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$20 CNC Machine

by Techbuilder on April 16, 2009

Table of Contents

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Intro: $20 CNC Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: Find recycled material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 2: Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 3: Linear slides of fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 4: X,Y,Z tables for your brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

step 5: Motor mount time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

step 6: Thread me please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

step 7: Gluing time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

step 8: Where's the Z axis :( . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

step 9: A piece from the heaven's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

step 10: Tall posts oh my! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

step 11: Are we done yet! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

step 12: Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)

Intro: $20 CNC Machine

I got inspired for this instructable when I viewed the Easy To Build Stepper Controller

instructable .When I read the instructable I knew I could make a decent looking and functioning cnc machine for under 20 dollars with a recycled twist, Not to mention I
did this in under a week.

I expect you to have basic knowledge on power tools and hand tools
and of course this instructable requires you to have a rotary tool such as a dremel.
Even if you don't have knowledge on power tools or hand tools I advise you to try this instructable because you will learn a lot about hand and power tools and you can
build this for less then 20 dollars
so if you mess up it's no biggie and it would not cost to much to replace a part.

Let's Build!

Update 02/01/10

{Hi everyone just thought I would give you an update on this instructable since Ive been getting
a lot of emails and messages and such.

I'm getting really close to completing the electronics for the CNC,
as stated in a comment the steppers I found in the printer were bi-polar stepper motors which the circuit
would cost quite a bit more if you went this route. If you were lucky to find some Unipolar stepper motors
then you could build the electronics for under 3 bucks however unipolar motors have less torque. I will be selling CNC kits soon and they will be of better build quality as
well as a cheap price tag because I know how it is to be on a budget and not have the tools I need to create simple things and even complex things and this world needs
more DIY builders.

The CNC kits will be available roughly 1 to 2 weeks after the electronics Instructable has been released
their will actually be a video showing this CNC working when the electronics Instructable is completed}

Image Notes
1. Electronics Instructable soon to come!

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
step 1: Find recycled material
Now this is the most enjoyable part of building the cnc machine
which is trying to find garbage that people want to throw away.

Here's what you need to locate

Flat bed scanner

Old printer

These two items are going to have your juicy stepper motors and the
beautiful harden steel rods, that's not the only thing you can get out of these green machines.

You will find gears, bushings, cold cathodes, capacitors, buttons, parallel ports and there is
so much more.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. The victim 1. So much fun

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Harden steel rod Could be used for axis if you can locate 2 alike 1. Parts
2. Cold cathode Could be used for a light box

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 Image Notes
1. Stepper motor or aka the holy grail
2. Bushings

step 2: Tools
Now I tried to build this with the bare necessities so I could show you that it is possible to
make a cnc machine with very little.

Required Tools:

Drill

Screw drivers

Tap and Die set

Rotary tool

Hack saw

Vise or some form of clamping device

Pliers

Drill bits

File

Center punch

Recommended Tools:

Band saw

Table saw

Lathe

Bench grinder

Bolt cutters

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 Image Notes
1. Hack saw
2. Drill
3. Vise
4. 3ft aluminum rod

step 3: Linear slides of fun

The center core of your cnc machine is your tables
so read carefully and follow the instructable.

Required materials

Quantity Type Cost

4 2"x6"x1/2" Expanded PVC 2.00

2 2"x4"x1/2" Expanded PVC 1.00

2 10" 3/8" Aluminum rod 0.75

2 12" 3/8 Aluminum rod 0.75

2 8" 3/8" Aluminum rod 0.50

1 11 1/4" 5/8"-24 threaded rod 1.00

1 9 1/4" 5/8"-24 threaded rod 0.75

1 7 1/4" 5/8"-24 threaded rod 0.50

Now this is just the run down of everything

I of course cut everything up, you can purchase everything you see here from your local
hardware store and plastic store for really cheap.

First step

Stack 2 of the expanded pvc pieces that are the same size and drill a whole in the center
and two holes each three quarters of an inch from the edge from the center line.

Now cut your aluminum rods to size and stick them through,
now you should have a comparable piece down below

Repeat for all Axis

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 Image Notes Image Notes
1. Expanded PVC 1. This is what it should look like after you are done

Image Notes
1. X and Y axis

Image Notes
1. Holes for the aluminum rod
2. Hole for motor

Image Notes
1. Z axis

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
step 4: X,Y,Z tables for your brunch
Alright now here comes the most time consuming part
making the tables for the slides but once they are made it really feels like the project
is taking off.

Required Materials

Quantity Type Cost

1 6"x12"x1/4" Acrylic sheet Scrap

1 6"x10"1/4" Acrylic sheet Scrap

1 5 1/2"x5"x1/4" Acrylic sheet Scrap

15 1 1/2"x1 3/4"x1/2" Acrylic sheet Scrap

Now what you are going to want to do is stack 4 pieces of the 1 1/2"x1 3/4"x1/2"
and drill dead center with a 3/8 drill bit

After you have done so feed 2 pieces on each rod

and line them up and place your sheet on top and flip it over now glue.

Repeat for each axis

For your Y axis

now would be a good time to drill your holes so you can mount things you wish to cut.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. 1 1/2"x1 3/4"x1/2" Square blocks 1. Square blocks with the rods through them

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Acrylic Sheet flipped over and aligned straight 1. You should end up with something like this. Repeat this step to make all three
2. Square block ready to be glued axis.
3. Use acrylic glue for maximum strength and clean look
http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 Image Notes Image Notes
1. Grid paper is a good way to get your holes in parallel. 1. Pretty

step 5: Motor mount time

Now depending on where you get your motor from
they are all going to be different so they will require special mounts

I recommend printer stepper motors because they are easy to mount but scanner steppers motors will work just fine.

Now in step three you should have drilled the motor hole and now all you have to do is mount it in

The coupler that attaches from your stepper to your threaded rod is going to be different based on
stepper you have.

I made one out of aluminum but you can make one out of plastic just as long as it is wide enough.

All you have to do is drill in the center of a little piece of rod

to the size of the stepper then on the other side drill 5/16 for the threaded rod.
After that tap the 5/16 side
And glue

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Recycled Printer stepper motor attached 1. Screw that attaches stepper motor
2. Aluminum coupler I made The one I made use's a set screw but you can glue it
in but it will be permanent.

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
step 6: Thread me please
Now once you have made your coupler it's time
to attach the threaded rod and glue a threaded coupler to one of the 1 1/2"x1 3/4"x1/2" square blocks

You have to make sure that the center on the threaded coupler matches the center of the threaded rod.

After you should get something like down below

Required Materials

Quantity Type Cost

3 5/8"-24x1" threaded coupler 0.60

Repeat for each axis

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Just a piece of rod I used to mark the center 1. Thread coupler glued in place Sorry I didn't take a close up shot

step 7: Gluing time

So now you should have all three axis completed and now it's time to line them up and glue.

The base I used was a 20"x12"x1/4" piece of white acrylic I found at the plastic store

You could use smaller but I wouldn't recommend it

Once you have found a base, glue your x axis to it and then your y axis to your x axis acrylic top,
then you should have something like down below.

use acrylic glue

for this step

it will glue expanded pvc as well if your wondering

After that Glue your z axis to a piece of

8"x4"x1/4" acrylic sheet.

Required materials:

Quantity Type Cost

1 20"x12"x1/4" Acrylic sheet scrap

1 8"x4"x1/4" Acrylic sheet scrap

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 Image Notes Image Notes
1. You should have something that looks like this 1. Glue here using acrylic glue
2. Base I used 2. Glue all the expanded pvc to the acrylic sheet but make sure it's parallel

step 8: Where's the Z axis :(

Don't worry I didn't forget about that

Moving along

Now we want to add a mount for are rotary tool to the acrylic sheet on the z axis

I used a pipe holder and a screw clamp, you can buy both these items at a local hardware store for really cheap.

You have to cut a little lip to attach to the acrylic sheet because the pipe mount isn't going to be flat once you slide the rotary tool in because it expands.

Place the pipe mount on top of the acrylic lip and glue.

Required Materials

Quantity Type Cost

1 Pipe mount 0.40

1 Screw clamp Free

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 Image Notes
1. Bent in

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Acrylic lip I used my dremel to make this piece 1. Acrylic lip the shape of the pipe mount
2. Leave a 1/16 or more gap for the screw clamp.
3. Glue together using epoxy or super glue

step 9: A piece from the heaven's

Now that you made your z axis rotary mount it's time to set up
the posts and the acrylic sheet that connects them.

You need a square hole in the center of the 10"x16"x5/16" acrylic sheet to feed your z axis through

After you have cut that out it's time to attach a thick piece of a acrylic
to support the z axis on.

After you have done that you should attach you z axis to it and make sure the acrylic piece is sticking out at least 1/16" off the edge so you can have a flat side.

Required materials:

Quantity Type Cost

1 10"x16"x5/16" Acrylic Sheet Scrap

1 1 1/2"x5"x1" Acrylic Sheet Scrap

(aka thick piece)

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 Image Notes Image Notes
1. Used a dremel with a cutting blade then cleaned it up with sanding attachment 1. 1 1/2"x5"x1"
2. Glue to the bottom of the piece you just cut out
3. Then glue your 4"x8"x1/4" to the block

step 10: Tall posts oh my!

Now it's time to glue
the 1 1/2"x16"x1" posts to the z axis acrylic top
and then after your done with that, you then glue it to the base.

Required Materials:

Quantity Type Cost

4 1 1/2"x16"x1" Scrap

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Applying pressure after I set the acrylic glue in. 1. Glue the post to the sheet
2. Glue the post to the base

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
step 11: Are we done yet!
The answer is no but we do happen to be mechanical done
now because of the short amount of time I had I could not add the electronics part to this instructable,
so I am going dedicate an entire instructable just to the electronics part some time this week as well as a video.

So turn that frown upside down

Word of advise this is quite a bit of work even though it may not look like it
so by the time you have this finished the electronics instructable will be beyond finished.

I will most likely add it on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.

Part list:

Quantity Type Cost

4 2"x6"x1/2" Expanded PVC 2.00

2 2"x4"x1/2" Expanded PVC 1.00

2 10" 3/8" Aluminum rod 0.75

2 12" 3/8 Aluminum rod 0.75

2 8" 3/8" Aluminum rod 0.50

1 11 1/4" 5/8"-40 threaded rod 1.00

1 9 1/4" 5/8"-40 threaded rod 0.50

1 7 1/4" 5/8"-40 threaded rod 0.25

1 6"x12"x1/4" Acrylic sheet Scrap

1 6"x10"1/4" Acrylic sheet Scrap

1 5 1/2"x5"x1/4" Acrylic sheet Scrap

15 1 1/2"x1 3/4"x1/2" Acrylic sheet Scrap

3 5/8"-24x1" threaded coupler 0.60

1 20"x12"x1/4" Acrylic sheet scrap

1 8"x4"x1/4" Acrylic sheet scrap

1 Pipe mount 0.40

1 Screw clamp Free

4 1 1/2"x16"x1" Scrap

? Scrap from Tap Plastics 12.00

Total= 19.50

I got all my plastic from tap plastics scrap bin and I got the rest of the pieces from home depot
and a local metal supply shop.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Almost all done! 1. Electronics Instructable soon to come!

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 step 12: Recommendations
Now the stepper motors you find in a printer would do just fine
but after a while I would highly recommend to upgrade to some bigger stepper motors.

As for the expanded pvc I would replace that with Acrylic but do to the fact that I had a budget and the short amount of time I had no choice but to go with expanded pvc
but I would really recommend you use acrylic.

Related Instructables

DIY CNC (guide) CNC (guide) by Fireball V90 CNC Stomp Pad Rapid How to Make a
by Instructables Instructables CNC Router Project | CNC Technique: Three Axis CNC
Guides Guides Assembly Programming | Preparing Machine
(video) by G-Code Plastic #11;CNC (Cheaply and
abbtech Programming | Milling "Blanks" Easily) by
CNC Plasma for Parts Used oomlout
Cutting by in#11;Prototyping
ivanirons Scientific
Equipment by
siderits

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 102 comments

sadiablo says: Sep 8, 2010. 6:37 AM REPLY

Nice ible :) I'm in the planning and budgeting stage at the moment and have my steppers and controllers on order. Just a couple of quick queries on the
construction of your magnificent machine.

1. With the measurements you have used what is the useable cutting area?

And
2. Is there any reason you couldn't screw and glue the joins for extra stability and strength?

Any help would be muchly appreciated

simon661 says: Sep 5, 2010. 4:58 PM REPLY

BTW To all canadians that live in toronto. I got 4 stepper motor for $10. I bought it from Active Surplus. They have a lot of tools you will need to build this cnc
machine.

mman1506 says: Sep 5, 2010. 7:28 PM REPLY

go active

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 simon661 says: Sep 5, 2010. 3:59 PM REPLY
I need the PDF file :( To bad im not a pro member.

falafle says: Sep 1, 2010. 9:12 AM REPLY

hey really cool idea for you ! write a plugin for sketchup that will translate a sketch into a depthmap and use that to control your cnc machine! thats what i did
and it made it super easy use my own cnc machine.

livingbios says: Sep 3, 2010. 7:40 AM REPLY

Could you explain this? Is this plugin for sketchup literally sending the step sequences? I'm really not understanding how this would play out.

falafle says: Sep 3, 2010. 11:31 AM REPLY

this method of control works like this: ruby script---->export to external aplication(self written)---->commands sent via serial-----> interpretation by
microcontroller----> MOVEMENT | V feedback of position to app via serial

treflip says: Aug 30, 2010. 9:21 PM REPLY

Did you ever offer the kits?

nazgults says: Aug 5, 2010. 7:21 AM REPLY

Which type of the scanner is this?

filjoa says: Jul 11, 2010. 3:27 AM REPLY

Hi nice project... what hardware you use? best regards

wii552 says: Dec 19, 2009. 6:21 AM REPLY

could wood be used instead of plastic for most things?

NewB007 says: Dec 31, 2009. 9:40 AM REPLY

Wood expands and contracts with humidity (and non-uniformly depending on grain), so you wouldn't maintain the tolerances needed for most CNC
machines.

That said, if you live somewhere with a constant (or complete lack of) humidity, such as in the desert somewhere, wood that has been fully cured (and/or
fully weather-sealed) may work just fine. For anywhere else, I suppose if there were enough play between the wood parts and the rods, then you may be
able to make it work with a sacrifice in quality of the finished product and the risk of binding up of the threaded rods and couplers.

If you aren't after high quality reproduction of your design (accuracy), then wood may be fine there, also. Basically, this is a M-16 vs. AK-47 argument.
One has tighter tolerances and higher accuracy, and the other has looser tolerances and lower accuracy. In the end, if it is good enough to do the job,
that is all that matters. Binding would be the only risk here.

tanmanknex says: Jan 3, 2010. 7:58 AM REPLY

in Utah it means yes!!!

sssssbooom says: Mar 21, 2010. 10:44 PM REPLY

I disagree, In the past 2 weeks we have had snow, rain, wind, and 60 degree weather. And my doors lock is harder to lock in the winter. So I
don't think the humidity is constant at all.

CharMio says: Jun 30, 2010. 6:55 AM REPLY

disagreeing with a scientifically proven fact, i like your style! (wood takes more than two weeks to expand)

sssssbooom says: Jun 30, 2010. 9:55 AM REPLY

The two weeks is only explaining how often the weather changes. "if you live somewhere with a constant (or complete lack of)
humidity, such as in the desert somewhere," Utah is not one of those. I never stated that wood expand faster then 2 weeks.

tanmanknex says: Jun 30, 2010. 10:17 AM REPLY

I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote that so... Yeah. Anyway, the humidity where I live usually is pretty constant, though
today during Marching Band it felt like Louisiana. Or Georgia. Or some other southeastern state where it's really humid. Humidity
is the one thing I can't stand, weatherwise.

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 sssssbooom says: Jun 30, 2010. 9:51 PM REPLY
You wrote it 6 months ago, I barely remember replying. Well until CharMio misunderstood my reply lol. :)

socalcovey says: Mar 3, 2010. 3:55 AM REPLY

In Washington it means NO!

pyrorower says: Apr 20, 2010. 10:07 AM REPLY

If you attach the proper tip, couldn't you also use this for metal part fabrication?

microwizard says: Apr 9, 2010. 7:36 AM REPLY

It would be nice to have so much acrylic sheets as "scrap" :-P

amdivoff says: Mar 21, 2010. 8:34 AM REPLY

? what tool would you guys recommend to use to get clean cuts on the sheets

Bowtie41 says: Mar 26, 2010. 12:49 PM REPLY

I reverse the blade on either a circular or table saw with good results.Don't forget to put it back right when you are done!!!

socalcovey says: Mar 3, 2010. 3:47 AM REPLY

hey..now don't panic...but you may want to read the sentence again...it says "two holes each three quarters of an inch from the edge from the center line" not
"a half of an inch" ?

frmco says: Jan 8, 2010. 6:28 PM REPLY

This is a wonderfull peace of work and I am a model airplane maker and a finish carpenter and also facinated by cnc machines. yours is state of the art. I
only wish that I could have been able to communicate with you and get help going through building it completely with the electronics. But I still would like to
thank you for all the information provided. I shall be looking for more info. if you should post them in future. Great work.

dpsilver says: Mar 1, 2010. 6:56 PM REPLY

the electronics are simple for a 5 wire motor set up ive built my own and tested all three axis now im making the actual machine

fruitkid101 says: Feb 15, 2010. 11:45 AM REPLY

Hey guys I dont have any stepper motors but will the small $6 ones from adafruit industries work?

Techbuilder says: Feb 27, 2010. 8:37 AM REPLY

Sorry to inform you but those don't have nearly enough torque to drive anything really other then something as light as foam.

You have to either find some old printers with some large sized steppers or
you will have to purchase them.

jamesshin10 says: Jan 9, 2010. 6:03 AM REPLY

umm u said here that we need to locate a old printer can u indicate a specific type cause i have a hard time finding a 5 pins stepper motor.. plss help..

electrotech says: Feb 26, 2010. 4:28 PM REPLY

The five pin stepper motor is unipolar, the four pin motor you have is a bipolar. These are easy to run using a L293D IC. You can download the data
sheet on line.

skaar says: Jan 28, 2010. 8:27 AM REPLY

you don't need a five pin, the place the coils connect in the middle, just chop it off.

snowpenguin says: Apr 22, 2009. 9:51 AM REPLY

This is really only $20 if you have most of the materials to build it already. Most people don't have 3 flatbed scanners sitting around, but if you do, luck you!
You also need software, which is more expensive. Great CNC though! I've been planning on buiulding a much bigger one for a while now and will probably
post an 'Ible on it. Good job!

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 Techbuilder says: Apr 22, 2009. 11:58 AM REPLY
You can build this for 20 dollars the flat bed scanners are free. You would be surprised how many people throw away printers and scanners. All you have
to do is contact your local E waste and ask if they have any scanner or printers. The software is free as well I use turbo cnc for the unipolar and mach 3
for the bi polar schematic .

fruitkid101 says: Feb 26, 2010. 12:11 PM REPLY

will the small steppers from adafruit industries work? They're 6 bucks.

snowpenguin says: Apr 22, 2009. 8:30 PM REPLY

If you get lucky you could source some steppers free, but what about general parts? Acrylic is EXPENSIVE and most people don't have piles and
piles of it laying around. I'm going to be making mine out of MDF. I'm interested in the software you use though. I saw that Mach 3 has a limit of 500
lines of g-code in the free version. How about turbocnc? I didn't think that was free. What do you use for CAD and CAM? I'd been planning on using
EMC2 but if I can get free Windows software that would be great. Thanks

willrandship says: Jun 15, 2009. 7:35 PM REPLY

TurboCNC is shareware, meaning you could download and use it, but it will either have limited functionality, a limited time, or it will have
reminders saying "register turboCNC!" I believe TurboCNC uses the first, and possibly the third.

funlw65 says: Feb 4, 2010. 1:03 PM REPLY

Fortunately, in TurboCNC terms, SHAREWARE means that you don't get the sources. No limitations at all.

But, if you want a software with sources (not EMC and working in MS-DOS), then look for http://moriscanet.blogspot.com/2008/11/cncpro-pd-
software.html

dagenius says: Apr 22, 2009. 6:05 PM REPLY

You should make one of a 3D printer, not a mill, sort of like the reprap/repstrap.

dylanwinn says: Dec 31, 2009. 9:02 AM REPLY

What exactly is the workable area for this? It looks like it couldn't be much more than 6 x 6 inches.

countable says: Jan 29, 2010. 1:39 AM REPLY

Surely if you need an area larger than that, you could scale it up. These are just dimensions the author used.

aaronscottaugustinhotmail.com says: Jan 21, 2010. 1:08 PM REPLY

I am having a hard time finding the controllers (e.g. like servo II) Were are they in this instructable?

nightcreep20 says: Jan 17, 2010. 1:27 PM REPLY

you should build this and sell them for 50 for a $30 profit

060537 says: Jan 16, 2010. 2:20 AM REPLY

I don't think I can build this within $50.The tools are so expensive.

buryo says: Jan 13, 2010. 8:38 AM REPLY

Congratulation! Nice project, but can you post the electronics for stepper motors?

randhee says: Jan 8, 2010. 11:16 PM REPLY

What kind of glue?

hinow41 says: Jan 5, 2010. 4:57 PM REPLY

you needn't use acrylic. steel, al, wood, pvc, would all make do

cheeswiz says: Sep 30, 2009. 11:20 AM REPLY

I have been collecting a few printers and scanners (not enough though) to do almost this Exact Project, actually im going to build a RepRap. anyways this
Instructable is the Perfect one to help me. you have done what i have been thinking about how to do. i will now beable to finnish the project. i have also
found a way to drive the Steppers from old computer parts with not much more than a Soldering iron. Well Thanks for the Instructable!

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/
 hondaman900 says: Jan 3, 2010. 10:35 AM REPLY
Do share or provide a link please, on how to "drive the Steppers from old computer parts with not much more than a Soldering iron". That would be very
helpful. Thx

ydeardorff says: Dec 9, 2009. 8:10 AM REPLY

Yes a simple how to on the used PC/scanner/printer components would really help here. And dont forget the Application to run them.

Now the next question, I can see you get "A" stepper out of a scanner, this could be used for the Z axis, however doesnt the X, and Y axis need identical
steppers? Otherwise the step distance can be off on one axis over the other, making things off.

I think this setup would be great for a small engraver setup like this, but not a larger unit.

ramses says: Jan 3, 2010. 8:21 AM REPLY

not necessarily. AFAIK, you can set degrees per step, as well as leadscrew pitch int the program.

view all 102 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/20-CNC-Machine/