familiar with CNC software, I'm going to build this one http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine.
It wont be that accurate but should be a cheap learning experience - and fun!

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

Great work, I like the look of the 8020 frame.

To get familiar with CNC software, I'm going to build this one http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine.
It wont be that accurate but should be a cheap learning experience - and fun!

Hi Geoff,

The frame is good if you don't have access to a machine shop or know someone who has. The ITEM frame is probably expensive but it was the best way for me to get one built. Of course I had heaps of help from Greolt but that is part of the CNC thing There is more info at http://www.ocm.com.au/cnc/cnc.html if you really want a good read.

Good on you for building a cheap one first and the indestructables machine looks like it would be fun anyway.

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Well done Crocky good to see your doing well

Gotta be, life is worth living

Hi crocky,

Great build, you should be very proud

It doesn't seem like you used fixed end bearing housings with your ball screws at the motor end?
How did you secure the fixed end to the frame?
Does it give you any backlash?

Cheers,

Tony

G'day Tony

At the risk of stealing Bob's thunder (sorry Bob) I'll jump in here.

The reason is I have some pics which Bob probably does not have.

These will show how Bob has set up his ballscrew bearings.

First pic shows the three mounts for the X axis ready to fit.

Motor end has a dual race angular contact bearing and the other just a simple support bearing.

Second pic is of the Y axis set up in place. Same bearing used at the motor end.

Greg

EDIT: Pics are the wrong way around. You get the idea.

Hi Greg and Tony,

That is fine with me Greg, I now have another two piccy's

It works really well thanks Tony

Thanks for that guys

Some of the latest productions

They are for sale on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...._promot_widget

New cyclonic vacuum system, uses drink bottles for funnels and it seems to work pretty good.

The website is worth a look http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51385

I like the look of that dust extractor.
I wonder if there are any efficiencies in multiple small cyclones over a single larger cyclone?

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

I like the look of that dust extractor.
I wonder if there are any efficiencies in multiple small cyclones over a single larger cyclone?

It would almost be worth a try just to see, the big plus for me is seeing what is going in the big bin The present one works but there is always room for improvement so a mark II might be on the go

Originally Posted by crocky

Some of the latest productions

They are for sale on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...._promot_widget

Good stuff Bob.

What material are you making them out of? Are they really 50mm high?

Greg

Hi Greg,

50mm high is yes and 125mm wide.

Thickness is only 8mm flooring boards, great veneer

Is that the floating floor type? Is it a ply type backing?

Greg