Building my first CNC

[bioload]

Hi All,

First off.....Great Site!!

I came across the site a little while ago and have been browsing through the DIY forums for the past couple weeks. I have never built a machine before but would like to attempt a JGRO after seeing some of the build threads here. Building jigs for my router table is getting a bit tiresome.

I've downloaded the plans and would like to start getting the MDF pieces made. Before I get started is there anything that I should keep in mind before cutting? I know the question is kind of general, but this would be my first machine and I'm at the stage where I'm still finding out what I don't know.

Any advice for a newb that is about to build their first JGRO?

[ger21]

Not sure what drive screws the plans call for, but I'd recommend 1/2-8 2 start acme over 1/2-10 acme. More money, but the performance increase you'll see is well worth it.

[bioload]

Thanks for the heads up. If all goes well I'll make an attempt at getting some of the parts completed this week.....still going over the plans too see if I understand everything. Most of it seems striaght forward but I'm not sure on a few details regarding some of the holes that need to be made.....guess I'll have to dive right in.

[bioload]

Found in another post but this really helped explain the drawings.

If you haven't already done so, download the JGRO Plans in SolidWorks format (~24.6 MB zipped) and the FREE SolidWorks eDrawings Viewer so that you can get a better look at the assemblies (.SLDASM) and construction. SolidWorks eDrawings Viewer is definitely a 'Cool Tool'. You can zoom, pan, rotate, hide, change views, etc. just like in SolidWorks. One of the 'Coolest' 'Cool Tools' is the ability to right click on an item, or selected items, with the mouse and use the 'Make Transparent' feature to be able to see through those parts.

Oh, and along with the eDrawing and SolidWorks file formats, SolidWorks eDrawings Viewer also allows the viewing of AutoCAD DXF & DWG formats.