Hi,

I'm looking to build a CNC router for cutting steel panels upto a max of 2mm thick, i was just wondering if you could point me in the right direction for a good, easy and preferably cheap DIY CNC machine.

Thanks in advance

MitchDM.

What size work area are you looking for , and what material do you want to build your machine from wood , mdf , steel aluminium?

Im not to bothered if its bigger but the biggest i will need it 700mm x 700mm.

Im not to worried what material, just needs to be pretty cheap, but without compromising too much on accuracy.

Was just wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction.

Thanks for the reply :)

jrgo machine could be the way to go check out the threads there are loads of them

It certainly looks like it could do the job nicely, how much can i expect it to cost to build? and what electronic bits would i need for it to cut steel?

Thanks

MitchDM

I think some of the jrgo threads deal with costings the cost of the mdf will not be too great ,I think you need a a max of 2 8x4 sheets which is about £65 then you need some rods,bolts etc
then a psu and load of motors etc which I guess around £35O ...its my guess you need £5OO ish all in all,but I maybe way off.

It certainly looks like it could do the job nicely, how much can i expect it to cost to build? and what electronic bits would i need for it to cut steel?

Thanks

MitchDM

Youll never cut steel on a JGRO.

Youll never cut steel on a JGRO.

It is only 1mm thick maximum.

you could use a mdf machine to make a steel machine

you could use a mdf machine to make a steel machine

It is certainly a plan as i'm not too good as working with metal, is there anyone else who thinks the MDF machine wouldn't be suitable for cutting steel?

Thanks for the help guys, hopefully before long i'll be able to build one, i have used a denford machine before at school, but the idea of having my own is even better.

It is certainly a plan as i'm not too good as working with metal, is there anyone else who thinks the MDF machine wouldn't be suitable for cutting steel?

Thanks for the help guys, hopefully before long i'll be able to build one, i have used a denford machine before at school, but the idea of having my own is even better.

Hi

I started to build a jrgo and got sidetracked with this build
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37139

I am nearly done now - maybe something along these lines

It is certainly a plan as i'm not too good as working with metal, is there anyone else who thinks the MDF machine wouldn't be suitable for cutting steel?


For one, cutting steel requires lots of coolant, which doesn't mix well with MDF. And second, while it's a decent machine for light work, most who build the JGRO find that is flexes too much, and eventually build another machine. If you'll only be cutting steel, you might want to look at building a plasma cutter.

For one, cutting steel requires lots of coolant, which doesn't mix well with MDF. And second, while it's a decent machine for light work, most who build the JGRO find that is flexes too much, and eventually build another machine. If you'll only be cutting steel, you might want to look at building a plasma cutter.

How expensive is it to build a plasma cutter (sounds expensive) and are there any plans you would recommend i can look at or buy?

The cheapest thing your going to cut metal with is a oxy torch, the good news is you can cnc the torch, & stay low budget.


http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24187


.

You could start cheap with the oxy torch, than upgrade later on to a plasma with a few mods. to the table.


.

Switcher is completely right.

there's no sense in building a machine dedicated to cutting steelPLATE by means of milling.Some kind of torch is the way to go wich is a very big plus because a torch cutter will cause a lot less stress and pulling forces to your frame except when rapiding and other fast moves wich means you can save by using smaller motors then when milling and keep your design "lightweight".If you want to use the machine for a long time i wouldn't recommend mdf cause it will deform and all the gasses from the bath underneath your workpiece could eat into it.

Thanks for the advice, i'll have a look around and see what i can come up with.

@ Switcher - How good is the finish on the cut, from what i can see it seems quite rough.

when cutting with plasma you'll have to change gas/mix ratio's and pressures according to the material at hand to maintain a clean cut

When thight tolerance is required finishmachining on a mill/lathe is unbearable for as far as i know plasma torches can't cut with hundredths of an inch precision and my guess would be that the heat will cause some deflection.

If looks are all that matter sandblasting polishing or a vibratory polisher would be sufficient.

i haven't got any experience with plasma cutting myself and all above i have read here at the zone and interpreted as good as i could.