New Machine Build- DIY MDF CNC Router

[Connor9220]

Hey Folks, I just wanted to post about my CNC router that I've been building over the past few months. It's pretty much done and usable at this point. I need to get a better cable carrier, add in the limit, home and e-stop switches, and cut a access panel in the side so I can get to the electronics. The unit is built mostlt from 3/4" MDF with some 1/2" MDF for a side panel. It's been enclosed so that I can run it in my house instead of my non-existent garage. (I just have a car-port and a small storage room that might be used for a shop at some point, but, way to humid for a MDF machine. I used 16mm BallScrews and 12mm supported rails with linear bearings. My router of choice is the Bosch Colt, and I'm using EMC as the control software. I'm still trying to come up with a dust shoe design that I can use on it.

Thanks, Connor

[eddie3000]

Hello there! It's looking pretty good! Yours is much better looking than mine. Mine's quite a bit scruffy. I like how you made the box for the electronics on one side with the e-stop, it looks really pro (except for it being mdf).
Do you have a dust collector/separator too? I still haven't, gotta make one. Cheers!

[Connor9220]

Originally Posted by eddie3000 Hello there! It's looking pretty good! Yours is much better looking than mine. Mine's quite a bit scruffy. I like how you made the box for the electronics on one side with the e-stop, it looks really pro (except for it being mdf). Do you have a dust collector/separator too? I still haven't, gotta make one. Cheers!

Thanks! As for MDF, Nothing wrong with it, I've seen a few "PRO" machines made from it... I.E. Fireball v90. As for dust collector/separator.. No.. I'm just using a portable Riged Vacuum for it. I got lucky on the panel on the side.. I left just enough room for a MINI-ITX computer.. so, everything fits.. rather tightly.. but, it fits.

Thanks, Connor

[eddie3000]

I have had many vacuum bags exploding and many clogged filters with my vacuum, that is why I have to make a dusk separator for my machine. As I saw you had such a cool looking machine, I thought you might also have a cool dust separator too just in case I could borrow any good ideas. Thanks for posting your pics.
Is your cnc operative yet?

[Connor9220]

At the time those pictures were taken (the ones with the enclosure). I had only cut a few things with it. The hole in the front of the electronics enclosure for the fan was done using the machine. I've since used to to mill out a dust shoe, and a new router mount. I'm still not happy with the design though. I'm going to make a new one. I'm still dialing everything in and tuning it. Had one of my couplers break, and had some issues with backlash in the bearing blocks. All that's fixed now. I hope to have some video of it running soon.

Specs:
Work Envelope Size: X is 18", Y is 12", Z is 4.5"
Foot Print: 25" Deep, 32" Long x 24" Tall
Screws: 16mm Ball Screws (X and Y are 10mm per turn, Z is 5mm per turn)
Rails: 12mm Supported Linear Rails
Steppers: X and Y are Chinese Longsmotor Nema 23 354ozin, Z is 287oz-in
Driver Board: Cheap Chinese 4 Axis TB6560A Control Board.
Computer: Custom Built D510 Dual Core Atom MiniITX with 32GB SSD HD, and 4GB Ram
Software: EMC2
Spindle: Bosch Colt

I think to think this machine is a little more compact than most being able to do 18" x 12" x 4.5", and being enclosed.

Thanks, Connor