Hello all! I am looking for used parts!

[DragonDragon]

Hello all,

Newbie here! Just wanted to say hello, I am hoping to find alot of information to help me in learning all I can about making my own CNC machine. I've seen many of the do it yourself ideas and want to attempt it myself.

I worked as a DNS Technician for many years, the company I worked for, completely shut down in Dec. 2008. I was unable to find any work so I applied for college and suprisingly enough, I was accepted. Its tuff! Real tuff! I am 38 yrs old and I am now wishing I was in my early 20s. Seems like the brain has slowed down on the processing speed!

Anyway, during my time I have between looking for work and doing school, I decided to learn to build my own cnc machine.

Anyone that doesn't mind giving any advice and help, it would be greatly appreciated. I am looking around to purchase parts right now, its kinda hard though because I have to stick with used items. Can't afford new stuff with school going on. So, if anyone has some parts for sale that are used and guaranteed to work please let me know. I am looking for: 3 or 4 motors, I am thinking Nema 23 or higher, control board, driver board, power supply. I am wanting to be able to use turbocnc and emc2 with whatever setup I get. Thank you in advance for your patience with a newbie.

Thanks,

Chad

[DIYaholic]

Chad,
From one newbie to another, Welcome to the zone!!!
Have you decided upon a design for your machine yet? IMHO until you have even a preliminary design, it would be premature to start purchasing parts and materials.
A machine is the "Sum of it Parts", not "Some Parts". What I mean to say is that all the parts must work together in order to get acceptable performance and accuracy. First, you will need to define what you want to do with your machine. Next, you will want to determine working envelope (X, Y & Z dimensions), materials to be "machined", acceptable tolerances, etc. Once these parameters are determined you can then begin to consider design characteristics. This is the best place to research CNC, there are many a gifted, talented people here that are willing and eager to help newbies like us. As you do your research, you will come to realize that all machines are a compromise (as is all design engineering). After doing you "Homework", you can then design a machine capable of accomplishing your goals, all while keeping your budget in mind.
Not trying to sound negative or "preachy", just want you to get started in the right direction. It would be a shame to put all your time and effort (and money) into something and get out less than what you want.
OK, I really just want to say welcome to the zone and please enjoy your stay. This place is a blast. Great people with amazing talent, excellent machines and a desire to help others succeed.
Good luck with your future build.

Randy,