First CNC Machine Functional!

[buddym]

After a couple of weeks of work my first DIY machine is up and running! I built the BigBear machince from HPDE plastic, and it works great so far.

It's a bit smaller in cut area than most machines I see posted here, but great for a first machine, and it will suit my current needs just fine. The build was easy, the plans straightforward and not geared towards CAD professionals.

I used an FET-3 controller and motors from StepperWorld, Mach3 ran great on the first try! Here's a couple of pics.


BuddyM

[buddym]

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[kosymailman]

Congratulations and Enjoy! Looks like you did an excellent job.

[Madclicker]

There are few more memorable times in life than the first cuts on a router you built.

[Jason Marsha]

Congrats on completing your first build, now the fun begins.

Jason

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Have you started your second machine yet lol. Well you do have a cnc to cut parts after all.

Nice going,

John

[buddym]

LOL, thanks for all of the kind words. second machine in the planning stages! I did swap out the Dremel tonight for a trim router, much quieter! Lot's of learning to do.

[ccsparky]

Originally Posted by buddym LOL, thanks for all of the kind words. second machine in the planning stages! I did swap out the Dremel tonight for a trim router, much quieter! Lot's of learning to do.

buddym,

Great job! I have all the pieces cut for my BigBear machine and hope it will turn out as nice as yours!
Which trim router did you use and were you able to use the same tool holder as used for the Dremel?

William

[buddym]

I used the $20 trim router from Harbor Frieght. It seems to work really well. It required a MUCH bigger hole in the mount than the Dremel.

Now I just have to find a place to order end mill bits!

Good luck on your machine, post pics!

buddym

[Drakkn]

I have the plans for this one ,I want to do guitar bodies - what do you recommend dremel or a router - if so which model

[buddym]

Since my machine is new, and I am newbie at this hobby, others here can give a much more qualified answer, BUT.... imho, the Dremel is a great tool for it's tasks, but not for carving guitar bodies. The $20 trim router I bought from Harbor Freight might be up to the task though. It runs much quieter, doesn't get hot, and is only $20 to replace. It seems to have plenty of power so far, and it came with spare brushes.

[chuckknigh]

How bad is the runout? (how "wobbly" is the bit when it's in the chuck?)

When you try to cut a straight line, does the resulting cut wobble all over the place?

The Harbor Freight unit looks quite good...but, frankly, they're not known for tight tolerances.

-- Chuck Knight