what design for a DIY cnc offers most flexibility to change and add on to

[gandolf123]

I am looking to build a cnc to help start a hobby and make a little money from, what designs do you feel are the best for flexibility to make changes to and make up to possibly working on a 4x8 platform. From what I have read I think the gantry type is my best option. I may in the future try to add a five axes. Any thoughts also on cheap or free software for the cnc?

[hemsworthlad]

Originally Posted by gandolf123 I am looking to build a cnc to help start a hobby and make a little money from, what designs do you feel are the best for flexibility to make changes to and make up to possibly working on a 4x8 platform. From what I have read I think the gantry type is my best option. I may in the future try to add a five axes. Any thoughts also on cheap or free software for the cnc?

I would say for a first machine just keep it simple, learn from it what you need to know to enable you to build the larger dream machine.?

WARNING * WARNING * WARNING * WARNING

CNC IS ADDICTIVE . . It should carry a goverment health warning..

THE WORDS CNC AND CHEAP DONT GO TOGETHER. . . Yes compared to commercial machines very cheap but still be prepared to spend much-O-spondulaks for a good sturdy machine.

Good luck. . . . It's worth it.

[ger21]

What size do you want NOW, an how much are you willing to spend?

It'll be difficult to increase the size at a later date without completely rebuilding a lot of the machine. It's not as simple as just bolting on an extension.

And there's a 99.9% probability that you'll never add 5 axis capability, so don't worry about it.

[gandolf123]

Thanks for the replies. I am looking to be able to do some multi dimensional plaques for my church as well as make cabinet doors and exterior doors. I would say that I my budget would be around $1500 to have a running machine and later add to it as money permits. Any thoughts on software?

[johnmac]

You could blow your entire budget on software real easy.

When it comes to software, you get what you pay for. While the free or cheap stuff may work, it will be a very steep learning curve for someone starting out.

John

[gandolf123]

thanks for the headsup, is there any pros or cons on a fixed or moving gantry?

[stevespo]

I'll echo the previous posts. Start smallish. Get your feet wet. You can look on it as something very entry level, or put a more $$$/work into it and perhaps get more mileage out of it. A BIG machine requires a lot more time, effort, money and design considerations to make it stiff enough, fast enough, etc. Everything becomes more complicated.

I guess fixed vs. moving gantry would depend on the ultimate work area that you decide on. If your focus is going to be doors, I would go for the moving gantry and make the machine wide enough to perhaps take a full width door for carving. So, maybe 36" worth of X travel and similar (or less) on the Y. That way you can still work on good sized projects, and index larger ones if you find you need to carve a design on a full sized door.

I love the idea of open software, freeware, demoware, etc - but I haven't found anything (yet) that works for me. Even the "low cost" commercial options are going to eat up a good sized chunk of your budget, easily $500+. Many people are more patient, clever and resourceful than I am, so I'm not saying it isn't possible to use what is out there.

Scrounge parts, watch eBay, check the classifieds here. Build a solid structure with good quality components, and you can always upgrade things as the need arises. Better screws, bigger power supply, better drivers, motors, etc. Get it up and running, have fun, make a few bucks and then improve it gradually. Or start over and do it again!

Steve

[stevespo]

I don't know if the price is within your budget, but the modular design that Ahren Johnson has come up with seems like it would be a great fit for your needs. 8020 is very easy to work with, modest cost/good quality carriages, rack and pinion, etc, etc. You could start small, and these are all parts that could be moved to a larger, longer machine. Search here for 8020, and read some of the recent threads.

http://www.cncrouterparts.com
http://www.finelineautomation.com

Steve

[marzetti]

I agree with Stevespo. I just completed a machine using Ahren's parts and I think he's got the easiest design going for newbies. Look at the examples on his website and you can see a lot of variations using his modular parts. Being a woodworker I substituted a wooden frame for the 80-20 but it would be much easier using his 2x3 plans, I'm sure. I did use the 80-20 for the z axis and I had it built in less than 1 hour.
I used EMC2 for my control software which is free and I'm using the free version of CamBam. I use Autocad at work so I already have a good drawing program. (you can do basic drawing with CamBam). The next step for software for me will be to invest in Vcarvepro, great software for the sort of thing you're looking to do but not cheap.
To make a long story short, building the machine is only the beginning. Acquiring and learning the software is a bigger challenge in my opinion. But I agree with everyone else: start modestly and proceed with small steps. You'll learn a lot here at CNCzone and everyone seems eager to help newbies.
Good luck!

[gandolf123]

wow, I love the support and enthusiasm of the people in this forum, thanks for the time and information !!!!

[tpworks]

Mechmate.com
You can build your gantry the width you need for 4'+ and build your table any length (e.g. 4' x 4') cutting area and increase the length of your table later (e.g. 4' x 8') cutting area using the same gantry.