Homemade CNC router/printer
Homemade CNC router/printer
(OP)
Has anyone here built a home made CNC machine?
There's entirely too much information online to search thru.
Any starter tips or things to avoid?
My background is mechanical so the whole software and programming would be a challenge.
Cheers, MM
There's entirely too much information online to search thru.
Any starter tips or things to avoid?
My background is mechanical so the whole software and programming would be a challenge.
Cheers, MM





RE: Homemade CNC router/printer
http://www.cnccookbook.com has been a good resource for laying out your plans.
-I would start looking at CNC Cad / Cam programs right off the bat, or at least before you start doing your controls set up in matlab (highly recommended you set your controls systems up in simulink first, makes it a lot easier). I use Siemens NX, but there are free versions that exist - you want to set your control scheme up so the computer can choose all your tool pathing. No one likes hammering out G-code.
-Make your project evolving. For example, if you are doing a combo lathe/mill get the mill & tool holder working, then start cracking on the lathe.
-Texts can help get basic concepts down pat. I went back to my control systems, system dynamics, electronics, and machine design, and CAD/CAM/CAE texts a LOT.
RE: Homemade CNC router/printer
RE: Homemade CNC router/printer
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.
RE: Homemade CNC router/printer
They do kitset systems that would give you a great start.
RE: Homemade CNC router/printer
I keep trying to sell some CNC machine leftovers, and haven't gotten any nibbles.
Jay Maechtlen
http://www.laserpubs.com/techcomm
RE: Homemade CNC router/printer
Eventually I would like to add a laser and 3D head, but for the time being I would get more use out of a router.
Some of the information I have come across claims that CNC routers make for poor lasers and 3D printers because they're low speed and high torque.
To be honest, I would like the extra capabilities regardless of speed as long as the resolution is adequate. I am still looking into different controller options so I can find one that will also do the laser and extruder with the same board.
RE: Homemade CNC router/printer
RE: Homemade CNC router/printer
Higher accel/decels and/or greater tool forces require bigger motor, which require more powerful drives, and stiffer/stronger structures.
If you don't need huge tool forces, a single system might be quick enough to do a good job with a laser.
Accel/decel may be more important than a super peak velocity.
food for thought.
Jay Maechtlen
http://www.laserpubs.com/techcomm