CNC DIY router on a $1000 budget?

[dankjones]

Hello, I am a student at Middle Tennessee State University, majoring in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology. I have had 2 CADD classes and 2 machine shop classes, the last of which involved using CNC machines (lathes and milling machines), but no programming, just loading and setting up the machines.

I am interested in building my first DIY CNC router and would like to know what you think I could do on a $1000 budget. I have access to some basic woodworking equipment including a drill press, a wood lathe, a table saw, a jig saw, a circular saw, a router, and a miter saw. I also have access to the University's metal shop which has several large lathes and milling machines including a very nice CNC lathe and milling machine.

My $1000 budget does not include the computer as I already have one that should be suitable, but does include any and all software I will need. I am especially interested in learning about open source software, which is one reason I have chosen this particular project.

I would just like to have some idea what I should be able to accomplish with my resources and budget, and which set of plans I should use.

Thanks.

[ger21]

For about $400-$450 you can get your steppers and drives and power supply.
http://www.hobbycnc.com/hcncpropkg.php

The best bang for the buck would probably be Joes 2006 model. You can find plans here. Several here have built it using the tools you have. The little things add up fast, but you might be able to come in close to your budget.

[CurtisU]

What Gerry says, except, you can do better than the $400 Hobby CNC package price... if you can put together your own power supply.

I spent about $200 on 3 steppers and the 4 axis Hobby CNC board, had most of the parts for a PSU amongst my "might need that some day" pile. You might find a person that can help you out with that.

Although I didn't set a budget for my project (along the lines of Joe's 2006), when I added things up in my head, I believed the total to come up under $1K.

Like Gerry said it's all the little things that add up. I'm the kinda guy who gladly gives from the fore-mentioned pile, so don't hesitate to mention things you're on the lookout for when hanging out at the water cooler.

Curtis

[Madclicker]

I'm sure I came in under $1K on mine. Even using new gecko's. I saved the most on motors (ebay) and the PS. I rewound a transformer from a microwave donor. Actually made a profit on the PS by reselling the extra caps at a profit.

My best buys were for motors. I got 3 1380 oz-in 42's for $75 delivered. Only used 1 on the first machine. The other 2 make a nice start on my 4 x 8 machine.

[Switcher]

Originally Posted by Madclicker I'm sure I came in under $1K on mine. Even using new gecko's. I saved the most on motors (ebay) and the PS. I rewound a transformer from a microwave donor. Actually made a profit on the PS by reselling the extra caps at a profit. My best buys were for motors. I got 3 1380 oz-in 42's for $75 delivered. Only used 1 on the first machine. The other 2 make a nice start on my 4 x 8 machine.

That was a good deal!


.

[Meduza]

If you dont need the big size of the Joe 2006 i think this is a good model to build, it is easy to get stable, cheap to build and due to the box design it can be used in all homes without putting the dust everywhere:

http://www.bergan.se/shopimages/data/1148946871.jpg

I will propably build a small one of this type when i am done with the 2 CNC projects i am currently working on...

[dankjones]

Originally Posted by Meduza If you dont need the big size of the Joe 2006 i think this is a good model to build, it is easy to get stable, cheap to build and due to the box design it can be used in all homes without putting the dust everywhere: http://www.bergan.se/shopimages/data/1148946871.jpg I will propably build a small one of this type when i am done with the 2 CNC projects i am currently working on...

That one looks interesting. Are there free plans for that machine?
I think what I really want is a small 4 axis machine. A friend of mine does aerial photography at music festivals, and wants to make or have made 10-20 thousand tokens that people can use to purchase photographs. He wants them to be either metal or wood. With even just 18" X 18" I could make 100 1.5" coins with each load

With a small machine, I could probably make most of my money back on my first job.

This is my first CNC project. I really wouldn't mind getting my feet wet with a $500-or-less project, before moving on to something larger.

[steve323]

How about the kit at http://www.mikebeck.org/ for around $400 combined with a HobbyCNC motor kit at http://www.hobbycnc.com/ for around $300.

I have the HobbyCNC kit and it is really high quality.

[Tom Brown]

Originally Posted by steve323 How about the kit at http://www.mikebeck.org/ for around $400 combined with a HobbyCNC motor kit at http://www.hobbycnc.com/ for around $300.

I checked out the Mike Beck kit. It looks good.

From his description, "Lead-screws are not included. A complete set of Kerk Motion PRECISION lead screws and self compensating anti backlash nuts, sized for the 12 X 24" travel, would be an additional $174. Sorry, but this is my cost from Kerk, so no discount can apply to screw sets."