Accurate, quick and inexpensine DIY minimill

[Rossz]

Hi Everyone!
I had recently a few ideas wearing my philosopher hat, so I decided to share my small discovery from bigbox store. I realise that the alignement is
the most troublesome building a small mill. I couldnt drill or mill accurate holes
with my ordinary tools. So I finde the slotted flat plate with holes. I used them as guide, and sliders. It fits a 3/8 rod. Try to finde a straight one, or drilling rod is better. Drill a few small holes for screws, clampit, markit, drill
the wood with bigger bits than 3/8 for less trouble. Align again, clamp, screw.
And you will have the axe. On the picture used pipes. Don't use them, they are not straight. Better cut wood for z axe holder. Ill try to post some pictures. Also I discovered other slotted plates in the big store, with 2 holes
about 1/2 inch. They need to be diled wery slightly, and here you go again.
They are a bit thinner, but sell about 78C Can. each. With this method you can build again all 3 axes. They come pretty tight, almost no movement, and
slide well. I didnt try for bigger machine or hevier weight to carry, but in my opinion it should work using 1/2 inch rod.
This is all for now, stay tuned for some pictures.
Rossz the Philosopher

[chuckknigh]

That's a very good idea...has anyone else done something along these lines?

-- Chuck Knight

[Hobbiest]

OK...the last thing I want to do is be insulting, so please don't take it that way. I have read and re-read, but have no idea what in the world is a slotted plate with holes. If anybody else has another description, could you please help me understand? I thought I understood when you posted in another thread, but now I am just clueless. I like your machine though! How well does it work? What do you use it for?

[Rossz]

Hobbiest!
On my bill from big box store is written "strap tie", which you can see on part pictures, but on the assambled cnc is used a different "sloted palte" was written on it
find in area with threded rod and angles. The strap tie is used for building fances, so you look in that area in store. My machine is in slow progress, cant find cheap steppers from my usual sources. But now my computer is working again, so some
more pictures are comming.

[Rossz]

Hi!
Here are more pictures, about the machine. You can make the same lead nut in derline
just drill a hole smaller than the nut, then heat it on oven, and push it with players. Make sure it is straight. The y axe was easy, but to aligne the worktable plexiglass was harder.

[Rossz]

Hi!
The machine is almost completed, but not my search for 2 identical steppers. (I want them cheap). The X and Y axe are stiff, almost no side movements. Pay attention when driwing the screw in the wood, always clamp the peace because wood can move. Now I'm puttind the power supply
into the column, and lather driwer comes on top. This will make it more compact.
Regards Rossz