Newbie- First DIY Build

[sugrhigh]

I've always wanted a CNC macine and I am looking into building one.
I've done some research but the DIY community isnt nearly as large as commercial CNC community thus I couldn't find tons of information.

So onto my question....

What would you guys suggest as a cheap (hopefully $150 or less) cnc kit/plan?
I only need a routing area of around 5" x 5", so nothing big, just small PCB's and the occasional tag making (dog tag type things made of metal for my company) so I won't have to send in things to a machining place.

Any response is much appreciated for your time and patience.

[nicanor76]

$150 for everything?!? A realistic budget for a decent workable complete CNC will be easily $1000, most likely more. The frame is the cheap part, can get away with $150 on just the frame materials. Motors + boards, $400 easily. Bearings: DIY skate bearings and parts probably $75+ range, but you'll want precision bearings if you want good accurate PCB cuts and metal machining. Precision bearings aren't cheap, easily can cost most

There's TONS and TONS of info here, are you searching the right place?

[Switcher]

Would you, sell a cnc kit/plan for $150 or less?


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[sugrhigh]

@nic:oh, I wasn't aware everything cost that much. I figured bearing would be one of the cheapest even! But it seems I was wrong

Switcher: Well not now that I know how expensive they are!


I was under the impression that the commercial machines were so expensive due to their massive cutting area and SUPER-high precision and that such a small machine with a little less accuracy would be much less costly...

[Guldberg]

That is the reason, but if your budget is 150$ you would have to design and build your own controller, salavage some steppers from a copier or similar and use what you have lying around. It can be done, ive seen it on this forum.

If I were you, I would start with a set of plan like the http://www.solsylva.com/ . Including motors and controllers you probably end up spending 500$

[sugrhigh]

Originally Posted by Guldberg That is the reason, but if your budget is 150$ you would have to design and build your own controller, salavage some steppers from a copier or similar and use what you have lying around. It can be done, ive seen it on this forum. If i were you i would start with a set of plan like the http://www.solsylva.com/ . Including motors and controllers you probably end up spending 500$

I can probably slavage the motors, at least 2 of them.
and as for the controller, I may look for an open source solution because i can chemically etch the PCB for the controller... just an idea

ok, I'll take a look

[ger21]

Originally Posted by sugrhigh .............. and as for the controller, I may look for an open source solution because i can chemically etch the PCB for the controller... just an idea ok, I'll take a look

www.pminmo.com

[sugrhigh]

Originally Posted by ger21 www.pminmo.com

Ironically, I found that site just after my last post!
Thanks though