About a year ago I decided to try to build my own CNC machine... I completed it yesterday. I guess complete at this point means 3-axis motion... My next plan is to use the machine to make itself better.
I started by designing the table in Rhino.
Not only did I order the parts from Mcmaster Carr, but I found many of their digital models extremely helpful for designing using parts I didn't have yet...
I detailed the machine as much as a could digitally. Here is a shot of the Z axis exploded...
Then, I plotted the pieces 1:1 on Kinkos 40" plotter, spray mounted them to 3/4" MDF. At Home Depot I was able to get the stock cut into basic optimized shapes .
I used a friend's bandsaw to cut the parts out and began building...
If I did it over again, I would take many, many more pictures... These are taken when the basic form of the machine had taken shape.
It is almost impossible to get a good picture of the whole table.. The table surface is 98-1/2" X 43" this leaves maybe 18" on all sides of the machine. Since I could not go full 48"... I used the 6" rip to make the side ribs..
Here is a video showing the fluid motion of the 3 axis.. The stepper motor isn't attached at this point...
This is an image of the assembled Z axis...
After this point I broke the machine back down and polyurethaned all of the parts. I would hate to walk in there with a cup of coffee one morning and destroy the entire table with one bad step...
After reassembly and installing the lead screws, finishing up all of the motion components, and setting up the software I took it out for its first jog last night...
Then, the real test... lets "machine something"...
Maybe now I can get back to work on the 300zx RC car body I show in my sig... : )
Brian
Follow Ups
Long time... What I have been up to... - Wingnuttzx09:10:07 11/26/08
Long time... What I have been up to... - 
