My first!

[jayfang]

Every time I log onto this forum, which is quite often, I’m reminded that I have not posted anything yet; so here goes! Just keep in mind that this is my first and very modest machine so any positive critique is welcome.

I’ve been lurking on this forum since 2007 looking, drooling and dreaming about having my own machine. My initial plan was to build a machine that is as big as a dining room table and could cut titanium as if it was soft butter! However, living where I am and not having unlimited fiscal resources meant that I had to adjust my aim somewhat. I was going to have to make do with what I could scrounge from old printers because the only place locally that supplies CNC spares are priced way beyond what I’m prepared to pay.
The only things that I purchased, besides a bunch of nut and bolts, was some stainless rod and the HobbyCNC Pro controller. The steppers I scrounged out of some old dot matrix printers. The body of the machine was made out of MDF I had left over from a previous project and the Z-axis was made with aluminium angle. I was quite chuffed on how this axis turned out. Seeing that ACME threaded rod is made out of Unobtanium in this country I had to settle for normal 8mm threaded rod. This is not too much of a train smash as I use a no-name brand Dremel type tool.

I made this machine to assist me with my other hobbies, rc boats and aircraft, and so far even though I have not built anything with it yet, it cuts and routs all the materials I use. It is also very accurate with nearly no play or backlash. This really surprised me as I expected that to be an issue. I plan to build a larger and improved machine at some stage but at this moment I’m having way too much fun playing and learning.

I must thank everybody here for all your ideas that I’ve used in this project and in turn I’ll put mine out here as well. Just bear in mind that I’m a complete neophyte with this and intend to learn and improve as time goes on.

Thanks
Johann

[Kipper]

Congrats on having something that works

[robe_uk]

Originally Posted by jayfang Unobtanium

I Like that

Great job on your build, it looks like a nice tidy machine. Get ready to watch it evolve as if like me you read this site and constantly get new ideas you will be wanting to change things.
The only thing that holds me back is time and money lol, if fact time being the main one, so much so my machine actually does very little.

Have you tried sourcing rack and pinion setup? I found a supplier here in the UK that does rack at about £14+vat a meter so it has me considering this path over lead/ball screws for my next build(whenever that my be)
http://www.wmh-trans.co.uk/Products/...K_MATERIAL_EN8

Rob

[blue_steel]

Look great!

I love a good scrounge build.

I bet I'm not the only one who would love more pictures and/or video if you get the chance.

Good build.

Cheers,

BS

[louieatienza]

Awesome build, from a fellow former lurker!

[RomanLini]

Looks like a well designed and practical machine. Good going!