Newbie- Looking to build CNC - Kit?

[mt_100]

Hello all, first post!

I'm a computer geek that build RC airplanes and I want to make a CNC to cut out my parts for me. Problem is, I don't know about making one so I came here to talk to the experts.

I'd like a kit if possible to build one, but if that isn't available then I can build too. I have soldering skills on electronics, motors, computer programming, all sorts of stuff so I could reasonably put one together from plans too.

If there isn't a kit, how about part availability? What is a good controller board to pick up and motors to go with it?

Building techniques, I read the thread on drawer slides which was my first idea, seems like a no go though.

So, if I have a budget of ~$200 - $250 what can I make? Ideas please!

[ger21]

Originally Posted by mt_100 So, if I have a budget of ~$200 - $250 what can I make? Ideas please!

Possibly a spinning motor on a table, but that's about it. A more reasonable budget would be closer to $500-$750 minimum. If you have woodworking skills, look at the Joe2006 machine. http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17279

[mt_100]

Yeah, that might be a bit low but I really think I can do it for around ~$300 - $350. I want to cut 3/16" balsa and 1/8" light ply at the thickest.

[FandZ]

Hi there, this my first post too. I have a back ground in IT and more at home in the software side of things. I'm currently building a wall-mountable computer and one internet search or another, while doing some research, lead me to a build your own CNC machine. I F'N FLIPED OUT...

Anyways, with 16 noobtastic hours of CNC DIY reading, I've come to the conclusion that $500.00 is really the lowest you can go on your first build. If you have great tools already, never mind.

That said, I have an Idea to use a plastic level's as a cheap foundation for the cutting table. Lowes has a red one. about a yard long I believe, 2x3 inches think, for about 7 bucks. It's a thick flat sturdy plastic that can be drilled, sawed, etc.. I haven't brought it up in cad yet, this weekend I'm going to go buy one, and draw it up and see where it gets me.

I'm budgeting 700 for it. I won't be doing all the cuts for it. I believe in my skills to get a flat and square base together but for the moving parts, I'm going to see what a machine shop can do for me.

BTW I'm attaching a sketchup of the PC I'm building. Just wish I had the CNC now...lol

[FandZ]

BTW this is kinda like the one lowes has, only lowes has more material on the inside.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Stanley-42-467-1...3286.m20.l1116

[imprez55]

The dimensions of your table and the accuracy you want will help determine a better price range.

[mt_100]

I'd like to have a table size of 15" x 10" or so.

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by mt_100 Hello all, first post! I'm a computer geek that build RC airplanes and I want to make a CNC to cut out my parts for me. Problem is, I don't know about making one so I came here to talk to the experts. I'd like a kit if possible to build one, but if that isn't available then I can build too. I have soldering skills on electronics, motors, computer programming, all sorts of stuff so I could reasonably put one together from plans too. If there isn't a kit, how about part availability? What is a good controller board to pick up and motors to go with it? Building techniques, I read the thread on drawer slides which was my first idea, seems like a no go though. So, if I have a budget of ~$200 - $250 what can I make? Ideas please!

The easy answer is not much. I spent $425 on a vise the other day and it was on sale!!!!!!!
A decent router can set you back 2-3 bills.

Originally Posted by mt_100 Yeah, that might be a bit low but I really think I can do it for around ~$300 - $350. I want to cut 3/16" balsa and 1/8" light ply at the thickest.

That is starting to make it a little easier to get down that low.

Originally Posted by mt_100 I'd like to have a table size of 15" x 10" or so.

If you really want to go cheap, look for a kit for the stepper controlers. Surplus stepper motors, threaded rod for the lead screws and skate bearings and some steel for the linear stuff.

What will you get for this kind of money? A cheap router that may or may not do what you want, but it is doable. Don't expect to get +-.005 out of it.

There are other options but $200-$300 is not a lot to work with. What I would call good electronics, will set you back $500 and will work on most machines you will need in the benchtop variety.
As an R/C addict myself you will soon say I need a lathe to make this part and I need a mill to make these parts.

By the way, what part of the country are you from?

Mike

[mt_100]

I am in West Michigan, Holland to be exact.

Honestly, I don't want +-.005 at all. What I do want is a straight line when I cut, and would be happy with tolerances around .02 I guess but that may be asking too much. It also doesn't have to cut too fast, I'm patient.

Maybe I will have to resort to cutting by hand and save a little money.

[MrWild]

Okay, here is a CHEAP CNC. You could probably build it for under $50 if you're good at scrounging. I doubt you could spend more than $100 if you aren't. There is a link at the beginning of the video, follow that to specifics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6drMZqmyXQc&NR=1

[mt_100]

Awesome, I think a slightly larger one would be perfect for me!

[lovebugjunkie]

You may be interested in the RockCliff http://www.cnczone.com/forums/rockcliff_machine/ A number of people have went this route and had very good results.

His plans are very good. IMO they would end up most likely saving you money in the long run.

http://www.rockcliffmachine.com/