New to DIY cnc, looking for guidance

[oihannah]

Greetings, I am new to the diy cnc scene as well as this forum. I will include a bit about myself at the end but for now down to business.

I am looking to build a machine with a 30" x 30" ( 762mm x 762mm ) -ish work envelope for cutting wood, plastic and aluminum. Most metal cutting will be engraving or light shaping. Heavy stock removal I can do at work.

I am pretty lost at what size and kind of linear guides, ball/lead screw, and steppers I would need for this size and workload. I know some of this comes down to machine design but I'm not looking to re invent the wheel. I would appreciate any links to relevent designs/drawings so I can start to design correctly. Gantry style seems to be the way to go.

Thanks in advance for your help. I look forward to working with and learning from you all.

About me: I live across the pond in the US and work as a tool and die maker. I run a Kuraki 160. Our shop specializes in 10,000 to 100,000+ pound components. Programming and machining I understand. Machine design not so much.

[EddyCurrent]

Hello,

Did you look through the build logs ? http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/253-DIY-CNC-Router-Build-Logs
I know it's not the easiest but you may find a design that suits you enough to make a start.
Most people start off with posting some drawings then forum members can make suggestions on how to improve it to the point where you can start the build.
If you break the mechanical parts down into components like this;

Frame
Bed/table
Gantry
Z axis

That makes it easier and each part can be discussed.
Also if you post a list of the parts you might like to use like;

spindle size/type e.g. 2.2kW water cooled
linear rails e.g. Hiwin
motors, stepper or servo
ball screws, rack and pinion
etc.

Someone will then suggest the sizes, etc. that should suit you.