Build or buy?

[Darroll]

I may already know the answer but wanted to ask those that have already built a CNC.

I have been granted by she that controls my funding to a meager budget of $1000. I think I only have 2 options.

First, build a Joe2006 or very similar model by hand. I do have a table saw and a few other woodworking tools.

Second buy a kit from someone that will make parts for me. This may not be as fun but the parts would look nicer.

I'd love to buy one already built as I am feeling a little overwhelmed still on the amount of knowledge required to set one up. I can build the wood parts its the electronics and the software I still feel I need schooling in.

Is $1000 enough or am I selling myself short? I have read a few posts about those doing it for $550 or so. but when I see the stepper kits for $300 and Mach 3 for $150 I wonder how they can build it for under $100 in other parts much less any other software to design and convert their work to be used in Mach 3.

Thanks for any help.

[ger21]

You won't be able to buy anything decent for $1000. If you have decent woodworking skills, you should be able to build Joe's design with what you have. For complicated parts, make good templates and route to finish size with guide bushings or bearing bits.

Also, the basic electronics are not really all that complicated. Yes, you will need to spend about $300+ dollars.

As for software, you can run Mach3 for free for up to 500 lines of g-code. This will let you do quite a bit of work while you save up the $159 for it. Maybe then you can put the whole $1K into the machine, and pay for mach3 down the road.

[Darroll]

Well I was thinking of buying a kit from Joe or from someone that can make the parts. Are the kit costs really that expensive?

What about other software? It is my understanding that Mach 3 will control the steppers but I still need a Cad program to design the piece and another program to convert that to G-Code? Am I wrong in this?

Any chance of getting a cost breakdown?

[ger21]

There are plenty of free CAD and CAM programs to get you started. I wouldn't expect to get any software in that $1000 budget.

[Switcher]

What are you planning on cutting, that might help to decide on the software?

.

[Darroll]

As for designs to cut, first I'd just like accurate cut panels for drawers. But I'd like to cut model parts as well, props for boats, hulls for subs, that kind of think. I probably need to ask but I'd like to cut acrylic and if possible glass for building skimmers and such for my aquarium. CNC a pine wood derby car for my boy. Very broad as I just love seeing things built. I'll start small of course but would like to build as much as I can. I'll probably upgrade later as needed.

You guys are stating that I will need $1k to just build a machine. Where are these claims of $500 machine coming from? BuildYouCNC.com implies a very cheap machine built from MDF. I guess I am missing a key point on this. Sorry for the completely newb questions. I thought I had read enough.

- D

[Nono]

.02 I think you will be fine at 1k to do this.. Most expensive part will be the driver and motor kit.. screws nuts bolts will come in a close second.. The people like me after complete will have invested a total of 7-800 bucks for my build.. I picked up my steppers last year for about 70 bucks, all of the electrical inc power supply another 20.. so far the most expensive parts have been my geckos.. So shop around for a local junk dealer or electrical surplus store and piece together what you can.. Or pay up

[jdell42]

If you are resourcefull you "might" be able to do it for $1000. The electronics are around $300 and materials are going to run $500 if you do it by hand. 2D software (sheetcam) and Mach will gobble up the remaining cash quickly.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Darroll You guys are stating that I will need $1k to just build a machine. Where are these claims of $500 machine coming from? BuildYouCNC.com implies a very cheap machine built from MDF. I guess I am missing a key point on this. Sorry for the completely newb questions. I thought I had read enough. - D

Unless you have a lot of good stuff lying around, $500 is unreasonable. BuildyourCNC.com's kit is $400 without electronics and motors, so close to $700-$750. They also use 1/4-20 leadscrews. For a good performing machine, you'd want to go to multiple start acme screws which will add another $100-$150. Which gets you close to $900. The little things add up fast, so do plan on spending $1000.

Like I said before, you can get started and cut a lot of things without spending a dime on software. It's even possible to do 3D work with freely available software, but you may need to jump through a few hoops on the CAM end. Realistically, you'll need to spend minimum $200-$300 for 3D CAM software. Look at www.meshcam.com and Cut 3D at www.vectric.com As was already mentioned, look at SheetCAM ( $170) for 2D work. www.sheetcam.com

Here's some free stuff

CAD

I haven't used this new version, but I'd take a look at ProgeCAD Smart.

http://www.progecad.com/compra/index...age=1&lang=eng

And also Alibre Xpress, http://www.alibre.com/xpress/softwar...ign-xpress.asp

CAM

http://www.gsimple.eu/index.html
http://www.brusselsprout.org/CAMBAM/
http://www.dakeng.com/ace.html

for 3D, get Freemill at
http://www.cncportal.com/

[Darroll]

Sounds like I need to build my own so that I can use the $$ on software.

Thanks Gerry et all.

[dertsap]

if you comfortable with linux then you may want to look at emc2 , its a great control software and its free which will fit any budget , as Ger said there are a good number of free softwares (cad/cam) out there that will help you get by , ebay is a great resource for getting hardware and electronics ,if your resoucefull and handy then you should be able to build something quite decent within your budget

what size are you expecting to build this baby to

[Darroll]

I wish I could find a way to make it 4x8 but with the lead screws only getting up to 6' I'm thinking a realistic 2x4 for the first one. with a hope of making a 4x6 later.

I'm still researching designs though. I like the use of angle iron or aluminum as in the BuildYourCNC.com but Joe's 2006 design seems to get a lot of followers. I am still trying to hunt down the designs that others have mentioned like the JGRO (sp). If you have links I am open.

I may do a hybrid design of my own using everyone's ideas here on the zone. We will have to see.