Newbie- Can I design and build a CNC Router!?

[morgandhunter]

Here goes nothing!

I am a 27 year old fabricator of anything!

I spend most of my time developing and building aircraft. the purpose of this macine is to make wind tunnel models for future aircraft designs.

For about a 6 months I have had CNCs dancing around in my head. About 1 month ago my fiance and I moved to a house with a GARAGE!! with the specific purpose of housing my newly built CNC. Now its time to make one!

so now where to start?

join a forum

So far i know i need a cutting table about 14"y X 48"x and as much y as possible hopefully 6". As of now i have a almost new variable speed RotoZip router motor i bought specifically for this machine.

As far as the structure and frame, I think I can come up with something pretty decent. what has me stuck so far are all the different liner motion systems out there.

For some reason i have V-grove bearings in mined but i don't know whats best for this size table, with in a reasonable price range.

Any suggestions and or a good catalog to order for these types of systems.
other than MSC and McMastercarr

thanks,

Morgan

[CarveOne]

Read, read, read. Look through the build log forums on the Zone and get an idea which type of construction you like. There are many to choose from.

You'll need some power tools to work with. The type of construction you like will determine which tools to acquire or have access to. A drill press, electric hand drill, drill set, tap and die set, wrenches, clamps, and screw drivers to start with. You will need ability to cut parts made of MDF, aluminum, or steel.

Consider building from plans or buying a kit of parts with plans.

Consider which software to use to run the machine. There are a number of options that run on DOS, Linux, and Windows. Some are free, most are not.

I will warn you that it will become an addiction that drains your finances and time. Your girlfriend will not like that.

CarveOne

[High Seas]

Welcome aboard! You'll find heaps of friendly folks here willing to help out.
And the simle answer is; "Yes You Can!"
For that size the 48 inches -- really consider using Rack and pinion for the linear drive. I bet you'll want very good resolution and repeatability for the models.

There are some good examples and one that comes to mid are the "MechMates." Do a search and hit the books!
Cheers - Jim

[milhead]

Originally Posted by CarveOne I will warn you that it will become an addiction that drains your finances and time. Your girlfriend will not like that. CarveOne

.... By the way, where is the next CNC-Anon club meeting....

".. er.. Honey, I have to um, go check the mail.... I think I left it in the garage..."

Mil

[Senna]

Originally Posted by morgandhunter Here goes nothing! I am a 27 year old fabricator of anything! I spend most of my time developing and building aircraft.

You wouldn't by any chance be the 'Personal Cruiser' Morgan Hunter...! ERAU grad... Morgan Hunter...!

You will have absolutely NO problems with construction of a CNC machine. If V-groove bearing machines are being considered the already mentioned MechMate is a high end example... also take a look at a Joe's 4X4 Hybrid... both machines have large communities and builders forums.

By all means... lurk & learn... then get 'er done...!

Welcome!

Senna

[ger21]

Good deal on V-Groove bearings.
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/v-groovewheel2.aspx

[CarveOne]

Originally Posted by milhead .... By the way, where is the next CNC-Anon club meeting.... ".. er.. Honey, I have to um, go check the mail.... I think I left it in the garage..." Mil

I've been having one most weekends in my work shop. So far, it's just been me attending. I do a lot of talking to myself about why I'm doing this instead of making money somewhere.

CarveOne

[pminmo]

Welcome to the RDC (Routers Disease Club) ...

[morgandhunter]

Thanks for the info and suport,

Thanks for the Bering link. Are there any catalogs I can order that have various linear systems like v-rails? Or is there a good over all catalog of "ACME Stuff" I can learn from?

As of now I'm trying to get my old student SolidSorks program back up and running so i can draw something

Yep I built the Personal Cruiser.


Morgan Hunter

[FandZ]

Originally Posted by morgandhunter Thanks for the info and suport, Yep I built the Personal Cruiser. Morgan Hunter

Yeppers, you need a cnc man!

[Senna]

Originally Posted by morgandhunter Are there any catalogs I can order that have various linear systems like v-rails? Or is there a good over all catalog of "ACME Stuff" I can learn from?

Morgan... here's one company with V bearing systems... and more...http://www.pacific-bearing.com/IntegralVTechnology.aspx

They have a catalog they will send you...

Senna

[morgandhunter]

Good*deal!*
The*PBC*linear*bearing*catalog*is*on*it's*way.
*Thanks*Senna.*

I*like*there*IVT*rail*system*a*lot,*I*hope*there*not*to*expensive.


*Morgan