mvaughn's CNC machine worklog

[mvaughn]

For the last 6 or 7 months I've been planning, learning, researching and planning some more on my CNC machine. This will be my worklog for building my CNC router.

My goals for the machine are as follows:
[list=1][*]Have a cutting area of about 15 inches by 30 inches.[*]Use everyday common parts[*]Build it all with simple tools (ie. no welder, lathes, or mills)[*]Combine techniques used in other CNCZone memeber's machines.[*]Be as cheap as possible[/list=1]

Materials:

Following in the footsteps of those before me I decided to build the majority of the components out of MDF.

The rail system for Axis' X, Y, and Z will be made out of 1 inch, .75 inch and .5 inch drill rod purchased from Enco.

I'm going to try the bearing style used on this machine [click here ]. Again from Enco I purchased a 12 by 12 sheet of 1.5 inch UHMW.

The lead screws will be .5 inch 10tpi ACME screws from Enco.

Stepper motors will be used from used surplus printers. The stepper driver is custom built from the plans at buildyouridea.com. Thepower supply will be a modified ATX PC power supply.

All other materials used will be discussed at the approprate time.

[mvaughn]

Here are some rederings. I know the lead screws and such are not threaded, I'm still learning.

Dimensions of the machine are as follows:

The base is 34.5 inches long by 26 inches wide. The overal height of the machine is 19.75 inches tall.

[mvaughn]

2nd pic

[mvaughn]

3rd pic

[mvaughn]

4th pic

[mvaughn]

last of the renderings...

[mvaughn]

Here is the beginnings of my construction phase.

I started with the steppers because I already had them. They are from HP Laserjet III printers that I bought off ebay.

I built the driver circuit from the plans for sale at www.buildyouridea.com. The plans were $25 USD and the parts were about $30 USD.

For those of you that are superstitious;

I have NOT spun the motors yet...

[mvaughn]

another...

[mvaughn]

bottom of driver board...

[mvaughn]

300W ATX Power Supply.

Stepper Motors
100oz.
5.2 volt
1.4 amp

[mvaughn]

last pic, for now that is...

[ynneb]

Thanks for taking the time to post all your pictures. Please keep this thread running with all your progressive work. This will be good for other newbies to look at.

Your off to a great start. With your permission we will compile this into an open source document, once it is finished.