Newbie- DIY 5-axis CNC?

[robotek]

Just wondered, if there is anyone besides me, who tried or wants to try to build 5 axis machine? any help appreciated!
Thanks.

[devincox]

Im finishing up my 3rd 4 axis mill which is an IH and taking longer than expected. However, I have always been interested in a 5 axis machine and the possibilities of a diy model at home. I have seen a couple of model like the one at this youtube link, which I consider to be totally doable in a home shop. It's more of a 4th and 5th axis attachment but still gives you 5 axis machining capability.

YouTube - 5-Axis CNC Mill @ Hogeschool Antwerpen

YouTube - 5-Axis CNC Mill @ Hogeschool Antwerpen

There are several diy 5 axis mills on youtube.

[philbur]

I think the main challenge will be getting access to affordable 5-axis software. Without this building a 5-axis machine will be like building a performance sports car without having access to the gas to run it.

Just a thought
Phil

[BlackMoon]

Blah, real men just learn complex 3d trig and manualy code G code. And violently crash tools into the 4th or 5th axis when they mess up. :P

[RocketScientist]

Hi, I am new here and this is my first post. It seems that the CNCZone would be a weath of knowledge through archives and posts..
So. I'd like to start of with building a 5-axis CNC machine that is tailored to workpieces that have radial symmetry. or maybe an x,y,z, + A-axis (about Z) and B-Axis about Y. The machine will be used for machinining metal, and hard metal.. Metal I refer to all hardness alloys of aluminum. Hard metal includes titanium, inconel, Hastelloy, etc. I also would like to machine wax models. The workpieces will be rotors, stators, nozzle rings etc, of upto 6 or 7 inches in diameter with Z of upto 5 inches. Anyone here can make recommendations of specific sources?

As per the original poster, Software (Open SOURCE):
EMC2 - tool controller
GMAX12 - CAM tool
CNCToolKit (Open Source)
I plan using the above tools and even modifying the source code/recompile as needed.

The biggest thing I am aimimg for is leveraging successful and well documented projects with similar capabilities. And BKMs (Best Known Methods.)

I am not opposed to using Chinese Spindles, as I will design balancing tools and do the bearing change outs as needed. This skill will be required when I assemble my turbopump systems anyway.

I know this is a wordy and tall order, but most of my past projects have been.

What I can do in return, support others with engineering knowledge and or work in unison on respective projects. BTW,

Thanks for reading through this post,

Best, -RocketScientists

[robotek]

RocketScientist,
I've tried to gather some info on that... I ran out of efforts when lost my job.
there is not much resources on that. Guess there is not many diy-ers were successful on that.