Newbie- Want to learn about building

[icor1301]

Hello!

I don't know very much yet, but I would love to have a CNC router machine. However I can't spend $3k+ to buy one.

I am a DIY person, I enjoy building things and saving money.

Sorry I don't have too much more information for you, I don't know the questions or the answers yet.

So, where should I start?

Thanks!

[knau]

A good start would be to define the size of the machine, what do you plan to do with it etc. and then go from there.

[icor1301]

Knau,

It depends on the cost. I would like one that can work 4' x 8' sheets, but a 2' x 2' would probably suffice.

[cncwoody59]

I wanted to build my own cnc router at first, but I decided to buy a built used one first til I understood it and could learn more about them with one working.
I found this was better for me.
To build one now would be not as hard as if I didn't have one in the first place.
Good luck on your venture.

[icor1301]

What did that cost, CNC.. Compared to building yourself?

[Dman65]

Take a look at Solsylva CNC Plans~ Home Page. There may be some designs there that will work for you.

[icor1301]

Dman, know any for 48 x 96?

[ger21]

The Joe's 4x4 Hybrid can be expanded to 4x8, but it'll probably cost at least $3000. www.joescnc.com

A 2x2 machine made from MDF can be built for about $1000, maybe less if you scrounge.
Download these free plans:
https://rs134l32.rapidshare.com/#!download|134l35|130394446|Joes_CNC_Model_2006_R-2.zip|25972|R~0|0|0

[RossMosh]

I budgeted a fairly standard 4x8 machine and with software, dust collection, ect ect ect, it comes to about $6500-7500 with me doing most of the work. When you actual budget everything in, $3000 won't get you close to a 4x8 machine.

I think you're looking at a 2x3 metal/wood hybrid machine for $3000 once you actually sit down and budget everything. It will be more of a hobbiest machine than a light commercial machine as well.

[cncwoody59]

Hello ICOR1301
I spent about $1800 on my K2 CNC and it can with the computer along with Mach 3 software. I had to supply a keyboard and monitor plus what I bought some new router bits.
The power supply, driver board,plus 3 gecko drives, linear bears, rails a good z axis setup would have cost me a lot more not including the mach 3 software.
Plus I was up and running faster than if I did it myself.
No it's not the size I wanted originally but my wife said start smaller and than figure out if you really need a large size than up grade later.
I have learn a lot with this and have no regrets.
The next one if and when I am ready will be totally different from what I would have built anyway.
Look around on different sites and check for people wanting sell theirs. Price compare before long and hard. There are some many unknowns I found out that what have been a real problem but now I know what to look for.
Good Luck

[icor1301]

Is this any good??

blackFoot 4x8 v4.1 CNC Machine

[Dman65]

Hello Icor,

Can you tell us what your intentions for the CNC router are?

Personally, the machine I have right now cuts about 9"x9" and is made of wood except for the linear bearings, rails, and bolts. When it rains or the temperature changes significantly, I have to realign the machine. I am currently looking to build something new out of steel or aluminum. Based on my experience, a 4x8 machine made entirely of plywood seems like it would be a pain to use on a regular basis, but I am also not the greatest wood worker in the world, so there may be tricks I don't know about to aid the stability of a machine made of wood.