New Machine Build- Mullet Builds a 3 Axis CNC

[Mullet]

Howdy folks...

thanks for a great forum btw.. been helpful on my own DIY CNC journey.

Anyway...
I've recently completed a quick MDF table 3 axis build and thought it may be helpful to some thinking about this as a project. The more resource and reference out the better hence this thread start. I hope it may help anyone in any small way.

Here are a couple of quick snaps as the beast nears completion. The aim was to get a working and useful machine as quick as possible and as economic (read as 'cheap') as possible.

Snap of the gantry and Z axis.


Snap of the table being disassembled for motor mounting.


Right now I have motors running and the table works. Just need to mount the dremel type tool once the bits arrive in the mail and we're set to go.

Some Features:
* I've chosen EMC2 under Ubuntu for the software and it is excellent.
* Definitely recommend using dowels!
* Keep things square.
* Build cost to date is under $500AUD.
* Motors are these: http://www.kelinginc.net/KL23H276-30-8B.pdf. Work very well and are sold as Nema 23 282Oz.

Nema 23 Motor Piccy.


Control Board Piccy.


If I can help anyone at all wanting to start this journey then please ask away. I am by no stretch of the imagination an authority but am willing to give anything back to the DIY community based on personal experiences... and yes, I think there may be a better build brewing....

Cheers.

[kvcummins]

Hmmm... That looks suspiciously like my design....

I'd love to hear your insights and issues with your construction!

[Mullet]

Hi Ken, sure does alright! Yours does look a lot more civilized however.

I've used the angle and skate bearing trick but would do it a bit different next time. It's a good idea but I'd like some adjustment for these next time. I was too slack to trim up the gantry sides as well once they were done. Looks much better with some profiling I think.

Have you started to build yet? Your drawing looks great.

[kvcummins]

Just got initial funding authorization this weekend, and have not yet scheduled in time for a detailed shopping list/trip, much less making any sawdust...

Plus, I need to order some more bearings.

[Mullet]

Ha that's great... good to get approval from the Minister for War and Finances.

Just found your thread with your ideas etc... we journeyed similar paths I think. I got a lot of inspiration from the buildyourcnc guy... gives anyone confidence. Also, can't think of the fellas name now but a Phil (lives in this forum and posted in your thread) offers a wealth of info on his site. His info helped me decide on control board options etc. Top unit that dood.

For what it's worth also, the linear slide V channels I ended up screwing to the rebated (V profile) sides wherever they were used. They are subject to movement albeit with minimal load so I just had to secure them with small rebated screws what the bearing assy slides over.. and misses.

Everything I used was cheap I have to say and the table was sized to enable routing of audio equipment rack panels making the table about 900mm x approx 500mm. Nothing huge and I also didn't want to bite of more than I wanted to chew. Brilliant when you see your beast driving by itself... I've only drawn pictures so far but it worked 1st time once I got EMC2 setup correctly.

Another thing that needs refinement (IMO) is the nuts pulled into the MDF for the threaded rod. It's THE simplest way but very ordinary. I've done it and it works but will be keen to change these method over once I stop using the beast... just need the bits to arrive to start the first jobs....

Anyway Ken, it's a complex thing to build and you will struggle with motivation around the 70% completion stage BUT you have shown steely resolve with your Sketchup work so you will no doubt get yours done.

I'll take some detail photos that 'might' help make yours better than mine if you like....err, that won't be too hard to improve on my ruff 'n' ready..

Cheers mate.

[GeeksGoneBad]

Hey looks suspiciously like my design from last year too! hehe probably 100s of first machines look about the same , and I definitely got my ideas from this forum and the buildyouridea site - great inspiration!

[Mullet]

Hey Jamie.... I wish I'd seen your other site a few months ago... you've spent some good time on your info which is great. Some good detail in there.

First time I'd seen the Dremel extension used... actually a great idea. Pity it didn't work out but your new router looks good. Did you machine the brackets for the Hitachi?

Interested in your table bracing too. If I am looking correctly, did you use MDF for the bracing? Did it work alright without flex? I considered the options on this also and in the end went without but considered using some angle iron etc but didn't want to load the motor up with too much excess weight etc.

Did you build for a specific purpose? Interested in your table size and Z axis height. Good stuff. Cheers!

[GeeksGoneBad]

Hey Thanks just trying to give back some of what I got from all the good sites out there!

For that first machine nearly everything was MDF except for the aluminum angle for the rails, and it did flex and things started to loosen up after a while and when I'd tighten the bolts it started to pull the cross dowels into the MDF, just making everything looser - in the end I had to try and glue and clamp the gantry just to be able to use it!

I knew this would be my first machine of many though so it worked great for what I wanted it for - and that was milling foam for casting aluminum parts for my second machine so this first one was about 24" X 15" or so machinable area, which was more than I'd needed

and Yes I did make those Hitachi mounts on the machine too

Now my second machine I made a certain size too, for making guitars and large signs it's got about 3' X 4' machinable area

[Mullet]

It sounds like your second machine will be very good with cast parts.

Guitars is an excellent use. A local luthier here asked me if I'd make a machine for him but I think he'll do his own with any help I can provide. I am an extreme guitar addict and run the www.pure-tone.com site and a CNC would be awesome for guitar crafting... especially necks.

... just a bit addictive these things.

[GeeksGoneBad]

Yes it's working pretty well Been done with it for a few months I guess - http://www.backyard-workshop.com/pro...machine-2.html

I'll check out your site! I've been playing for probably 10 years or so, bass and guitar and I can't wait to really start making one, but I have to work on my design and CAD skills a bit first

[Mullet]

That's great mate. Have you seen this: http://www.cncguitar.org:7171/

Very cool.