I need help on building a CNC machine

[loloy]

Hello.

Ok, so basically im new here, and I dont know much about CNC machines yet. Ive read some articles, and still confused on what exactly im looking for. I would like to have for myself a machine that can cut flat acrylic sheets, from CAD files (Autocad). Im into architectural scale models, and we have most of our parts laser cut somewhere, but I would like to have a simple machine for HOME USE to keep up with my personal projects (mostly model railroad structures).A laser cutter is just NOT for home use. SO it there anybody here who can go down my level and show me some basics, or at least tell me what I should have to get started? I would appreciate any reply...emailing me would be nice..modelworks@gmail.com
Thanks

[loloy]

up

[loloy]

Hello.

Ok, so basically im new here, and I dont know much about CNC machines yet. Ive read some articles, and still confused on what exactly im looking for. I would like to have for myself a machine that can cut flat acrylic sheets, from CAD files (Autocad) in small scale, say 18 x 24 inch sheets. Im into architectural scale models, and we have most of our parts laser cut somewhere, but I would like to have a simple machine for HOME USE to keep up with my personal projects (mostly model railroad structures).A laser cutter is just NOT for home use. SO it there anybody here who can go down my level and show me some basics, or at least tell me what I should have to get started? I would appreciate any reply...emailing me would be nice..modelworks@gmail.com
Thanks

[ViperTX]

Okay so add a couple of inches to each axis and you now know the size of machine you wish to build, for acrylic you should probably look at using a cartridge spindle or as a starter a laminate trimmer (most of the sheets are under 1/2inch in thickness??).

There is another Thread were a person is using open type linear bearings which are fully supported, you can use this same approach, to keep costs reasonable look at using ACME screws for each axis, and take the stepper approach to maintain costs at a reasonable level.

[AI-Men]

Hello, I'm at the same pace with with you. Look here:

http://www.theworkshop.ca/machining/machining.htm

Really enjoyable and ground level.

[washingtondude]

I'm new to the hobby as well and just finished one of John Kleinbauer's designs. They go together fairly easily for someone with big fingers and lots of thumbs like me Most of the materials are locally obtainable with the exception of the framing material and if there's a good glass shop available they'll even have that. Hope this helps, jump in, the water's fine. Michael

[Salty72]

try looking at joes machine

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15139

very well laid out and comes with instruction to boot...

extreamly stable and if you don't have a machine to cutt these parts out he is offering a kit