Looking to build a CNC machine

[mitchDM]

Hi,

I'm looking to build a CNC router for cutting steel panels upto a max of 2mm thick, i was just wondering if you could point me in the right direction for a good, easy and preferably cheap DIY CNC machine.

Thanks in advance

MitchDM.

[Drakkn]

What size work area are you looking for , and what material do you want to build your machine from wood , mdf , steel aluminium?

[mitchDM]

Im not to bothered if its bigger but the biggest i will need it 700mm x 700mm.

Im not to worried what material, just needs to be pretty cheap, but without compromising too much on accuracy.

Was just wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction.

Thanks for the reply

[Drakkn]

jrgo machine could be the way to go check out the threads there are loads of them

[mitchDM]

It certainly looks like it could do the job nicely, how much can i expect it to cost to build? and what electronic bits would i need for it to cut steel?

Thanks

MitchDM

[Drakkn]

I think some of the jrgo threads deal with costings the cost of the mdf will not be too great ,I think you need a a max of 2 8x4 sheets which is about £65 then you need some rods,bolts etc
then a psu and load of motors etc which I guess around £35O ...its my guess you need £5OO ish all in all,but I maybe way off.

[Bartsimsonii]

Originally Posted by mitchDM It certainly looks like it could do the job nicely, how much can i expect it to cost to build? and what electronic bits would i need for it to cut steel? Thanks MitchDM

Youll never cut steel on a JGRO.

[mitchDM]

Originally Posted by Bartsimsonii Youll never cut steel on a JGRO.

It is only 1mm thick maximum.

[Drakkn]

you could use a mdf machine to make a steel machine

[mitchDM]

Originally Posted by Drakkn you could use a mdf machine to make a steel machine

It is certainly a plan as i'm not too good as working with metal, is there anyone else who thinks the MDF machine wouldn't be suitable for cutting steel?

Thanks for the help guys, hopefully before long i'll be able to build one, i have used a denford machine before at school, but the idea of having my own is even better.

[Drakkn]

Originally Posted by mitchDM It is certainly a plan as i'm not too good as working with metal, is there anyone else who thinks the MDF machine wouldn't be suitable for cutting steel? Thanks for the help guys, hopefully before long i'll be able to build one, i have used a denford machine before at school, but the idea of having my own is even better.

Hi

I started to build a jrgo and got sidetracked with this build
Aluminium router build from Drakkn

I am nearly done now - maybe something along these lines

[ger21]

Originally Posted by mitchDM It is certainly a plan as i'm not too good as working with metal, is there anyone else who thinks the MDF machine wouldn't be suitable for cutting steel?

For one, cutting steel requires lots of coolant, which doesn't mix well with MDF. And second, while it's a decent machine for light work, most who build the JGRO find that is flexes too much, and eventually build another machine. If you'll only be cutting steel, you might want to look at building a plasma cutter.