Building a small CNC machine

[Stargazer2]

Hi, I am new here. I hope someone here will be able to help me.

I am working on a senior project that is about building a small CNC milling machine. Unfortunately we are very far behind on making the actual milling machine. Originally we were going to make the slide mechanisms ourselves, but now we want to buy them.

We need to find an online shop where we can buy directly. Sort of like McMaster.com. The only problem is that their screw-driven linear slides are too expensive.

We need something with 6 to 9 inches of travel for around $70. Accuracy and load bearing are not important.

Does anyone have any ideas?

[High Seas]

Originally Posted by Stargazer2 Hi, I am new here. I hope someone here will be able to help me. I am working on a senior project that is about building a small CNC milling machine....... We need something with 6 to 9 inches of travel for around $70. Accuracy and load bearing are not important.

I'll make a quick suggestion... Go to the Salvation Army, your computer science building, whatever. Get some old printers - Any that have a rail and printhead that move of the right size. Hack them out and then use the printhead and rails. I started a project like this a few back and you can get some great parts for free. Save the Belts and Gears too! They'll make for linear drives/travel in lieu of threaded rod.

Search for HP LJ-II and get motors too. Free puts you ahead of cost, now worry schedule and performance!

Check my gallery for a quick photo: http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showp...00/ppuser/1938. Best of Luck
Jim

I stopped as I didn't like the mdf - would work ok just didn't like it...

[Gomer]

If you are looking for something simple, check out this video on youtube. The guy builds it out of simple hardware store stuff.

YouTube - Easy to build Desktop CNC Mill
It isn't too complicated and should keep you within budget.