DIY 3 axis CNC Milling Machine.

[Eagle23]

Hi Folks!
I have done about 1 or 2 months of research into this subject.


It feels like I can continue this reasearch for a few more months
But I have to get started with buying the parts.
Someone told me that if I buy a plan that would make my job easier.

First let me tell you the kind of machine I would like to build

-----------
This is a model that I can picture myself making
The mill with the blue frame
This has 4 stepper motors
I would like to concentrate on that model

What do you folks think

http://www.pdjinc.com/pilot%20information.html


Here is another picture
Steel / 8020 Hybrid Version
http://www.pdjinc.com/pilot%20rails.html


If anyone can help that would be nice
I need to know all the details like what kind of stepper motors to buy ,lead screw
the driver and so on.
or
I need is a plan to follow maybe I can buy a plan

I should say that I would like to ba able to cut aluminum for molds for
injection casting with this machine.
--------------

Here is fantastic site with lots of pictures
I dont understand the language
maybe I can go to google translate

Do you think I can choose a picture of a model that I think I would be able to make and start this project
I will be buying a torch but for now I can work with steel frames
I will buy a dril and attach everything with a bolt and a nut
Will the bolt and the nut idea be strong enough
would i have to add glue or solder to the nut and the bolt

http://www.hobbycnc.hu/English.htm
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I want the cutting area to be about 4 feet x 3 feet.
I have a few design ideas I have seen on few web sites
They have details here is one of them
http://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx

As a final note I would like to know how to get started
Either
1) I buy a plan ( I need to know from where)
or
2) Someone posts the pla here


Thanks

[Eagle23]

Hi Folks

I think I would have to build 2 machines
1) larger machine like I am talking about here in this thread
2) A machine for cutting aluminum to make dies will have to be smaller and stronger.

If anyone has links to plans I would like to have them
Thanks

[kawazuki]

To my mind what you've identified are CNC Routers not milling machines.
A router may be able to cut thin Ali sheet but may struggle with a full on 3D profile for a mold pattern? Routers are good machines as long as you understand their limitations - materials and capacities.

[Eagle23]

Hi kawazuki
Thanks for your reply
I guess I would like to have 2 machines
1 router
the other one a milling machine.

The milling machine would have to have powerful motor so then the structure would have to be more sturdy. This would have to be smaller because the molds I want to make will be for jewelry.

The router can be a bit larger.
There are many sites with people posting pictues of their cnc project that I can follow
Should I do that or try to buy a plan.