Newbie- Where to start ?

[donnib]

Ok ok i know a very basic question. Looking around the net i would like to start to build and CNC machine for wood but there is so much informaiton everywhere that it's hard to focus where to start. The only thing i have is a router like this http://www.multikoeb.dk/images/thumb...ges/47000a.jpg that i could strip and keep only the spinddle or whatever it's called in the CNC terminology.

My biggest issues is money so it must be as cheap as possible. The machine i want must have an cutting area of at least 1m x 1m.

Any suggestions where to start ? Should i start with a kit first ?

/donnib

[ssutton]

Unless you have design experience then a kit or buying a complete machine may be your best approach. I would recommend a kit because then you will have the experience of putting it together and you can repair it much more easily. As far as controls and software, just stay right here and read for many many hours all of the post. The learning curve is STEEP, but the rewards of being diligent pay off, it took me three years to complete my machine. I had 0 experience in CNC machines when I came to this site. Anybody can learn if they are willing to invest the time.

Scott

[donnib]

Originally Posted by ssutton Unless you have design experience then a kit or buying a complete machine may be your best approach. I would recommend a kit because then you will have the experience of putting it together and you can repair it much more easily. As far as controls and software, just stay right here and read for many many hours all of the post. The learning curve is STEEP, but the rewards of being diligent pay off, it took me three years to complete my machine. I had 0 experience in CNC machines when I came to this site. Anybody can learn if they are willing to invest the time. Scott

Hey Scott,
thx for the reply. Is there a place where i can find descriptions / prices on different kits maybe even what the differences are ? Maybe you or somebody else can even suggest an low cost one ?

donnib

[Gaz.]

Originally Posted by donnib Hey Scott, thx for the reply. Is there a place where i can find descriptions / prices on different kits maybe even what the differences are ? Maybe you or somebody else can even suggest an low cost one ? donnib

How much are you looking to spend buddy? I have 2 4x4 foot machines for sale that i have built myself, but have no use for them at the moment.

Building your own is not THAT difficult.

I bought cnc parts from here:

CNC Router Kit 1

(they used to do aluminium extrusion but i cant find it on there)

And aluminium flat bar from here for gantry sides:

https://www.aluminium-profile.co.uk/

Will be a hell of alot cheaper doing your own!!

Gaz.

[stewi]

Basically, you'll need to think about how you want to get from rotary motor motion to linear motion and desired speed.
The least expensive way is using threaded rods and stepper motors. Considering that stepper motors usually operate at low speed of 2-4 rev per second, than a 1mm pitch rod will get us a max linear speed of 2-4 mm per seconds. Step up in price and speed you can go with a belt-drive and preferable GT2 teeth. Now the speed depend on the size of the pulley you are using, but as a trade off you are loosing accuracy and torque. Next step up in price are lead screws with lead screw nuts and top of the class re-circulating ball screws.
If you want to cut wood than grease-less linear travel should be your preference.
Next question, cost of linear guides. A decent size ball bearing costs about $8-10. You'll likely require at least 3 per track.
Motors, controllers, power supply and software you can buy in a kit from several sources or from me:
www,steering-inc.com