Complete DIY Kit

[abbtech]

I was going to buy all of the parts to make a CNC machine but there are so many options. I have seen lots of good MDF plans and some kits that have the wood and bolts etc, but not the motors, controllers, slides etc. For my first build I think I would like to buy a kit that has everything picked out and properly matched.

I am thinking of getting one of these Fireball V90 machines http://www.probotix.com/FireBall_v90_cnc_router_kit/
I am looking to spend between $1000 and $1500.

I would like to mill MDF, plastic, circuit boards. The Fireball deck is 12X18 and that would be the smallest I would like to go, 36X36 would be better but not a must.

Please let me know if there is something else other than the Fireball that I should consider. Or is the Fireball the best bang for the buck?

[Kammo1]

Hi there and welcome to this fantastic forum. I was in a dilema like yourself and after trolling this board for a few years looking for a kit that would suit my needs found none that were what I wanted so I have started to build my own from the ground up mainly MDF and oilite bushings riding on linear rods similar to the Fireball CNC. I have looked at this machine and for the money even now I would consider buying one of these it looks well made and after e-mailing them there support is brilliant and to be honest if I hadn't started my machine and saw this earlier it would be on its way to the UK, bang for the buck I personally don't think you can buy a better entry level of machine but again thats a personal thought just thinking out loud. Building your own is not as easy as it seems and to be honest I don't know how these guys do it as I have probably spent half of this on building mine and haven't finished yet! I would go for it without any hesitation if it fits the bill if not I would still buy it as you can always cut your parts out on this to make a bigger one anyway, now thats a thought.........

[abbtech]

Hi Kammo,

Thanks for the info. Its good to hear that that machine would be that favorable to you!

[solodex2151]

Please let me know if there is something else other than the Fireball that I should consider. Or is the Fireball the best bang for the buck?

In a couple of months I should have some kits for sale (www.finelineautomation.com). The kits will be completely bolt together and made from all aluminum and steel. If you decide that you can't wait that long, Ahren and I are finalizing the plans for a 3'x3' machine using our parts that should be simple as easy to bolt together.

Some builds using this system:

8020/MDF Hybrid Desktop
My first Build (2'x3' $1800)

[abbtech]

In a couple of months I should have some kits for sale (www.finelineautomation.com). The kits will be completely bolt together and made from all aluminum and steel. If you decide that you can't wait that long, Ahren and I are finalizing the plans for a 3'x3' machine using our parts that should be simple as easy to bolt together.

Some builds using this system:

8020/MDF Hybrid Desktop
My first Build (2'x3' $1800)

Thanks for the info. What do you think the price will be for everything (other than computer and software)?

[solodex2151]

Thanks for the info. What do you think the price will be for everything (other than computer and software)?

I do not sell electronics. I have been using the HobbyCNC kit with my test prototypes and I can say that it has been absolutely fantastic. It is very easy to put together and I would recommend it in a heartbeat.

The kit will be just the mechanical side of things. Everything you need right up to the motor connection couplers. I don't know the exact price yet, but it should come out in your budget range.

Nate Lowrie
Owner, Fine Line Automation

[voxelman]

I spent a lot of time looking for something in this price range and the V90 seemed to be the best bet.

I placed my order for a Fireball V90 on Wednesday from Probotix along with the stepper motors, drivers and power supply. I also purchased a Dremel tool and the Porter Cable router with the router adapter plate. The whole package with the assembled electronics option and power supply upgrade was just over $1500. The price for the V90 mechanicals is $600. All of the rest of the parts can migrate to your next machine along with the big step up the learning curve that you will have gained from working with the machine and software etc.

Like you I have been looking at building a machine from scratch. This has been the case for several years. It just wasn't happening and I have several projects that will benefit. I too would like a machine with a larger working volume but V90 will handle 80% of my initial projects.

John Hansford the developer of the V90 is readily available to answer your questions on the FireballCNC Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fireballcnc/. I have first hand experience that he is very generous with his time and attention.

He developed the V90 so that the hobbyist user with limited knowledge of engineering issues can assemble and use the machine easily. He also is one of those persons that seems to be an unbounded resource of creative solutions.

[Nikonauts]

if you're looking for a kit, have a look first at Lumenlab.com and decide between fireball and the lumenlab one.

[Kammo1]

The Lumenlab one would not appeal to me at all, the Fireball CNC looks perfect in every way maybe its my taste but it just looks a solid great machine, I am still very,very tempted to drop the coin on this machine if my homebrew doesn't work out.

[Crevice Reamer]

If you can fit your motor size requirements into its 3.5A 50V envelope, the Gecko G540 is the best (And lowest cost for what you get) and most plug and play driver you can buy.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...637#post546637

CR.

[abbtech]

if you're looking for a kit, have a look first at Lumenlab.com and decide between fireball and the lumenlab one.

Thanks, I have seen the larger Lumenlab CNC machines before, I see the tiny one that you are talking about. It is cheap but I think it is quite small and slow. The demo video doesn't do much to impress me.
http://lumenlab.com/2008/10/micro-writes-micro/

Good to see the options that are out there!

[abbtech]

I spent a lot of time looking for something in this price range and the V90 seemed to be the best bet.

I placed my order for a Fireball V90 on Wednesday from Probotix along with the stepper motors, drivers and power supply. I also purchased a Dremel tool and the Porter Cable router with the router adapter plate. The whole package with the assembled electronics option and power supply upgrade was just over $1500. The price for the V90 mechanicals is $600. All of the rest of the parts can migrate to your next machine along with the big step up the learning curve that you will have gained from working with the machine and software etc.

Like you I have been looking at building a machine from scratch. This has been the case for several years. It just wasn't happening and I have several projects that will benefit. I too would like a machine with a larger working volume but V90 will handle 80% of my initial projects.

John Hansford the developer of the V90 is readily available to answer your questions on the FireballCNC Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fireballcnc/. I have first hand experience that he is very generous with his time and attention.

He developed the V90 so that the hobbyist user with limited knowledge of engineering issues can assemble and use the machine easily. He also is one of those persons that seems to be an unbounded resource of creative solutions.

I also joined the Yahoo group and have been very impressed with the availability of John and Len. I think this month I will also be making the plunge and getting a V90.