Posted on 01/20/2016 8:18:38 PM PST by Utilizer
Already at the age of 12 I was dreaming of making a machine which could make things! A machine which would give me the opportunity to create products for in and around the house. Two years later I stumbled ont the words 'Computer Numerical Control' or more specifically the CNC milling machine. After I found out people were able to build one themselves in their own shed, I knew it! I had to build one, I yearned to have it!! For three months I tried to find the proper parts (A dremeltool, drawer slides, pieces of wood, etc.), but I didn't really know how to build a CNC. The idea fell into oblivion.
In August 2013 the idea to build a CNC milling machine captivated me again. I just finished the first year of my bachelor in Industrial Design, so I was confident enough to start a build. The real difference between now and 5 years ago was, I learned to work with metal on manual milling machines and lathes and above all I had the right tools to design a machine.
This Instructable will show you how I built my CNC milling machine. I know a lot of CNC dreamers do not have the knowledge or tools to build a full metal machine. I still think and hope this Instructable inspires you to make your own machine. I include all of the necessary steps I went through in designing and building this CNC milling machine. All of the drawings I used to build my machine will be available.
(Excerpt) Read more at instructables.com ...
If you are a hobbyist/modeler/custom-builder.
I would love to make one of these!
Better to rent at various Maker Shops.
You are assuming everyone has access to such shops.
Nothing like that outside of the major cities here. Perhaps in Silicon Valley.
Here is something I found a couple of years ago.
Its a homebuilt cnc table w/ co2 laser.
The build on everything is very well. The table build would be very much the same as a router.
http://www.nilno.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi
Business opportunity....
A buddy has a Chevalier CNC mill and a 16 inch lathe.
I make aftermarket parts for Vespa scooters on the CNC.
At home I have a RU-31 mill and a 1962 Southbend 10k lathe.
Those I use for tinkering.
Great fun to work metal.
Hmmm! Great thought! I may just look into that, thanks mate!
Mmm! (wincing a bit)
Looks quite interesting, but the power requirements for that sort of cutting/carving tool look to be a bit on the heavy side...
Nice output, though.
There are people who have DIY automated manual mills, such as Grizzly’s.
Maybe find yourself a used mill and then convert it over.
Youtube is a goldmine.
You might find this guy informative
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRcZL-xSVg55-na811vMgGA
Do a search on Youtube of “DIY CNC routers”.
ALL sorts of info and ideas to find.
Maybe these will spark an interest
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=diy+cnc+mill+conversion
I’ve seen pretty decent work done on machines made using drawer slides from the hardware store and PVC pipe. Good enough to route signs and make artsy things, and pretty cheap if you’re willing to shop eBay and put some sweat equity into it. You can always upgrade the mechanics and move the motors and electronics onto a bigger and better machine.
And in Austin, Texas. I worked on such a machine at the Maker Shop there with my son-in-law. Whatever you need, they have the tools and machines. Benders, welding equipment, powder-coating machines, all big scale. Much easier to pay for the rental and access than to own a quarter-million dollar machine.
I am toying with the idea of creating a CNC to handle 4x8 plywood and then developing cut files that will cut the parts for a 4v or L4 dome (https://simplydifferently.org/Geodesic_Dome_Notes?page=5#L4%20Icosahedron%20Dome).
The idea would be to cut the struts from 3/4 plywood, hinge the triangles using regular door hinges, assemble the triangles to create a frame, cover the frame with screening and assemble the triangles into a dome. Once assembled, the custom fitting of doors and windows would need to be done to finish the framing. If the dome is large enough, a second story can be added but with the right hardware, the weight of the floor would be transfered to the outer shell via eyebolts.
Once the framing is completed, spray the exterior with a thin layer of Grancrete, the flow of the spray would be stopped by the screen. From there, add rebar and chain link fence and shotcrete/grancrete the exterior to create the thin shell. If an even thicker shell is required, bricks can be added to the exterior for additional mass. Foam insulation could then be sprayed on the inside. From there, finish the interior as normal (well, as normal for a dome).
I know there are other techniques for building a dome but this seems to me to be the least expensive, lower cost method for assembly. Done correctly, could be done by one skilled individual and one helper. Other techniques such as the monolitic dome method are designed to meet other criteria and seem to be more expensive.
Google “DIY CNC mill”. Lots of designs, kits, parts, and software out there.
I’ve been slowly collecting parts to build one based on a tabletop milling machine.
I've seen workable projects for about $500
$2k-$3k for serious hobbiests
bump for later perusal
I ran a small cnc router for an a exhibit-museum-themed enviroment shop for several years.(Made some sign stencils for freedom poster to protest cynthia mckinney). When i say run....i mean take abstract designs turn them into dimension parts. My crowning achievement was a fuctioning fire truck for miami childrens museum...3/4 sticking out the wall. Out of 3/4 birch plywood. Now the pump system and cockpit and lights came from outside vendors....and I copied the shape from a blown up pic...but it was cool.
One can build VERY structurally sound and light things using 3/4 birch, wood glue, and a narrow crown staple gun.
And i meant to add....there are free, easy cad type drawing programs...which will work with modern router software which doess all the tool path for you.
When i first ran cnc’s....you had to program line by line. It took forever.
I am going to check out one of those maker shops here in the OC. They charge a monthly or yearly fee, like a gym. It’s kind of pricey and I can’t afford it right now.
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