Let me start by saying hi and how happy I am that this site exists to help us newbies.

I got the urge to build my own CNC router when I was contemplating who could help my cut some acryllic for some aquarium projects. Then I figured why pay someone else $100 when I can do it myself for much more! I am sure I will find tons of uses and I love new projects.

Some things have got me confused (I am not an engineer nor do I have any experience with CNC):

* 4th Axis - What is a 4th axis for? Should I consider getting the 4th axis drivers so I am not upgrading inthe furture?

* Electronics Kit - I am looking at getting the whole kit from xylotex.com (425oz motors). I am not much for soldering and wiring, although I can do it if I have to, so this completed kit seems to be the way to go - any comments?

* Plans - I see most of the plans that are populare are in CAD formatting - I am more of a "Step 1: cut angle bracket 5.5 inches Step 2: Drillhole 1.25 inches from end" kind of a guy. I got some plans from eBay that, supposedly (still to receive them) point out everything (parts suppliers, etc). Does this sound fair for someone in my situtuation?

* Upgrades - Price is not really the *most* important thing to me for the parts - are there any items that I should just get preium quality of now so I don't waste money upgrading right away (i.e. Lead Screws, etc)?

* Capability - I am not sure what I will be able to do with this machine. I am expecting the final dimensions to be 2' x 4' running the motors mentioned above. I was wanting to run a router similar to what I use for typical woodworking - 2hp or more full size. Most of the plans I see show a trim router. My desire is to be able to cut 1/4 - 3/4" soft woods and acryllics and do some engraving. Speed is not imprtant to me - will most plans that accomdate these motors and size work here?

Thanks in advance for any advice and info. Maybe I can compile a newbie FAQ from what I learn here.

Shawn

Hi, welcome from another newbie.

There is a real treasure trove of info in the build logs - great advice and experiences. (including the mistakes) If you are not in a huge hurry, I would spend 2 - 3 weeks reading build logs - seriously. At least the first 20 - 30 projects in that forum.

The other area that is especially helpful (for me) is in the electronics section on stepper and servo motors.

Like you, I am really poor at soldering, but I found a way around it - solder paste. This stuff goes on sort of like tooth paste, then you just melt it right on the board. I couldn't make a good solder joint if my life depended on it, but with solder paste, it is easy.

Plans - there are several plans and kits in the forum - some are pre-cut, so you can save a lot of time.

There are so many ways to configure a router setup, that a lot of it is just personal preference - but - perhaps consider 2 projects you would like to make now - and in the future, for yourself or a friend. This will guide you on size and accuracy needs.

I would not bother with a small router - just go for a 1/2 in collet router in the 3 - 4 hp with variable speed up front. There is not that much difference in price or cost to build, and a 1/2 in shaft makes for a much stiffer cutting tool.

Take a look at some of the commercial machines on here as well - k2, etc. Lots of good ideas for design, and often they sell critical parts to the home builder as well.

Almost forgot - 4 th axis. A common example is a stair way banister or pillar. Imagine that it has some areas that are round, spiral, and squre. The parts is mounted in sort of a 'lathe like" rotating chuck and the router moves around in x, y, z to make the right parts the right shape.

If you plan on using dual leadscrews for the Z axis, you'll need 4 motors w/4 axis board to run it. Some uses a belt drive to run both X axis with only 1 motor though (so can get away with a 3 axis motor), but of course 4 motors are better/more reliable.

From my experience (95% finished my 1st build) and from what I read on older threads (and just started a thread about this), you'll learn alot from your 1st build and probably will build a 2nd one soon afterwards from the things you've learned. One thing I'd recommend is not skimp out on linear bearings. Most DIY uses skatebearings riding on a V channel, like on my 1st build. I'm upgrading to real linear bearings on my 2nd build. I can upgrade to real leadscrews and leadnuts easier in the future(unlike linear bearings would).

I bought Rockcliffe plans for my build. Stared at it for a week then decided which way to go. Now I know what to look for, using my own design for the 2nd one w/o any plans. The plan's still worth it for learning experience in the end. Also alot of plans has full sized printouts you can glue to wood and just cut on the dotted lines. From what I understand Solsylva's plans is probably the most detailed and complete plans you can buy

Also for a spindle, it took me a little while to research old threads for opinions, and ended up getting a Hitachi M12VC per old threads' recommendations. Search the model number on this forum for more info if wanted

Thanks - I got my plans via email yesterday and I get hard copy with templates in a few days. My favorite part of the plan is that it includes a full parts list with part numbers and where to get it. The designer claims that the only thing he was forced to go out of the house to buy was some Birch plywood.

I ordered everyting per his specs via internet and spent $400 on misc hardware (shipped), $100 on Acme Lead Screws (ebay), $460 on the step drive kit (4 axis, 425oz - it was only $50 more), $75 on some pre-fab aluminum motor mounts. I still need to get some aluminum locally and have it cut and some ply and a couple misc things.

From what I can see, I whould have this thing completed within a few weeks after everthing arrives...

I will be taking some pics as I go for all to see :)

Shawn

Can I cut aluminum with basic shop tools, or is that too dangerous. I have heard mixed feelings on cutting with carbide table saw setup. Some of the piece will be .5 inch. These are short cuts, though...

Shawn

Can I cut aluminum with basic shop tools, or is that too dangerous. I have heard mixed feelings on cutting with carbide table saw setup. Some of the piece will be .5 inch. These are short cuts, though...

Shawn

The issue isn't the table saw, its the blade. Do not try to cut aluminum with a wood blade. It will end in disaster. Invest in a good non-ferrous metal blade like this Freud one (http://www.toolmarts.com/lu89m010.html) though their cheaper blade (TK706 I think) will work adequately. I have also used a abrasive chop saw blade for cutting aluminum but I like the finish quality with the non-ferrous blade better.

If you don't want to spend that much, try a hacksaw and a cheap miter box.

Nate

if you have an angle grinder get a metal cut off disc attachment, they'll cut though anything, though not perfectly squared like if done on a (metal) chop saw or band saw, but can be grinded down square if required. Or if you have patience a hand hack saw will work.