How Can I build my own 3 Axis CNC Mill

[kustomjs]

Hi Guys
I am a newbie and I didnt know where to place this at so moderators please move it to the correct forum please. but my main question is there anyway I can make a 3 Axis CNC Mill for cheap doing it homemade if so can you tell me what parts I need to do this Thanks Tim.

[nbritton]

If you don't already have a mill or lathe to bootstrap with consider it impossible. What's your budget? Probably your best bet is to start with a Sieg X2 ($459.99 in HF Catalog, 44991-2RXH) and build it out with mods.

[kustomjs]

well my budget is around 480 dollars. and I would like to hook up a computer to it so it can get CAD drawings also.

[MrWild]

Then it is impossible. You want to make precision arts but pay peanuts (styrofoam ones at that) to get it done. Drives, motors, power supply, computer and the program to run them will set you back al you have to spend and the machine isn't even purchased yet. Yes, there are cheaper, but I read on another thread what you want to do, and you won't do it for your budget. Motors are $45 ea. You need three. Drives are $150-$350 for three axis. Power supplies are $50-$120, a used computer is about $100. Right there I see $450 and you haven't bought your control program which is another $130 at least unless you want to mess with EMC2.

Yes, a cheap wooden CNC router is possible on your budget. Doing what you want to do, isn't.

[kustomjs]

I can do up to a grand if needs too.

[ironDigit]

google for some kitchendrawer and m8threadrod cnc like projectlog.

my experience is that learning and cheap and fast is a very bad combo.

when you need to keep it cheap and go for salvaging printersteppermotors and mdf and kitchendrawerslides you'll have a hack of time getting it all aligned not even to mention the electronics.That's is the having fun way i guess but ain't suitable when you don't have months or like me years to be fooling around.

tell us what tools you have at your disposal already ,maybe that'll brighten up your chances.
,

[MrWild]

He wants to make fuel injector throttle bodies out of aluminum. A drawer slide router isn't going to cut it. You are honesty looking at $1800 minimum in my opinion.

[nbritton]

Originally Posted by MrWild He wants to make fuel injector throttle bodies out of aluminum. A drawer slide router isn't going to cut it. You are honesty looking at $1800 minimum in my opinion.

Could this be done using a Sieg X1? The X1 fits his budget:

Sieg X1 (HF 47158): $319.99
CNCFusion Micro-Mill kit #1: $269
Xylotex 3-Axis Stepper Kit: $345
LMS 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 2MT Collets: $26.85
American Carbide 2 Flute 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 EM: $30.19

Total: $991.03

[ironDigit]

thats a mighty nice shopping list there Britton.

but only if he already has things like dialindicators and clamps ,vices ,endswitches housings and by this stage things like breaking gears start to happen and you need more time and $$ to start researching and converting the thing.

and cutting anything on the x1 takes ages anyway if it weren't only for the need to get to know the machine and it capabillity's/limits?

[atoroguy]

I see people telling you it cant be done. Thats just not so!
I have built two 3 axis machines in my garage with excellent results for under
$1000.00.
My latest has an x travel of 12" and y travel of 10".
Z travel is about 5".
I use THK liner slides and bearings for all axis and cheap stepper motors for lead screws.
It is very accurate and can do excellent engraving and light milling in brass and aluminum.
If you would like some pics and more info you can email me at:
atoroguy@aol.com
YOU CAN DO IT

[ironDigit]

i kind of felt there's a difference between A or even tree machines costing 480dollars and diving into machining and building a metal capable cnc-machine even only 2-axe machine since it will cost you to setup a workshop capable of building these machines doesn't it.



All it takes to be succesfull at this a is lot of know-how , the hardware is out there like many mentioned.Keeping track of auction's on AND off-line is a must so all i'm trying to say is cheap takes time and fast takes money AND thats just the way it is unless someone has been holding out on me.

good luck m8.

(wow aturoguy 1000bucks .you must be one'a'them guys you just can't beat at negotiating)

[banjoallen]

check this out.granted he has a lathe.don't know what kind of money he's got into it.

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/sho...illing+machine