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Building your own CNC router/milling machine

by Trochilidesign on March 13, 2014

Table of Contents

Building your own CNC router/milling machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro: Building your own CNC router/milling machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1: The Design and CAD model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 2: The frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 3: The Gantry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Step 4: Last movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Step 5: Guide rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Step 6: Spindles and pulleys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Step 7: Worksurface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Step 8: Electrical system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Step 9: The milling motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Step 10: CNC software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Step 11: It's Alive!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
 Author:Trochilidesign Trochili Design
Industrial Designer

Intro: Building your own CNC router/milling machine

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.

Step 1: The Design and CAD model

It all started with a proper design, in my case a few sketches to get a good feeling for the dimensions and shape. Quickly after the sketching phase came the CAD model.
I created my model in SolidWorks. If you plan to design your own machine I recommend a parametric CAD-modeling tool. Your machine will most likely have a lot of parts
which have to fit together neatly, sometimes with some strange dimensions (for example pre-ordered parts). After all the parts were modeled, technical drawings were
made. I used these drawings to machine all of the custom parts on the manual lathe and milling machine.

Since I'm a lover of good designed tools, I tried to make maintenance and the possibility to adjust things on the machine as easy as possible. Bearings could have been
integrated in the machine, but I chose to place them in separate bearing blocks (in case it needs to be replaced in the future). Keeping your machine clean is very
important too, so guiderails are all accessible (in case of the x-axis by detaching some cover plates)

De drawing above gives an overview of the main mechanical parts I will cover in this Instructable. I will of course also cover the electrical part of the machine. A PDF with
the main dimensions is also attached.

Image Notes
1. Step 3 covers this part of the machine
2. In step 2 a solid frame is constructed
3. Step 4 describes how to make the last movement
4. Step 6 is about all of the spindles
5. If you would like to know more about kitchen drawers, skip all of the parts and
go to step 5
6. A proper cutting bed is very important on you machine, the machine is covered
by a bed in step 7

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
File Downloads

CNC_main dimensions.pdf (223 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'CNC_main dimensions.pdf']
Step 2: The frame
The frame provides the machine a rigid basis, not only to place it in your workshop but also for working on. To the frame the gantry will be mounted on sliding rails and
later on a work surface. It also houses the stepper motor and spindle for the x-axis. I constructed my frame from 2 Maytec 40x80mm profiles, 2 endplates (both 10 mm
thick aluminium), 4 corner pieces and a square structural piece.
All of the profiles are sawed right-angled and afterward milled exactly square. With the corner pieces a heavy (well relatively lightweight; it's all aluminium) frame was
bolted together. The square frame made from the smaller profiles were mounted with 4 milled blocks (aluminium) on the inside of the Maytec profiles.

Since the frame sits beneath the worksurface dust could fall down on the guiderails (you want to keep them clean, more about that in step 5). To prevent this, dust covers
were made and mounted around the guiderails. A angular profile mounted with brass milled t-nuts onto the may tech frame and 2mm aluminium plates mounted in the
milled pockets on the endplates.

On both endplates bearing blocks are mounted for the spindle. They were hand milled and lathed to the right tolerances. On the front endplate mounting slots for the
stepper motor were milled

All of the dimensions are documented in the technical drawings below.

Image Notes
1. Milled parts for dust covers
2. Linear guide rails; discussed in step 5
3. Maytech Aluminium 40x80mm extruded profile
4. 40x40mm aluminium profile for a rigid structure
5. 90degree angle pieces
6. Lots of T-slots for T-nuts. Mounting things to the frame is just peanuts

Image Notes
1. Dustcovers mounted
2. Linear guiderails with the runner blocks slided on
3. The square structure assembled and mounted in the frame
http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
 Image Notes
1. Dustcover

File Downloads

Bearingblocks.pdf (105 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Bearingblocks.pdf']

Dusprofile.pdf (172 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Dusprofile.pdf']

Dustplates.PDF (83 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Dustplates.PDF']

Endplate-frame.pdf (192 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Endplate-frame.pdf']

Endplate-frame(motormount).pdf (189 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Endplate-frame(motormount).pdf']

Framebeam 320mm.PDF (86 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Framebeam 320mm.PDF']

Framebeam.pdf (91 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Framebeam.pdf']

Maytec.pdf (88 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Maytec.pdf']

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
 Mountingblocks Internal frame.pdf (101 KB)
[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Mountingblocks Internal frame.pdf']

T-nut(dustprofile).pdf (90 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'T-nut(dustprofile).pdf']
Step 3: The Gantry
The gantry is the bridge between the x-axis guiderails and supports your milling motor above the workpiece. The higher you make it, the thicker the workpiece can be.
There is however a disadvantage of high gantries. They work as levers on the guiderails and on the other hand the side plates tend to bend more easily by making them
longer.

Most of the work I planned to do with the CNC involved milling aluminium parts. An average vise for the machine would be 60 mm high. Since the thickest blocks of
aluminium easily available for me would be 60 mm high as well, I chose to space between the work surface and the piece of metal, which could hit the workpiece first, to
be 125 mm. This gave me a starting point for the side plates. Since I wanted the center of an end mill hovering over the center of the runnigblocks (from the machines
side view), the side plates had to be placed at an angle. Solidworks helped me to convert all of the measurements into the final parts. Because of all the complex
dimensions I decided to mill these parts on an industrial CNC mill, this also gave me the opportunity to round all of the corners (would have been very hard to mill on a
manual mill).

The part which supports the y-axis guiderails is formed out of an 5mm thick U-profile. It is mounted between the side plate with the help of two simple mounting blocks.
On the inside the U-profile houses the y-axis spindle. Which is again supported by the same bearing blocks used for the x-axis. They are mounted on the outside of the
side plates.

Beneath the main frame a plate was mounted on the underside of the gantry's side plates, giving a mounting point for the x-axis spindle nut.

All of the dimensions are provided in the drawings below.

Image Notes
1. Sideplates of the gantry; they were CNC milled on an industrial machine.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
File Downloads

Gantry Spindlenut-plate.pdf (177 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Gantry Spindlenut-plate.pdf']

Sideplate Gantry.pdf (229 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Sideplate Gantry.pdf']

U-profile Gantry.pdf (189 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'U-profile Gantry.pdf']

U-profile support.pdf (98 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'U-profile support.pdf']

Y-axis motormount.pdf (186 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Y-axis motormount.pdf']
Step 4: Last movement
The last movement is what I call the Stepermotorhousing for the z-axis (plus the z-axis itself of course). It is constructed out of a frontplate mounted on the y-axis linear
guiderails, 2 reinforcement plates, a motor mount and a backplate. On the front plate 2 linear guiderails were mounted for the z-axis onto which the Mountingplate for the
milling motor was placed with the runner blocks.

The motor mount has the bearing for the z-axis spindle fitted into it. So I didn't use a bearing block for this spindle and is only supported on the top. he lower end is
floating behind the mounting plate for the milling motor. The spindle nut for the Z-axis was directly bolted on the mounting plate for the milling motor.
The backplate provides a spot for the y-axis spindle nut to be mounted; it is mounted on the inside.

All of the custom mechanics are now ready. The CNC is assembled with the guiderails, spindles and a lot of bolts ;-)
De drawings are again provided below.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
File Downloads

KRESS-mount.pdf (123 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'KRESS-mount.pdf']

Y-axis nutplate.pdf (95 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Y-axis nutplate.pdf']

Z-axis backplate.pdf (105 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Z-axis backplate.pdf']

Z-axis crossbeam.pdf (98 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Z-axis crossbeam.pdf']

Z-axis guiderailplate.pdf (198 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Z-axis guiderailplate.pdf']

Z-axis motorplate.pdf (222 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Z-axis motorplate.pdf']

Z-plate (Kress).pdf (208 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Z-plate (Kress).pdf']

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
Step 5: Guide rails
Since your endmills need to move in 3 directions, the machine guides them with its guide rails. The guide rails provides the machine its rigidity in all directions except the
one it moves in. You want them to let the machine only move in the preferred direction. Any backlash in other directions results in inaccuracies in your workpieces.
On my machine I wanted to use guideways supported on the full length of the rail, reducing the risk for deflections on the longer axes.
In my opinion some kitchen drawer slides are preferred above the hardened steel rods which are supported on the end (yes! they will deflect). Since you are constantly
fighting the forces from the endmills against the material of the workpiece, a lot of support is recommended.
I chose the most expensive option; profiled linear guide rails with runner blocks. The are designed to receive forces in all directions. In the third picture you can see the
looping bearing balls, they are positioned on both sides of the profile. All with a tangent 45 degree relative to each other, giving it the ability to handle high loads.

To get all guiderails perpendicular and parallel to each other they were all aligned with a dial indicator (with a maximum difference of 0,01 mm). If you spent your time on
this part, the machine will perform very well in accuracy!

Step 6: Spindles and pulleys

The spindles translate the rotational movement from the stepper motors into a linear movement. When building your machine, you can choose between three different
version; leadscrews or ball screws, either in metric or Imperial configuration. The main difference between leadscrews and ball screws is the accuracy and friction.
Leadscrews tend to have a lot more friction and are less precise than ball screws. If your looking for a very accurate machine without any backlash, you should definitely
consider ball screws. However, they are relatively expensive!

I chose to use leadscrews with a special plastic drivenut which reduce friction and are approach a backlash free system. You can order the drive nuts here:
http://www.mixware.de/index.html\

Both the ends of the x- and y-axis have to be turned to size to fit the bearings, pulleys and clamping nuts. Since the z-axis spindle is only supported on one and with a
bearing, it is turned on only one side.

The pulleys are drilled to the turned shaft size (in my case 8 mm) and provided with a M4 setscrew perpendicular to the shafthole.

The drawings below show the dimensions

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
File Downloads

LeadscrewX.pdf (101 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'LeadscrewX.pdf']

LeadscrewY.pdf (102 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'LeadscrewY.pdf']

LeadscrewZ.pdf (169 KB)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'LeadscrewZ.pdf']
Step 7: Worksurface
The work surface is the place you will clamp your pieces of material on. On a lot of professional machine a T-slotted bed is used, giving you the option the use T-nuts and
bolts to clamp your materials or vices. I chose to use a square piece of 18 mm birch-plywood on which a screw the materials and replace it when needed. An affordable
work surface! You could also use Mdf with anchor nuts and bolts. Try to avoid screws and nails in Mdf, it doesn't grip them as good as a plywood board.

The work surface could be milled flat by the machine itself after you've completed it. Your first project :-)

Step 8: Electrical system

The main components in the electrical system are:

-Stepper motors

-Stepper drivers

-Powersupply (or 2)

-Breakoutboard

-Computer

-And last but not least: Safety first; a emergency stop ;-)

I chose to buy a complete set on Ebay with 3 Nema 23 stepper motors, 3 suitable drivers, a breakout board and a 36 V power supply. I use a step down converter to
convert the 36 volt DC into 5 Volt DC. You can of course also put together your own set. Since I could not wait to sartup the machine I temporarily mounted all the drivers
and power supply on a open board. The enclosure is in the making.

Since a few years it is also possible to connect a CNC very easily via USB. The UBS-breakout boards on the market generally come with their own software. I chose to
use the parallel printer port found on most older PC's. I do not intend to use a new computer in a room full of dust, oil and aluminium chips

Since I had a lot of difficulties in finding a proper scheme with the needed components, I tried to make everything clear in the infographic above (you can also download
the PDF and zoom in on the different parts)

File Downloads

Electric system.pdf (1 MB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Electric system.pdf']

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
Step 9: The milling motor
Since we want to remove material from the piece we clamp to the work surface, we need something that drives the cutting bits; i.e. the endmills. The milling motor will
spin the cutters at low or high speeds. From a simple Dremeltool to a High frequency Spindle of several kWatts. For our machine size a Kress spindle is very convenient
to start with. If you want to improve your machine, a reliable Hf spindle will please you. It all depents on the amount of money you can afford to spent on it.

Try to find something with the ability to use different sized collets.

Step 10: CNC software

In the topic CNC software I'll discuss not only the program me that controls the machine, but also the software which produces code the machine will understand.

When we make a workpiece on our computer, either flat or a 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) model, we need to convert it into something the machine will understand.
With CAM (Computer Aided Machining) we can read vectors and 3D models and create an output suitable (Gcode) for the software which controls the machine. I'm
allowed to use the professional software offered by my University

The software that controls the machine is a Gcode interpreter. When you use a USB-hub, as discussed in Electrical system), it will have it's own software. If you use the
parallel printer port on a older computer, you can choose your own. I chose to use Mach3 since it it used by most hobbyists. You can find a lot about it on forums and
google. Since Mach3 has many options and functions, I won't explain them. Just play with it and you'll discover its secrets :-)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
Step 11: It's Alive!!!
Ones connected properly, hookup the power supply, it just works!! Start with some pieces of wood or foam and you'll get used to the speeds and properties of your
machine. The work above shows some of the pieces I'm working on in aluminium. As you can see the machine is able to work very intricately.

Search for proper parts and take your time. I could have build the machine in a month, but because I had to search for parts on Ebay etc., it took me half a year. This
keeps the costs down of course, I was able to build the machine for less then 1000,-

I hope the story encourages you to build your own CNC milling machine. Please feel free to contact me or give a comment if you think something is missing.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 259 comments

MartinJ18 says: Aug 13, 2016. 11:36 PM REPLY

Good job mr. Thank you for share this. This will help me alot building my first cnc :) how do you program it?

djkaye says: Aug 2, 2016. 12:15 PM REPLY

2 questions. no1 will this work for milling tracks, pads and holes on a circuit board, and will this work with circuit wizard?

zkashour says: Apr 16, 2016. 11:56 AM REPLY

This instructable is very helpful, I would like to build my own cnc machine but I find it difficult to understand everything about it, I just want to build a machine that
can mill 1 inch thick plywood. I have to order the electronics from ebay because they are very expensive in my country! what electronics should I buy
specifically? I hope to get your help :)

GonaloM7 says: Jul 3, 2016. 11:31 PM REPLY

search for cnc kit nema. 2A is more than enough ffor you. it'll depend on speed you'll be working too.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
 ahmed_heg says: Jun 26, 2016. 2:07 PM REPLY
Hello, thanks for sharing your hard work. Please on what basis did you assume the inclination angle of the gantry ?

GonaloM7 says: Jul 3, 2016. 11:29 PM REPLY

Balance and posicioning.

breandanmcewen9 says: May 15, 2016. 9:14 PM REPLY

This is a really clean and concise article. Nice build, and nice authoring. As a new hobbyist, I would have really liked to learn more about the software side of
running these machines. I have googled much about it, but there seems to be a ton of different options. Regardless, nice work on this build.

andrew72nd says: May 6, 2016. 12:45 AM REPLY

Hi, Thanks for sharing the story of your great machine. I plan to buy a similar kit with 3x NEMA23 3.5A 3Nm steppers + drivers+ breakout board + 36V
source; is this stepper powerful enough for harder materials? not steel but aluminum or copper; especially for X axis , which is the carrier of the other 2 axis
+ the tool head ... what speed do you use mostly ?( soft wood , hard wood, alu ?)

GREAT to hear that you managed to build it under 1000E. this is also my target . :D

ElchinA says: Apr 27, 2016. 6:21 AM REPLY

i like this one. can you please tell me what is the accuracy?

MuhammadA548 says: Mar 30, 2016. 10:08 AM REPLY

Hey! your project looks pretty impressive :) Can I have its CAD model? Its really important :/

HaseebK1 says: Apr 2, 2016. 2:53 AM REPLY

he already said he doesnt share :.(

PPHUJ says: Mar 20, 2016. 3:54 AM REPLY

Please let me know what is the hardness of the steel, machine parts

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:40 AM REPLY

all steel parts are from the mentioned manufacturers, I don't know why you would be interested....but have a look on the websites.

lksmith17 says: Mar 8, 2016. 4:45 PM REPLY

Please upload your BOM and all 3d models as well as cad drawings. I want to build this

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:38 AM REPLY

As mentioned earlier in the comment and in the article, I cannot share them

AR15DCM says: Mar 3, 2016. 10:50 PM REPLY

I do not recall seeing the thickness of the Gantry Plates in the Drawing or in the text of the article. Did I miss it? If it was not in either spot, can you provide it?

Thanks,

Dean

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:37 AM REPLY

They have a thickness of 15 mm :)

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:38 AM REPLY

milled from 6082 aluminium

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
 Kreat0r says: Nov 24, 2015. 10:27 AM REPLY
could you please include the Parts list to buy?thanks

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:35 AM REPLY

Sorry, no I can't

Reyndog7 says: Nov 21, 2015. 6:28 AM REPLY

Would a rotary cutter such as a Rotozip tool work as well as a Dremel for this project? My Rotozip has more lateral cutting bits available than I can find for
the Dremel and the motor is bigger and seems to have more speed and power.

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:35 AM REPLY

If you can find a fixation method for your Rotozip it would work I think. I recently changed my spindle for a High frequency spindle from china

volnmar says: Sep 20, 2015. 2:32 AM REPLY

Guys is better to use steel and welding then aluminium?

PierreI says: Oct 26, 2015. 2:46 AM REPLY

From my point of view, welded steel is always harder to deal with on the tweaking and after fabrication stages. i prefer using aluminium with screws so
my final product will be more flexible to work with like if i need to cut an oversized piece or anything else. so I vote for aluminium but you can always use
the method you prefer.

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:33 AM REPLY

I agree with you :)

quocanh83 says: Sep 23, 2015. 5:48 AM REPLY

Please tell me what kind of Guiderails? Hiwin MGNR 12 GUIDE RAIL - PITCH 25 of MGNR 9 GUIDE RAIL - PITCH 20.

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:32 AM REPLY

It doesn't really matter, as long as you take the measurements into account

alexa-a says: Sep 17, 2015. 2:07 PM REPLY

It also can be work with open source program code?

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:31 AM REPLY

Off course! Have a look at "GRBL CNC"

gungajin says: Aug 6, 2015. 12:30 PM REPLY

nice project, no doubt. Looks a little bit very much like this one: http://hackaday.com/2014/06/01/building-a-cnc-milling-machine-for-less-than-1300/

stevof says: Aug 6, 2015. 3:19 PM REPLY

It's the same one

gungajin says: Aug 7, 2015. 11:12 AM REPLY

indeed.

bbureau says: Mar 29, 2016. 2:21 AM REPLY

If you read the article it states that it was created by the authors friend (Trochilidesign), whom is the author of this post

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
 Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:26 AM REPLY
The Hackaday article was initiated by one of my friends, he follows the lackaday channel quite extensively ;) I didn't now anything about
Hackaday before they posted something

Trochilidesign says: Mar 29, 2016. 4:22 AM REPLY

The Hackaday article you mention is about this instructable.....;-)

MlB13 says: Feb 1, 2016. 6:20 AM REPLY

Ii want to use 3d file instead of 2d cad file like pro e or any other software. Any instruction?

Rangav says: Jan 19, 2016. 11:22 PM REPLY

The most elegant design, I would like to build a similar one with some small variations, since few materials are difficult to get. Hats off for your efforts. Sir,
what is the maximum build/ work area?

Lima_Thiago says: Jan 17, 2016. 8:03 PM REPLY

That was the most nice project that I've seen online. Nice finish work, the attentions to hide the motors. Congrats, thanks for all these ideas

9559 says: Jan 15, 2016. 10:09 AM REPLY

thanks

9559 says: Jan 15, 2016. 10:09 AM REPLY

thanks

BarryV says: Oct 14, 2015. 4:59 AM REPLY

Awesome Work... Thanks for sharing... My next Project

srki72 says: Sep 29, 2015. 12:24 PM REPLY

great job!

dadal says: Sep 17, 2015. 10:22 PM REPLY

wow, josh, that is excellent work on what you did. At 12 years old, I was taking electronics apart and made it better.

efia says: Sep 12, 2015. 1:01 AM REPLY

salute...., ..... you are shared that can inspire me and my college...

Invira says: Sep 1, 2015. 3:30 AM REPLY

It's amazing. I love the design is simple and clear. I was looking for something like that. Thank you for publishing it.

JoshE10 says: Sep 8, 2015. 1:43 PM REPLY

By far one of the easiest to follow with plenty of drawings already done for you.

ENGG_HAIDER says: Aug 22, 2015. 10:55 PM REPLY

this is my final year project 5axes cnc vertical milling and i need your help .

ngll says: Aug 22, 2015. 7:06 AM REPLY

i wanna get one

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/
 ahmedrpspl says: Aug 18, 2015. 5:39 AM REPLY
Can you proved electrical items with software

lthanh tng says: Aug 15, 2015. 4:45 AM REPLY

Can you provide 3D Model File or 2D CAD file!? I need to modify some component.?

view all 254 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/Building-your-own-CNC-milling-machine/