This is my favorite type of build. Looks good. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, That is a linear rail for the z- axis. It's very tiny but surprisingly stout.
As far as the drawer slides, I don't really have play in any direction ? If the tool "caught" which I don't really know why it would, my luan plywood base would probably crack first. or the tool would rip off...lol
This is my favorite type of build. Looks good. Thanks for sharing.
Probably the weight of your x-y table is hiding this out-of-plane play. Try to lift the x or y table in the +z direction with your hand. With a little force, you will feel it moving. Now imagine a high-torque rotating motor applying even a stronger force.
The only constraint you have is the small nut attached to the thin leadscrew, which may not be enough if the dremel has enough torque.
Here is my thread if you want to read about my experiences:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...sktop_cnc.html
Good luck
Wow.. Great idea for a CNC machine...
[URL="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_wood_router_project_log/124543-mountaincrafts_router_plasma_build_thread.html"][U]4' x 8' CNC Wood Router Project[/U][/URL]
[U][URL="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/woodworking/135576-home_made_drum_sander.html"]Home Made Drum Sander Project[/URL][/U]
Very nice! If you do any PCB fabrication I'd like to see the results. A small and low cost machine like this could be great for that. Thanks for sharing it!
A small laminate trimmer router might be the hot ticket for this machine...
[URL="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_wood_router_project_log/124543-mountaincrafts_router_plasma_build_thread.html"][U]4' x 8' CNC Wood Router Project[/U][/URL]
[U][URL="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/woodworking/135576-home_made_drum_sander.html"]Home Made Drum Sander Project[/URL][/U]
I think most people have an external box for the stepper driver and breakout board and then the parallel cable connects it to the computer. Since you have the stepper driver in the computer itself you could use something like this.
Two Serial (DB9, RS232, COM1) Ports Bracket with Cable | eBay
Then get some DB9 connectors (even from the local Radio Shack) and put those on your stepper motors. A few other stepper drivers like the Geckodrive G540 use the DB9 connector as well so if you wired things up the same way you could transition to a G540 down the road if you wanted.
I've not used one for CNC, but I have a small makita laminate trimmer, and the thing is great when used for what it is designed for... (I use it to flush trim formica after gluing)... I would think it would be superior to a dremel though... much more robust tool overall...
[URL="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_wood_router_project_log/124543-mountaincrafts_router_plasma_build_thread.html"][U]4' x 8' CNC Wood Router Project[/U][/URL]
[U][URL="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/woodworking/135576-home_made_drum_sander.html"]Home Made Drum Sander Project[/URL][/U]
Be sure and read the warning labels and disclaimers tattooed on my posterior.. My unpaid lawyers certainly have all the bases covered...
If you plug the thing in and take it in the bathtub, it's clearly stated not to do that...
Translation: "I am not responsible for 'anything!' "
[URL="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_wood_router_project_log/124543-mountaincrafts_router_plasma_build_thread.html"][U]4' x 8' CNC Wood Router Project[/U][/URL]
[U][URL="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/woodworking/135576-home_made_drum_sander.html"]Home Made Drum Sander Project[/URL][/U]
Small engraving pointed bits. Normally they are a 1/8" shank. There is a PCB section of this forum (it's in the "electronics" section) where they discuss PCB milling and the best bits and software etc;
PCB milling - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!
Hi, Zen Toolworks has a nice DC motor with a ER11 on it. Look like a good motor for this project.
Thanks for the pictures and keep up the good work.
Bob A
CNC Projects
Let me tell you this is one of the most inspiring builds I have seen on here.
As for myself after countless hours reading thousands of post and builds.
I have finally started my builds (lathe and mill) constantly wondering if it will do the job.
Everyone talks about tool, machine deflections ,runout and heat.
"will you be able to maintain + - .000001 accuracy with that setup?"
Heck sometimes I wonder if the moon will effect my shop floor....
...and here you are couple hundred dollars down the road and making chips 2 weeks later! Not to mention all the real world experience you are gaining while some of us are still punching formulas in scientific calculators.
Great JOB! Hail to the Home Depot Builder!
Wow, thank you so much for your very kind words! I'm glad I was able to inspire at least on person on the site!
That was my goal, do a little research, learn the basics, and build a machine that can do what I need it to. (for now) And it does just that! I cut my first acrylic tonight! I'll post pics tomorrow, it's getting late and the wife asked me to put our little girl to bed!
Here are some pics of last nights adventure in acrylic cutting. The part is cut from 3/8" sheet. The bit I used was actually a micro drill, .044"
I broke my first bit on insertion, I forgot to turn my feed rate down. But I think it turned out rather nice!