need to build a 6"x6" cnc. only need to cut really thin metal or plastic. dunno sqat about the electr requirements. am only 18 and cant follow most of the specs in the other threads. how do i make or find the controller circuit. and how would i know if the stepper motor(which i dont have yet) will be what i require. also once im done building how does it actually integrate to the computer?? can i build the base using hard plastic?? i wont be able to afford(oh yeah and im broke) a plasma or even a gas cutter! will a normal drill cause much vibration? i need a really uncomplicated and cheap plan.what are my basic requirements?? and i have a 5 month time frame.

With no knowledge or desire to do your own research and no money, my uncomplicated advice is to find another hobby. Nobody likes helping folks that want it all put on a platter for them. You're asking people to do all the work for you.

Learn to do some research, open your time frame, as you still need to learn programming once you have you machine made.

It is possible to do cheaply, but not for free. WidgetMaster was selling a similar machine to what you asked about for over $500 on ebay without the controls/motors/drives


<reason for editing- Migrain is gone and I was a bit harsh>

might be a hobby for you but its a need for me! all plans on the net seem to be for sale man. wtf am i supposed to do? programming part i can handle.im gonna be makin a 13x13 fixed gantry type, with or without anyones help

seems if you would have a need you would start researching instead of waiting for someone to hand you a plate down. Everyone started same, reading. I need to build macnine, i started reading doing some math and few months down the road i was able to start building machine. No one really owes a advice. If you ask nicely to help you with certain part of your machine more than handful of people will help. But if you want ready set of plans, seems like your best choise is to buy turn key machine or buy a set of plans. Just my .02

Shashank,

Your going to need a(nother) job!

I'm certain a drill is not going to adequately serve as a cutter, RPM too low. Be on the lookout for a Dremel type tool, even then metal, cutting is likely to be beyond a rotary tools capability.

I think you are on your own as far as the plans go. You have far too many things working against you , time, money and attitude being the most obvious. Fact is, the creation of a router table is relatively uncomplicated and and cheap but it isn't free. The plan you want lurks between your ears. The JGRO plan may give you some good mechanical insight.

It sounds like you have a basic knowledge of the physical layout of your desired tool. I suggest you start by obtaining a cutter that'll do what you want and design from there back to the feet your machine will stand on.

You'll have to be imaginative and stay alert for other peoples "junk". You may be able to find steppers that'll work, from old printers, get the biggest you can find. Also PC power supplies are a popular choice for running the steppers.

While designing/building start studying controllers/drivers. I suggest something like the HobbyCNC board. It's simple and cost is low.

Software CAD you can save a DXF files, ACE to generate G code and TurboCNC to drive the Controller/driver. You'll need to study this stuff too. Also look for a CNC simulator there's a freebie available from the WEB. There are some good tutorials on stepper's and CNC, again, on the WEB.

May the force be with you.

russ i have read your thread was a big elp. not that im looking for you guys to do my work for me. you r right i should dtudy more before i start asking for advice. thx curtis.will get back to this threads only when i have stared the job n i have pics or at least drawings to show for my work. im passionate about this n im gonna prove it.

will be basing plans finally on yarko's and help from pninmo.com

Look here (an add in the middle of this thread) http://www.imwsrv.com/ If you do not want to do the research and tinker around building the machine.

"i dont know sqat!!! feel free to ignore me"

If you invite people to ignore you they will. If you believe you don't know sqat, then no-one will listen. Simple.

You have good things to contribute because you are part of the CNCzone community and you will be amazed how much you will learn just by asking questions and researching.

That's what I did. I asked heaps of dumb questions when I started and it did not worry me in the slightest.

There were a whole stack of questions in your first post. Might be better to dribble feed your questions rather than dump too many at once.

Good luck with your project.

Andy

ive got some books plus loads of info of the net.gonna spend the next few days studiying. no use asking questions if i dont learn.hope to be back with slightly smarter questions.

Sounds good to me

Andy

Start doing your research. I built a functioning CNC machine at age 15. The truth is that CNC machines are complicated devices. The most uncomplicated advice I can give you is to start reading the boards, printing out plans and looking up some websites and worklogs.

know someone who makes vehicles for defence and transpor purposes.still gotta look into his shop.what should i be asking for since he says hell help out??

Shashank,
Have you started designing yet?

Get some drawings going, decide a place to start, begin gathering parts, and when you get to a point where you can't go further, ask your friends at the shop or here at the zone.

You won't know what to ask or what assistance you'll need until you start to build. Posting in a build log here will get you lots of attention.

It'll be more fun and informative to have material in your hands and begin seeing things take shape.

Think of the process... roughly, design and build.

curtis,
soon!! will get some reaserch done for a while. having talks with people who build cnc's for a living first so im more prepared beore i start.but soon....

The most helpful thing I have seen on this forum is to read other peoples threads about thear machines. By just looking at the pics I have gotten many ideas and a lot of understanging.
All the info youll ever nead is out there. The hard part is finding it and then apply it to your own work.