An So it Begins...Building my first cnc router. No Clue, but what does that matter :)

[InventorJohn]

Hello all, Well I have a week off work for Christmas, and what better to do than build a router! I have always wanted one, and after looking thru all of yours, I thought I would give It a whirl.

I am a telecom network guy during the day, and a tinkerer by night.
I have no machining skills, but that won't stop me! I do not have a plan, just a sketch on some paper, I'll make it up as I go. Im thinking a gantry type with the bar that goes under belly hooking onto the threaded rod.
I'm Nothing more than a high tech redneck!

Below is a list of goodies that I have ready to put together.

• 9 pcs 80/20 alum 1"X2" (from ebay) (Total 8020 w/shipping was $200)
• 2 pcs 80/20 alum 1"X1"
• Assorted 80/20 fastners
• 2 20" thk bearing (I got these out of 2 tape backup libraries I tore apart $60)
• 2 5" bearing raceways (from an industrial copying machine $0.00)
• 2 6" 4 start threaded rod with spring nut (from tape backup machine)
• 1 xylotex controller board (controller and motors ebay steal at $200)
• 3 nema 23 steppers 269oz
• 1 China Knockoff "Chicago Electric" 1/4" trim router ($18 harbor frieght)
• Assorted alum flat stock

I am waiting on my order for the 48" and 24" thread rod and delrin nuts to arrive. Not Here Yet! (ordered on ebay)

So, there is my list of goodies. I am taking some pictures now to post. Lets see if I can build it over the holidays!

I look forward to any Rants, Raves, or just suggestions.

Thanks!

-John

[Lionclaw]

Can't wait to see what you come up with John! Please post lots of pictures

It's amazing how many good components get thrown away with old/broken equipment.

[InventorJohn]

Thanks! Yeah, the Tape backups were a complete surprise, I bought them off of a guy, cause I though they might have some good parts, They were HEAVY, lots of cast alum, But i was really happy to find the linear bearings and the thread rod with antibacklash nut.

Oh I forgot to mention, I also got 2 41" Thomson Rods with 2 carriers on each rod for $60 on ebay. That is my Y axis. (At least i think its Y), anyway, the long axis .

[InventorJohn]

Here are the pics of the Thk bearings, Thomson Rod and Bearings, the Threaded Rod and Nut ( Plan to use for the z axis) and the router.

Later on.

-John

[epineh]

Looks like you're off to a great start, keep the pics coming!!!

Russell.

[planekrazie]

Hey John,
Sometime this week, You and Ernie head back to harbor freight and pick up a speed control for your trim router. They are only $12.00. If you plan to cut plastic, foam and such. My dewalt rpm is something like 35000. Just melts my depron until I slowed it to 12000. looking good by the way.
Tell the Uncle and Terry howdy and Merry Xmas.
Steve

[InventorJohn]

My first whack at making the z axis. I will have to cut some of the alum so I can figure out some type of motor mount. I have the 1/4in Lovejoy couplers. This is what I have so far.

[Netjams]

At first I used that same router, two of them as a matter of fact and the speed controller he is speaking of... I put over a houndred hours on both router and loved them till I realized the bit was vibrating from the off center chuck on the router(s). To start it is a good setup, but after you learn your new machine you will step up.

[InventorJohn]

I had to figure a way to mount my rails to the 2" extrude, so I took some 2" angle alum, and came up with these. There pretty rough, but I think they'll get the job done. I hope they are strong enough. If not, I'll get some 1/2" alum block, and make something else. Made with a hand drill, and a sawz all. That big bearing in the background is what I was going to use, but got a good deal on the smaller 5/8in ones. PlaneKrazy, you might recognize them

Later on!

Nothing like spending Christmas eve with the family.
(granted... they are upstairs, and I am in the basement playing with metal)

[planekrazie]

Looking Good John. What did that Z axis come off of?
Steve

[planekrazie]

Hahaha . Same here. I been out in my Shop most all day. Made some great cuts also. If you need some other stuff for your project yell I might have some junk around here.
Steve

[InventorJohn]

I slapped together the z axis, the thread rod and nut came from a tape backup, the little slider bearings came off a copy machine...Do you hear sanford and son theme?