Homemade CNC Router

**rodm** · 6th October 2007, 04:19 PM

Hi Vaughan,
The Xylotex board as Crocky says is a good choice. It is in my opinion the cheapest sure fire way of getting going and having a well tested and reliable controller.

All of these style controllers and even up from this range are prone to letting the magic smoke out if a wire is disconnected with power turned on. The reason for this is the full motor current passes through the chip on the board.

Take the motor away under power and the current has nowhere to go but bust through the chip.

I have built four of these boards for myself and helped with others and so far no problems so with a bit of care and doubling checking you should be fine.
The board does not come with wiring but there are very good instructions and drawings to help you. They have a forum specifically for these boards as well as an area on CNCZone for asking questions.

You can order a pre-wired box that is turn key so if you are not confident then this might be a better option for you.

Interested to see photos of your machine.

**bennylaird** · 7th October 2007, 08:32 PM

Gudday Bob, Rod etal.

Mine has not progressed except for being move to school. Hopefully I will find some time to get it going over the next few months. School work takes up all your spare time even with the holidays.

Have to drop in a see how yours is going Bob.

Cheers
Benny

**prozac** · 9th October 2007, 01:48 PM

I have just posted MDF on Buy&Sell if anyone is interested.

**vaughan green** · 9th October 2007, 05:52 PM

Hi Rodm-have only just seen your note to me -still finding my way around-thanks-yep you're probably right about getting a ready to go controller-why take the risk of blowing something up?-I think xylotex make a plug and play option for about $us450 or so-will send you a pic but as you will see it's not complete and is much the same as many of the other MDF machines of this design-my only change is that I went to 10mm threaded rod and I will mill it down to take a bearing on the free end to minimise whip.
Cheers Vaughan
P.s. photos will have to come later when I work out how to attach them

**vaughan green** · 10th October 2007, 08:13 AM

Hi Rod-photos as promised -cheers Vaughan

**rodm** · 10th October 2007, 09:59 AM

Hi Vaughan
Nice job on the machine and glad to see you have painted it.

Keep us updated on how it progresses.

**WillyInBris** · 10th October 2007, 08:48 PM

Yep I as well will say the xylotex gear is good, the instructions in the kit are very good but if you can buy the plug and play it will make things a bit easier.

I built a machine on RODM's latest design

(it rocks) I have added a couple of pics of the electronics box I set up.

Sean

**rodm** · 10th October 2007, 10:11 PM

Hi Sean,
Very neat enclosure and for a first try even more brownie points. You should post a picture of your machine on here. I like your message at the bottom - only a CNC'er would appreciate that.

Hi Benny,
Just noticed in post two of this thread your machine has been two years on hold. I wish I had realised that earlier so I could have hassled you more to finish it.

**vaughan green** · 11th October 2007, 08:31 AM

Hi Sean-I'm convinced-I'll go xylotex plug n play-if you or anyone out there wants to send photos of your machines-i'm already looking at bigger and better-something with supported bearings-I would appreciate it and if anyone wants any help would be glad to.
Cheers Vaughan

**vaughan green** · 16th October 2007, 03:48 PM

Hi bennylaird-have just seen your post from a while ago looking for delrin-I have a couple of blocks which were given to me and am willing to part with a small amount (no charge) for nuts etc-so if that is any use to you let me know.
Vaughan

**vaughan green** · 19th October 2007, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by bennylaird

Wrong one, mine is the older setup as below

I notice a photo posted by bennylaird showing what look like older style motors-I have been given 3 of these -does anyone know if they are ok-mine are made by sanyo denki japan and are dc 5v and 1.3 amp with six wires coming out of them-will modern xylotex drivers operate them?-does anyone know what power they are?
cheers Vaughan

**Outsider** · 19th October 2007, 02:16 PM

Vaughn,

I was able to get specifications for some Laserjet stepper motors from the manufacturers web site just by putting the model no into google.

I think that 6 wire motors are series steppers so are limited to certain types of controller boards. It's all a bit hazy now as its two years since I 90% finished my CNC. I can use it but........

The main thing that governs the power of the stepper is the holding torque and the curve relating to steps per min and power output which will be given in the specifications as well as the connections.

Good luck in your quest.

**vaughan green** · 19th October 2007, 04:10 PM

thanks brian- will try that-I will probably go completely new stuff from xylotex as I've said in other posts-but thought that perhaps I could save a hard earned dollar!!!
cheers Vaughan

**bennylaird** · 22nd October 2007, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by vaughan green

Hi bennylaird-have just seen your post from a while ago looking for delrin-I have a couple of blocks which were given to me and am willing to part with a small amount (no charge) for nuts etc-so if that is any use to you let me know.
Vaughan

Gudday Vaughan

WOuld love enough to make a couple of nuts, will PM you.

Cheers
Benny

**Greolt** · 12th November 2007, 02:51 PM

G'day all

I have just read through this thread. It started a while ago.

Good to see Rodm progress from beginner to someone who I and others would consider an expert among homebuilt CNCers in Aus.

Benny I see you do not live far from me in Geelong. If I can be of any assistance to help you get this project moving again then let me know.

I think there is a need for a local Australian forum on hobby CNC. Most info type stuff can be had on CNCzone but local contact and help still has it's place.

It would not be big and "Woodworkforums" could be a good home for it as many woodworkers will be interested in this area.

Greg

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