Desktop CNC Designs I'm Working on - General Discussion

[Jesse B]

Well, I finally got around to downloading and installing Sketchup the other night. I'd been using AutoCAD, but I just found it too difficult to visualize in 3D (as I only know how to use AutoCAD in 2D). So as mentioned, installed Sketchup, and started modeling. Very easy to use, caught on almost immediately.

Anywho, I had 2 designs somewhat thrown together in AutoCAD. The first one that I've re-done to some extent is a mill. I have a gantry style machine designed as well, but haven't transferred that to AutoCAD yet. I'll work on that once I've finished the mill (not that it'll ever be truely finished ).

Anyways, without any more babble, here's some images. If you guys want any other angles just say so.





Anyways, that's all for now. Obviously it's not complete yet, but there's only a couple things that I don't have worked out mentally. The things I don't have figured out yet are the rear mount for the lower most lead screw (might have to get a custom length lead screw, still exploring my options), and of course the Z-Axis in general. Haven't taken care of any holes or hardware either, although I know where most of that will go and how it'll all fit. Thinking of making the general frame out of steel, but I might go with aluminum; we'll see. Also, not sure if I'll be able to tuck the lower stepper motor inside the frame there (using belt/pulley combo), but it's working just fine how I have it now, assuming I can find narrow enough pulleys.

Just to give you a perspective of how small this thing is, those are standard NEMA23 stepper motors (the 282oz-in ones off Keling are what I used as a model). It's only about 6"x8" travel/cutting area. I live in the city, so space is limited

EDIT: Also, just curious what kind of torque you guys think would be required? If I could go with smaller motors that'd be cool.

Thanks for taking the time to look,


- Jesse

[Jesse B]

Through a bit of wizardry, I got lower axis how I wanted it. The stepper motor mounts to the rear of the frame, and then turns the lead screw via a belt and pulley system. Just have it 1:1 right now, as I'm not too worried about those kinds of details quite yet. I'll have to fab a nifty little bracket (kind of hard to see in this angle) to mount the bearing at the rear of the motor. Trust me, it'll work I'll also have to get a slightly shorter lead screw, but luckily the place I was looking at getting my screws from will turn the ends to fit your needs.

I also am re-doing the end plates, as I somehow managed to make them with the lead screw WAY off center. Oops



Anyways, it's coming along. Just need some money now...

[Jesse B]

Most of the hardware is figured out now (although not visible on the model), and the brackets I'll need have been implemented in some for or another. Just need to do Z Axis now.