I'm excited to share the progress of my homemade CNC router build with you all. I've been documenting this journey on my YouTube channel, Krafted by Koen. Here's an overview of what I've done so far, including links to videos of the build process.
Building the Frame
The first major step in my CNC router project was constructing the frame. I decided to use steel for its ease of use, affordability and strength. My main goals for the frame were to ensure it could be moved with my pallet jack, maximize the space underneath for storage, and fit it through the door of my workshop. Additionally, I wanted the option to have a vertical mounting surface.
To meet these requirements, I designed the frame in two parts: the main table with four outer legs and diagonal braces, and an inner frame with two inner legs and stretchers. This design allows me to use planks on the stretchers for storage shelves while also providing the flexibility to pick up the machine by these stretchers. If I ever need to move it out of the shop, I can simply remove the inner frame. This is because I need to rotate it through the shop door, and the middle legs would otherwise get in the way.
I used pre-cut steel, which made the tasks of prepping and welding much easier.
If you're interested, you can watch the video here:
Installing the Linear Guides
With the frame complete, I moved on to installing the linear guides. This was a crucial step to ensure the precision and smooth operation of the CNC machine. Instead of relying on perfectly machined surfaces, I opted to use extruded aluminum slot profiles as a substrate. These profiles were attached to the steel frame and could be shimmed to create a straight and flat mounting surface for the guides.
To measure the straightness, I built a simple fixture to tension a piano snare as a straight reference. This setup allowed me to meticulously adjust the profiles in the horizontal plane until they were straight and flat, and then separately adjust the guides in the vertical plane. I adjusted one side like this and then set the other side by referencing the first, essentially copying it over. For the gantry and Y carriages, I had some parts laser-cut to fit together precisely, which made the welding process easier and more accurate. The gantry itself is just a big aluminum slot profile.
You can see the full installation process in this video:
Future Plans
To see what kind of projects I'm planning to create with this machine, check out my website at Projecten - Kim & Koen. In the future, I'll document the making of these projects as well, so consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Feel free to leave comments or questions, I always appreciate feedback and suggestions. I hope you find the videos and posts helpful and inspiring for your own projects.
This project was made possible by the "makersregeling" of the Municipality of Breda.
I got some questions about the dimensions and if there's a cut-list available. I will list them below. Legs: 4x 100x100x4mm square tube 700mm long
+ 2x 100x100x4mm square tube 694mm long (these are the middle legs and get a 6mm plate welded at the end to make it removable) Bed: 2x 100x50x4mm rect. tube 3000mm long (X-axis)
+ 3x 100x50x4mm rect. tube 1044mm long (Y-axis (at the ends and in the middle))
+ 4x 80x50x3mm rect. tube 1044mm long (Y-axis (in between the 100x50mm tubes)) Diagonal braces: 2x 80x50x3mm rect. tube 476mm long (both ends cut to 45°) Stretchers: 1x 100x50x4mm rect. tube 932mm long (Y-axis in the middle)
+ 2x 100x50x6mm L-profile 2488mm long (X-axis)
+ 2x 100x50x6mm L-profile 944mm long (Y-axis at the ends)
The drive for the X and Y axes is done using racks (Module 1.5) and pinions (20 teeth), and for the Z-axis with a ball screw (16x5mm). For the X and Y axes, I also designed a 3:1 reduction system with a timing belt.
The Z-axis also runs on linear guides (15mm), but the guides are attached to the Z plate (made from a 150x50x10mm aluminum U-profile), and the bearing blocks are mounted on the Y carriage. This isn't conventional, but it offers several advantages, namely that the guides add some extra rigidity to the Z plate (although I don't think it's necessary because I'm using that solid U-profile), and the distance between the spindle and the first bearing block is always as small as possible instead of being a constant distance (always at its farthest).
I've designed the Y-axis carriage to be as compact as possible. This made assembly a bit tricky, but it turned out well.
For the Z-axis, I used a closed-loop 2Nm NEMA23 stepper motor. For the X and Y axes, I used closed-loop 12Nm NEMA34 stepper motors.
I believe those are the main points to mention for this phase of the project. The next phase is the electronics.
CNC Router build | Steel frame & Aluminium substrate
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