My 1st CNC Router (SK1)

[jb2060]

Hi,

After many, many months of reading and studying cnczone I have finally started my project. I have also had a significant amount of guidance from Rodm1954. Rod is passionate about CNC and his machines are outstanding.

I have nicknamed my CNC Router - SK1. I am an amateur guitar maker who is looking to take some of the grunt work out of carving bodies and necks. What started out as a curious interest in the possibilities of CNC has turned into a hobby in itself. I am sure I am not the only one this has happened to!!

So far I have built the base frame and painted it. The dimensions are x=1010mm, y=450mm and z=250mm. I chose this size to accommodate the width of a guitar body and the length of the neck.

Here are some photos of my progress to date:

[epineh]

Originally Posted by jb2060 What started out as a curious interest in the possibilities of CNC has turned into a hobby in itself. I am sure I am not the only one this has happened to!!

Lol no I don't think you are the only one, it was fishing lures for me, now I am planning my 2nd and 3rd machine even though I haven't finished my first yet...

You could do some pretty cool stuff on guitar bodies with CNC, I would like to have a crack at it myself, though I can't play for s#%t

Your machine is lookin good so far, keep the pics comin!!!

Russell.

[bryanrabb]

Nice work so far. I bet that thing is not easy to lug around. Smart move to use quality componets so far on your first build. It makes things easier and will reduce frustration as you learn.

[jb2060]

Thanks for your comments guys.

I actually weighed it yesterday and it is 30kg already! I have got to get myself a strong table to support it! I estimate that there will be another 15kg with the gantry.

[Juka]

Look very nice! How you move that x-axis? ballscrew in the midle of or...?

[ViperTX]

Where are you locating your ballscrew on the x-axis?

[jb2060]

The X ballscrew will be located under the flat section the runs through the middle of the base. There is a 30mm gap under the side for the Gantry to connect to the ballscrew.

[epineh]

Originally Posted by jb2060 I actually weighed it yesterday and it is 30kg already! I have got to get myself a strong table to support it! I estimate that there will be another 15kg with the gantry.

Know what you mean, I'd hate to weigh mine, just the base needs two people to lift properly, gonna be a bag of fun when I move house in 6 months time. At least I am only moving next door !!!

Russell.

[jb2060]

Well I got started on the Gantry this weekend and it was my first attempt at cutting aluminium. It went better than I expected, noisy though. I picked up a piece of 950mm x 550mm x 10mm Aluminium sheet which was perfect for what I needed.

My Y rails should arrive this week so I am looking forward to attaching them to the Gantry.

Here are some more Photos -

[Calculus]

Hi Jason,

Where did you get your ballscrew from? I'm in Melbourne and I'm about to undertake my own cnc mill. I'm currently making an interface and stepper motor driver boards before I try a jgro type design

thanks

[jb2060]

Hi Calculus,

I bought the ballscrews from Homeshopcnc. These guys are in the US but provide very speedy delivery.

http://www.homeshopcnc.com/page3.html

I was initially going build a jgro but after a lot of investigation decided on a steel and aluminium.

[hugo carradini]

Nice work Jason.
I also decide to build a second machine instead of wood rigt away of steel and of course is going to be heavier. ¿What sizes of step motor are you using for SK1?
Thanks for your answer.
Hugo Carradini