Newbie- Do It Myself CNC Router

[Praised1]

The advantages of CNC is 'in your face' obvious and I had to get this challenge on the way. The design is my own and I welcome advice on the way forward....

So here is my product from research done on the net.....thus far. Tnx to all who posted!!!

[ghassall]

Great minds think alike (or both have bad ideas)
Looks very similar to the design i am just about to post and ask questions about.

[Praised1]

Heya!,

Theres nothing like 'bad ideas' in DIY mate, only 'learning the hard way'....

How far are you with the unit? I would like to look at your design. What software will you be running - battling a bit here.....

[Praised1]

Update!

Completed assembly less the spindle attachment and stepper motors. Looking good so far - cant wait to run! (you'll notice my DIY furnace on the right on the first pic)
Looking for a simple,compact spindle design. Does any1 have suggestions?

[cchaos]

Very nice design.

What type of extruded AL is that what you're using ?
(link, company ?)

CChaos

[Jesse B]

It looks pretty good so far. Once concern I have is the rails. What diameter are they, what kind of accuracy are you hoping to achieve, and what do you plan on milling? Unsupported rails can have some pretty substantial deflection. They may be fine for your purposes, I just thought I'd raise the issue.

[Praised1]

Hi Jesse B!

Tnx for your reply. I'm using dia 16mm rails. Yes I agree on the deflection and I have a sturdier design on hand - however I need to run the unit to cut out foam profiles for lost foam casting. So 1 use would be a cnc wire cutter. However this would not be limited to foam - wood and light metal work's tucked away in my head.

I have the X-axis rails pre-tensioned to add to rigidity and plan to do the same on the Y-axis.

[Praised1]

Originally Posted by cchaos Very nice design. What type of extruded AL is that what you're using ? (link, company ?) CChaos

Captain Chaos (I assume),

Hi,

Tnx for ur feedback!!!.

I am blessed with all kinds of aluminium profiles as I am an Engineer at an aluminium extrusion company!!! So the garage is filled with all sorts of nice shiny ali.

The profile I used is 80x80mm - Cool stuff to use as there is provision for adjustment- just loosen , reposition and tighten up!!!!

We supply to a company called OCTONORM. They make up exhibition systems but I am sure they could supply profiles to you. They are also situated in Belgium see below...
Octanorm Belgium

Phone : +32 (0)2 344 98 80
Fax : +32 (0)2 344 98 00
E-mail : info@octanorm.be

Postal address :

Rue des Alliés 274
1190 Brussels - Belgium

[cchaos]

Thanks for the info.

I found there website and a PDF with the technical specifications of the AL Profiles you are using.
This seems interesting material. I will keep an eye on it.

CChaos
(it is better not to mention "him" )