Cheap CNC-machine for cutting plexiglass ?

[BoXon]

Hello!

I'm totaly new to this. But i'm in need of a cheap CNC-machine that can:

1. Handle to cut/mill in plexiglass.
2. Be able to handle parts up to 30 x 30 cm.
3. Very cheap and easy to use.
4. Has 3 axis.

The best way must be to build my own?

Well, i have 2 small stepper motors that i took from an old printer (in need of 1 more), is it possible to just buy a cheap interface to connect the stepper motors to, and then connect the interface to my computer?

Can i make the axis length as long as i want? Or does it depend on the interface or just on the software configuration?

I have thougt of a budget at maybee 150$ USD for my machine.

[ger21]

Without building everything yourself from materials on hand, impossible at that price.

[BoXon]

Okey, lets raise to 350$ ?

[Mike Stevenson]

Still way too low.

[bisclavret]

I built a JGRO (MDF framed machine) with a PMinMO 3 axis board and scrounged motors for around $300. I etched my own circuit boards and used a lot of material I had in my shop already. How good are you with electronics? That's where the biggest expense will be. My JGRO will handle about 40cm x 60cm (If my conversion to metric is right).

[BoXon]

Originally Posted by bisclavret How good are you with electronics? That's where the biggest expense will be.

Well, i'm not an expert.

Okey, lets raise the budget, how big do you guys think it need to be satisfy my needs? (It will only be used for plexiglass-work, on parts not bigger than MAX 30 x 30 cm.

[justCNCit]

Boy these guys on the forums can really be nice. Is your head buried in the ground? My machine was built very cheaply and minimum final cost was $1200 and did all my own machining on the parts. (well not all, about $100 in parts.)

Don't you realize the router(the cutter) is going to cost at least as much as your entire budget.

[Rance]

Cheap CAN be done, but there are tradeoffs. See Post # 6 at http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...53&postcount=6

[mlabruyere]

BoXon,

Checkout this site:

http://www.phlatboyz.com/phlatstore/...=0&sort=normal

The MKII can cut plexi and MDF as is. The MKI, I have one, can cut plexi with a few mods (cheap mods).

You will not find better customer service than you will find with Mark and Trish.

Matthew

[FandZ]

$345.00 and the few reviews I have been favorable.. I don't know if he ships to Sweden but the guy is very friendly. I'm sure he'll work something out. http://modularcnc.flyingcart.com/ind...&pid=3&cat_id=

[dustin1706]

My JGRO is shaping up to be about 900-1000 including a Gecko 540, 3x Nema 23 - 380 oz, 48v power supply, anti backlash nuts on acme screws, and hitachi 2.25 HP router.

Thats not including any bits or software.

The electronics are overkill, but I'm pretty sure I'll want a bigger/better machine after this one.