I want to bulid a cnc machine

[cncman2]

How do I go about it? Need help!

[jimglass]

In the attached pic you will see everything I used to build a CNC Mill. You need a driver board, power supply, stepper motors software, a computer and that is it.

I used a Xylotec driver board which cost $85. There are a number of different boards available. Each stepper motor connects to the driver board and the driver board connects to the computer via the printer port. Mine is down stairs engraving a sign as I write this.
Jim

[cncman2]

Wow nice, how long did that take?

[Vrogy]

what kind of computer do you need? Are older types useable? Also, about how much is the average setup, all total?

[CNCadmin]

The software that run the machine will determine what machine you should run. Most are a DOS based and a 486 will work fine for runing the machine itself. But for most other CAM/CAD a windows base 98-xp will work the best. The cost of a CNC machine can go anywear from 500-200,000 and than some.

[jimglass]

I'm running TurboCNC software for my mill. TurboCNC runs in DOS. Go dig out your old computer and use it. Windows driven computers need to be restarted in DOS mode to run this software. Probably a 10 year old computer would be way ahead of the machine itself.

It is simply amazing. You guys should see the look on peoples faces when I show this machine to them.

I built the entire machine in my spare time in about 2 months. I learned how to build, where and what to buy from the internet. I never spoke to anyone on how to do this.....other than Email of course. An engineer friend at work helped me with the software and that was about it. After it was running, I took it to work for show and tell.

I have between $600 and $800 in it "total"!!!!!! Of course the computer was an old one collecting dust, now I'm using it. It also runs off my laptop so I can run it most anywhere.

Jim

[CNCadmin]

Very nice machine, what do you machine with it?

[jimglass]

I have been engraving nameplates for friends. Also write programs in "G" code to make parts for where I work. Mostly just practice but writing programs to make real parts is more interesting. I hope to make money with it someday. I'm preparing myself for any opportunities after the recession is over.
Jim

[E-Stop]

How big is your work envelope? And what are you using for a spindle motor?

[jimglass]

The machine was designed for large travel. Travel in x is 18", y is 12" and z is about 10". The Thompson shafting and linear bearings are also supported with slide plates so there is very little verticle defection in the x/y.

The motor is one used were I work. They run 24/5 so when the motor quits they install new ones and toss the old. I grab the used motors, clean them up and replace the brushes. The used motors will last a long time the way I use them. The motors are 90V DC and are 1/10 or 1/20 hp. They are also variable speed.

One more thing, the crank handles are mostly for looks. The sofware has a jog mode where manual movements are from the key board.

Jim

[hardmill]

Very cool

[E-Stop]

jimglass--

Great looking machine. I've been wanting to build something for a couple of years now. I got some salvaged parts but not enough to get started. With all this inspiration, I may have to get started.....