New Machine Build- Building a CNC Mill -- parts?

[mattgangi]

hey all,

i'm trying to build my first cnc. i read an article about how to make a diy cnc in Make Magazine, volume 18 -- here is a link to the article: http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol18/?pg=43#pg43

the article says that the trick to making this cnc router is to find a seed unit

is there anyone out there with a working cnc that could make me some parts for this cnc to get me up and going? the first thing i'll do when i get mine up and running is to make some parts for the next guy

thanks for your time and for your advice and perhaps for your parts!

[ger21]

Are you looking for all the parts, or just a few? Where are you located, as shipping can be expensive?

[mattgangi]

hey gerry -- thanks for the quick response! as i'm starting from scratch, i guess i'm looking for all the parts (or at least the ones that are hardest to make). i live in glendale, california -- just 15 minutes outside of los angeles.

thanks very much for your time,
matt

[pswayze]

I didn't want to start another thread seeing as I have been asking a lot of questions but since someone else did it, I'll ask as well!

1. Is this particular subforum the best place to look for someone to help you machine a part or two for your CNC?

2. I've noticed that people say they have good luck with finding parts in the classifieds section but I've been there quite often and I hardly every see anything "meat and bones" for CNC stuff. Just odds and ends. Is that the best (only) place to be looking for that kind of stuff?

[br1]

If you don't have the machinery to make the parts a kit would be the alternative for you. Just google, "DIY cnc kits"

[mattgangi]

i'm really broke as i'm just a couple years out of school. i read in the above article that someone with a cnc machine might make parts for you? the first thing i'll do when i get the machine running, is make parts for others. will pay for the parts and shipping, but don't really have the money to afford a kit at this time. was looking to try to get a 4X8 cnc machine happening.

thanks guys,
m't

[MrWild]

A JGRO can be made with hand tools. You don't need a "seed unit" unless it is something you can strip for parts like a large printer. You want parts for a 4 x 8 machine???? Not going to do it on your budget. No way, no how. Going to that large of a machine requires a metal frame, good linear bearings, and rack and pinion or ballscrews with a serious motor and drive. The picture you showed uses wood, all thread, and salvaged motors and drives. I think you need to do a lot more research on what is possible with what you can afford and what is on hand.

[mattgangi]

Really looking to do a 4x8 unit -- how much money are we talking about?

[robe_uk]

Take a look at the joe 4x4 hybrid, it can be expanded up to 8x4 easily. Cost wise for the standard 4x4 the common figure quoted is around $2500 so this will only go up for a 8x4.
This looks to be one of the best diy machines out there and if I ever get the money together I will base my next build on it.

[mattgangi]

cool -- do you guys recommend joe's diy kit over patrick hood-daniel's at that price? hood-daniel has a diy kit for a 4X8 for 2975 and an awesome website. patrick's kit does seem to be mostly wood though as seen in the article. was hoping to bring the price down from 3k if someone could help with the parts... the make magazine article seems to say you could find parts from a fellow cnc'er who could make the parts for you. let me know if you think i should go joe's way as his cnc looks to have more metal parts... and/or if someone out there could help out with some parts.

thanks again for your time!

[metalworkz]

Hello,
I just finished my own small CNC router build not too long ago and might be able to help with some of the parts. I live in Modesto, CA so at least we are in the same state, but shipping can still cost a bit. You may want to consider doing a smaller machine to begin with and then you would have the ability to CNC the parts for a larger machine? My build was only X20" x Y18" x Z4.5" and it is still a good sized machine to cut parts with as it is opened at each end of the X axis for repositioning longer parts. It is an all HRS steel framed machine with a stationary gantry and moving X table and is very solid.
I also have an SX3 CNC mill with smaller travels for doing metal intensive work.

Regards,

[robe_uk]

I don't think you can compare joe's design to patrick hood-daniel's as joe's you buy the plans for $100 and source everything yourself (http://www.joescnc.com/kitsplans.php), he does provide a small kit which only has precut mdf and hdpe items and you still have to source most of the hardware yourself, were as patricks kit provides the hardware.
Take time to read the various threads about each machine (use the search tool) so you can then make an informed choice for which is best for you.
No matter what you do you'll endup sending more than you thought by the time you buy software etc