Hello all! For someone getting started in the DIY CNC world, where is a good place to start, info, resources, supplies, ect? I am an avid woodworker and have a decent understanding of electrical and computers. Thanks for any input and info.
There are a lot of good webs about CNC made in wood, and i’m sure here there are lot of people will a lot of knowledge about this. In my experience, I’ve developed a MDF homemade CNC 3 axis, with a working volume of 1000x500x200. Just take a look, maybe you will find something interesting:
http://o3ozono.com/en/
I also am an avid woodworker. My father did it, his father before him. I built a 4’x4’ CNC machine (it was more of a “I have to have one!”). I enjoy designing things and going from prototype to product inside of a day.
That being said, do your research and decide what you want to use it for. If to cut little toys out only… or mill plywood. Having a goal helps plan out the “how big and strong”. It’s easy to cut small stuff on a big machine, but difficult to cut big stuff on a small machine.
Check out http://openbuilds.com, there is a bunch of resources on there for all types of machines
I’m building a wood frame CNC machine that uses roller skate bearings rolling on angle iron for linear guides. I’ll let you know how accurate it is when it is finished. The first version where I had the bearings riding right on wood was sloppy so I’m upgrading to steel surfaces. Here is what my first try could do though
I had a pencil mounted where the tool goes to test things out. It is clear looking at the image that the pattern came out distorted. With the steel guides I should be able to run about as accurate as the steel is flat I guess. The bearings were really digging into the wood the first way that I had it. But I tried to go the super cheap route the first time around.
I’ve mounted the same system in my CNC, and I agree, it’s pretty accurate
Take a look here:
http://o3ozono.com/paso-11-el-puente-02/
What I’ve used is stainless steel “L” profile, to avoid degradation due to the bearings, and for now it works great.
http://buildyourcnc.com/blackToe2x4v40.aspx - this may interest you, I have one and it works very well.
@Oscar_Terrer You look like you went with a BuildYourCNC type of bearing system. Mine is similar, but different. This is my Y axis mocked up holding my X axis
My other Y axis lead screw drive is not in that image. I dual drive both my X, and Y axises, for more torque, and to spread the power out too. That whole picture is actually rotated 90 degrees. Everything was really stacked up on my workbench when I took that shot. I think the way I have my bearings gives me more mechanical leverage advantage compared to mounting the bearings on the same piece of angle like how BuildYouCNC does it.
I don’t have a really good picture of my machine yet because it is all apart now, but this might give you an idea what it looks like
Even running the bearings on wood it worked OK. But I really want to see what it can do so I am putting steel where the bearings ride now.
bearings over the wood… it may work properlly but during some time… after that the wood will be damaged. At the beggining, I used aluminum profiles, and oafter 4 or 6 months (not many hours running) it start to degradate. It began to form grooves, and basically destroy the aluminum… so not sure how many time your wood guides will support the efforts. For that reason i recomend you finish the installation of the steel frames
@Oscar_Terrer Yeah, like I said, I’m already on it over here.
check out the LinuxCNC community. an open-source cnc-controller that runs on real-time linux. works with stepper motors and closed loop servos, spindle control, automatic toolchange, etc. almost whatever you can imagine and build.
The range of controllers is vast. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you “use this”. There are great single-board controllers for $100-150, Arduino-based for $40 including stepper drivers right up to a Gecko system that will set you back a grand.
Set your budget first, then build your first machine within that.
CNCZone is the most comprehensive forum where you can find detailed reviews, ideas, designs, as well as an active market for new and used.
Don’t try and reinvent the wheel, go with a simple tried and true design and work from there.
In my experience, decide what you want to use it for, first. That will get rid of half the designs.
I only wanted to cut sheet goods with a little v-carving, so my criteria was a large bed but little height and not a lot of power needed. I started with the linear system and chose the most versatile and affordable, which was open builds v-trak. I have significant restrictions on what I can make, because I live in a country that doesn’t sell skate bearings, machine screws, electrical wire, etc. so I had to import right down to the last nut and bolt. So, I spent a year researching and talking before I got a working design.
If you are a competent diy er and want to make it yourself, look at Joes CNC. Mostly made from MDF and steel pipe and skate bearings. But a sound gantry design and a straightforward build, with free plans.
@Mike_Thornbury My budget went out the window last year. I just want my machine running now. I have too much invested in it at this point to quit too.
I was responding to the first poster, the one asking for advice on a new CNC router.
Sorry, I didn’t even read your post