Newbie- Using an Epson 3000 printer to build a cnc machine

[joseramos]

Hi everyone, I'm glad I found this site. Do you know if it is posible to make a cnc machine from a broken epson 3000 printer? It has al least 3 stepper motors (I guess) and all the circuitry. I have a plasma cutter and want to create a small cnc table about 30'x30' to cut some 3/16" thick plates. I'm very god with computers and also with weldering, I can buy metal locally. If somebody have any imput I would appreciate it. I hope at least I can use the motors and buy only the board controller.

Thank you!

[kewlkiwi]

Originally Posted by joseramos a small cnc table about 30'x30' to cut some 3/16" thick plates. !

A 30 foot by 30 foot table you call *small* ?!!!
Makes one wonder what size you'd call 'large'
That's 900 square feet of table, and you hope to build it from an old Epson printer.... Good luck with that!

[joseramos]

I made a mistake I meant 30 inches by 30 inches, Sorry!

[kewlkiwi]

Originally Posted by joseramos I made a mistake I meant 30 inches by 30 inches, Sorry!

Don't be Sorry! I was just being light-hearted, and guessed what you actually meant.

(Should have had a smiley on my post perhaps...)

Best of luck with your design!

Bob

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by joseramos Hi everyone, I'm glad I found this site. Do you know if it is posible to make a cnc machine from a broken epson 3000 printer? It has al least 3 stepper motors (I guess) and all the circuitry. I have a plasma cutter and want to create a small cnc table about 30'x30' to cut some 3/16" thick plates. I'm very god with computers and also with weldering, I can buy metal locally. If somebody have any imput I would appreciate it. I hope at least I can use the motors and buy only the board controller. Thank you!

The motors are usually one of the least expensive parts to buy when building a cnc machine, especially when you are talking steppers.

The real question is what is your budget???
$600-$700 buys you a very good electronics and motor package.
Build the frame yourself based on yours or somebody elses plans is where you can really save money.

Mike

[johnmac]

I have worked on a few Epson 3000 in the past. I wouldn't waste the time trying to use any of the parts. You should consider motors with more power and electronics designed for the needed purpose. I doubt you would ever find any specs on the motors, like torque, voltage, amps, wire pinout.

Just my thoughts.

John