DIY 3axis router milling machine

[pinemartin]

Hi To All
been looking through loads of info here. blown me away..
i am looking at building my own milling machine. but the main thing is cost! as always.
I have never under taken anythinglike this so its a first. I am used to using autocad both in 2d as awell as 3d (if that helps) other than that i am a novice. i am looking at routering out letters and pictures in wood.
If anyone can help or guide me in the right direction, with drawings or sites. Would be very grateful

[Mike F]

You're on the best site in the world for information and help on all things CNC. Just keep reading, learning and asking questions.

Mike

[pinemartin]

Thanks Mike F
Ok any ideas as where to start ie plans for building frame work and/or materails

[pinemartin]

Is it possible to convert my cad drawings straight to a cnc router. or do i have to concert them to a different format. if i am able to programme straight fro autoCAD that would be a big help

[tnik]

Originally Posted by pinemartin Is it possible to convert my cad drawings straight to a cnc router. or do i have to concert them to a different format. if i am able to programme straight fro autoCAD that would be a big help

No, you would have to get a CAM program to create the toolpath's needed to mill your part. the CAM program would create GCode and that is what the CNC controller reads to do your milling.

[pinemartin]

any advice on which would be cost effective to translate my cad drawings to cam to enable me to use the cnc

[tnik]

depends on what your willing to spend. there's opensourced cnc programs out there (opensourced means free for the most part) then there's the hobbyist programs (like BobCAD-CAM) which aren't that bad in price, then there's top of the line cam programs like surfcam. A quick search on google for CAM software will give you millions of hits.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by pinemartin Is it possible to convert my cad drawings straight to a cnc router. or do i have to concert them to a different format. if i am able to programme straight fro autoCAD that would be a big help

If you have AutoCAD 2002 or newer, I wrote a macro that will export g-code from AutoCAD.

http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodwork.../AC2GCv039.zip

Thread here:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8226

[pinemartin]

could anyone advise me what the basic components are that i will need besides the computor and my router. I understand that i will need to be able to move in both the x & y axis and Z. i have a design for that, and i have read peoples remarks concerning materials. what i trying to locate is a site that may show me the equipment i will need, and what plugs into what... Now i did say i was a novice

[ger21]

I'd recommend downloading Joe's 2006 plans and the JGRO plans and study them Both should give you a good idea what you need.
http://www.cnczone.com/modules.php?n...category&cid=2

Basically, you'll need.
Machine control software (Mach3, TurboCNC)
Motors (steppers or servos)
Motor drives to control the motors.
Leadscrews and nuts or some other means to provide motion, such as rack and pinion.

[pinemartin]

Thanks all
Just been pricing up linear rails Wow not cheap. hoping to make the x axis 1200mm x 800. Not being tech minded seems very heavy trying to work out wieghts etc etc. looked at bobcam seems to suite my needs with bobart as a attachment. Their doing a deal at the moment for all the software....if anyone is interested. Big thanks to Simso in australia for your help

[Greolt]

Bobcad/cam are ALWAYS doing a deal