Building a machine from scratch?

[Joe Jones]

Well, I looked at ALL of the forum topics and could not decide where to post this.

People have told me to build my own CNC machine. Okay ... HOW?

Where do I go for the information I need?

I read a lot of posts saying things like "The necessary parts are available in any supply store ..."

Which parts? Knowing nothing about how a computer program converts lines of code into the accurate rotation of a stepper motor, or the sequencing of several motors, I am lost at the start.

I'm a talented fabricator, so making the table and the gantry and all of that would be a snap for me. Where I fall short is when it comes to connecting a computer to the machine to get it to do what I want it to do!

Is there a guide, a book, or a video series that can walk me through the learning curve to the point where i can confidently tackle the design and construction of my own CNC machine?

I'm buying the PlasmaCam today. I will use IT to make parts for other machines in my shop such as a large table saw, a panel saw, a router table, and a 10-foot sheet metal brake. Yes, I can make all of these by hand, but the intent is to make something that I just might want to turn into a marketable product, so the addition of CNC into the soup can only result in a cleaner product.

Am I condemned to starting with the Radio Shack hobby kits to gain this knowledge, or is there a more concise, direct, and valuable source for this education?

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

[stewi]

I have visited this forum several times in the past for a starting point to build my own CNC machine. As an EE, I know pretty well which components are required and how to set up the software. Finally, I narrowed my design down to the lowest possible cost for the hardware and I like to share my knowledge here in the forum.

[Al_The_Man]

The Mach forum itself covers alot of info and can supply your first motion controller, free for a limited size of part program.
These (long) posts also may give you some insight.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/genera...ex-boeing.html
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/xzero_...xzero_cnc.html
Al.

[Jawno]

You might read through the following guide (links below) It seems to have a lot of basic information. A lot on resin casting but a lot of useful cnc info interspersed. Sorry I don't remember who posted this so can't credit the author,
Good luck;
Jawno

Guerrilla guide to CNC machining and resin casting, volume I
Guerrilla guide to CNC machining and resin casting, volume II