Making a CNC Mill from scratch

[Burn]

I am sure a ridiculous task, but once I have my mini-mill, I can make chips fly easily.

Basically wondering what parts I would have to machine myself and what things can/must be bought. I would be driving the mill with a 3-axis kit from IMService, servo motors.

I can understant the list must be enormous, but I think it would be well worth the struggle to create something like this...Can someone start asking me questions to figure out what I need to get?

Thanks,
Burn

[gmduke]

Originally Posted by Burn I am sure a ridiculous task, but once I have my mini-mill, I can make chips fly easily. Basically wondering what parts I would have to machine myself and what things can/must be bought. I would be driving the mill with a 3-axis kit from IMService, servo motors. I can understant the list must be enormous, but I think it would be well worth the struggle to create something like this...Can someone start asking me questions to figure out what I need to get? Thanks, Burn

I have just finished my benchtop mill, and I put the documents on a web site.
If you wish you can goto http://home.earthlink.net/~gmduke/ and look my machine over.

gmduke

[Burn]

That looks really neat! Unfortunately, I don't have Inventor Still, a nice design. Good job! How much travel in X, Y, and Z is realistic for building a machine myself?

[gmduke]

Hi Burn,

All of the prints to built the machine are on my Download Page at my web site.
You don't need Inventor to view the print for the machine, you just need Autodesk Express Viewer it's a free download from the Autodesk web site.

Duke,

[Burn]

Do you know how much in raw materials it cost you to build it?

[gmduke]

The machine weight is about 220 lbs. Steel is about $1.00 a lb.
There is about 170 lbs. of steel in it.
Total cost for everything was about $2000.00.

[Burn]

Okay, and if I wanted to use a screw to do the Z axis, it would only really require the changing of the Z axis pillar?

[gmduke]

Not quit sure what you are asking, do you want the Z axis to be manual or different?

[Burn]

Well, CNC-controlled...Yours uses a pulley, right?

[Burn]

Oh, can someone hook me up with a link to ground ballscrews? I haven't been able to find any...I don't know what length, diameter, etc. I need, can someone help me decide?

[pbreed]

Here is the best do it yourself CNC mill project I've ever come across.
A great site with lots of cool stuff.

http://www.5bears.com/cnc.htm

Paul

[Burn]

I have read that in its entirety, I love that site.

Links to ground ballscrews?