Second Attempt at a CNC router...

[nate89]

Hey guys, this is my second attempt at building a CNC router and I was wondering if you guys could check out my design and make suggestions. I don't have a big budget (<100). I already have all the building materials, but if there is something that could make my life easier during construction, please let me know. I only have a 15"x20" that my router has to fit in. I also plan on making an enclosure for it, so obviously my machine has to be smaller than 15"x20".

Here is the sketchup model:

Simple Aluminum CNC by Nathan - Google 3D Warehouse

And an exploded view:

Aluminum CNC Exploded View by Nathan - Google 3D Warehouse

and a link to my blog where I plan on doing a full build log. You can also see my first attempt.

[nate89]

The Z axis will probably be shorter than in the CAD. I'm thinking 3-4" of travel instead of the 6" i have modeled. Other than that, everything is 1" square aluminum that will be brazed together except for some pieces that will need to be replaced/adjusted as things wear. The primary materials being cut will be foam, plexiglass, and the occasional aluminum/copper/brass. I'm really hoping to get this thing up and running so I can start machining pieces for a rep rap 3d printer and my foundry. I will be able to make anything hahaha (j/k)

[jsheerin]

It's tough to tell exactly how you have the y axis being driven from the view you posted, but if you can find a way to box in the gantry legs and the y axis beam or just connect the two beams in each of these sections together so they look more like an I beam, that will give you a much stiffer structure with minimal additional material. For cutting foam it wouldn't matter. For cutting metal, it will be important.