Want to build CNC Router for routing 3/4" MDF and solid wood

[Darren_T]

I'd love to build a CNC router for cutting out recesses and holes in 3/4" MDF and 3/4" solid hardwoods. I can't afford to spend thousands on a commercial machine for a hobby. I've looked at several of the popular designs but the affordable ones seems to be far too delicate for such work. Most are for balsa wood and circuit boards etc... Is there a DIY design that might meet my needs?

Thanks.

Darren

[balsaman]

How much you want to spend?

Eric

[Darren_T]

Well, I was hoping to accomplish something with $500 or so for everything. I have a computer and router. I'm a woodworker hobbiest with a full woodshop so a design that utilizes MDF or similar substrate would be great.

I realize this is a tall order for little $$ but I thought I'd give it a shot. I'd be using the router for smaller projects about 12"w X 24"L.

Am I outta luck?

Darren

[balsaman]

No.

The small size helps because you can build it from MDF and it will still be plenty rigid to do what you want. My first machine was exactly that size, made from MDF and I used it to cut MDF, hardwood, and aluminum.

I have some plans for my first router in DXF format. I will dig them up tonight and post here.

Eric

[Darren_T]

That would be wonderful. I don't have any software yet, can you recommend some? I'm a newbie when it comes to CNC but a quick study. I've used some very basic CAD systems like Graphicad and Casmate for plotters.

Darren

[balsaman]

you can download Turbocad for free here: http://nct.digitalriver.com/fulfill/0002.16

Just a disclaimer. These are rough plans and in no way complete. It's just an idea to get you started. I used THK linear rail/bearings but they tend to be expensive, you can maybe adapt cheaper round rod and linear ball bearings or??

Eric

[Darren_T]

Thanks, I'll take a look at the plans and see what I have ahead of me. I'm completely comfortable building it, it's the drive system electronics and software I'm a little sketchy on.

[Darren_T]

I'm getting a file format error and it won't open the dxf file you provided... any ideas?

[turmite]

Darren I am going to ask a question and I hope it dosen't offend you. Do you have a cad package on your computer that will import dxf or at least some drawing package that will do it? If not that is the reason for the error.

turmite

[Darren_T]

I have turbocad installed... do I need something else?

Don't worry, you ain't insulting me. I'm new and know it. I have worked with some older CAD software before but I'm starting from zilch again now.

Darren

[turmite]

I don't think so. I just didn't want you to sit there beating you head against the keyboard any longer than you had to. I have never used Turbocad so I can't help.

turmite

[lsfoils]

Hi Darren,

I opened his file in Rhino and resaved it as autocad12. Maybe this will work. Uh, dxf, that is...