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Thread ID: 116614 2011-03-12 07:51:00 Building a CNC Router The Error Guy (14052) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1185523 2011-03-12 07:51:00 Just thought i'd build a small CNC router... just because really.

i'll get around to programming it later, 1st I plan on building it. looking at several designs. not too fussed on it really. more like a "can I actually build it project"

1st off

Stepping motors: Proper CNC motors cost a lot more $$ than I really have. would old electronic typewriter or scanner steppers be ok?

Cutting tool: possible to use an old drill (busted battery) on a 18v rail to do the business end of cutting etc? mostly i'll be cutting shapes in thin tin or plastic (slow speeds or plastic melts. Maybe some metal/glass/plexi engraving.

anyway, interesting to see how it goes. if it works I can actually do some stuff I have been meaning to do for aaages

Interested to hear your views on this
The Error Guy (14052)
1185524 2011-03-12 22:55:00 Hi

I don't know enough about steppers to give you an diffinative answer, but my gut would be that the ones from typewriters would be too small

My guess would be that an 18volt drill will be too slow. Your idea that plastic will melt at fust speeds may be a bit off. My CNC router runs at 20000rpm and the plastic has not melted yet

I would say that it is important to use a solid frame as otherwise there will be variation in the part size. I have used one where the whole table including legs and supports were made from wood, and there was change in part size.

If you live in Auckland message me. You are welcome to come and look at my professionally built router for ideas
superoman (6703)
1185525 2011-03-13 00:04:00 Have a look in here
www.cnczone.com
Whenu (9358)
1185526 2011-03-13 02:09:00 Have a look at Reprap machines they are 3d plastic printers mainly for hobbyist home users, but they use stepper motors gary67 (56)
1185527 2011-03-13 02:47:00 mostly not too worried about part size difference. I don't plan to do anything precision. Mostly shaping plastic + tin

I'm guessing superoman's plastic doesn't melt because of quality plastics + tools. The stuff that I have worked tends to go a bit goey and give a bad finish. And i'm wellington not auck so I won't be able to see yours.

more proof of concept to myself since I need to get back into programming so this seemed a good idea. I might make a driving circuit for an existing CNC first instead.

Also its only going to be small, x30 y 30 z2-5 cm but I might try to get some more powerful steppers
The Error Guy (14052)
1185528 2011-03-13 09:11:00 Plastics I have cut are acrylic/polycarbonate. And yes a sharp cutter is always helpful.

I am guessing you have been cutting pvc or styrene. Yes they are not easy to machine

If you are wanting to pick the brains of someone, try Router Cut Specialist in seaview. The manufacture routers etc to order, and run a cutting business
superoman (6703)
1185529 2011-03-13 09:54:00 I have got a book here on how to build your own cnc cutter out of wood. :)

Link: buildyourcnc.com

I been looking at getting 1 myself. Cutting area of round 400x600mm.
bluezone (12434)
1185530 2011-03-13 10:49:00 Have a browse over these links;
Could be a bit overkill hackaday.com
Not quite a CNC but close enough hackaday.com
If you don't mind MDF hackaday.com

Quite a few small DIY CNCs that I see usually use parts from old printers, because you get a full rail mounting with a stepper made as one unit.
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1185531 2011-03-14 10:53:00 Years may wrinkle the skin,buy wow gold (igtto.com/)but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.cheapest wow gold (http:) Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit buy cheap wow (www.igtto.com) back to dust. mekar3e (16273)
1185532 2011-03-14 10:56:00 Reported ubergeek85 (131)
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