Which solution is best for a small CNC router
Hey,
because now I miss access to a CNC milling machine (in my previous job I had access to an "Ergwind MFG 4025" milling machine), I want to build my own CNC milling machine.
I want to use it mainly as a hobby and amateur (not 8 hours a day), to work mainly with aluminum - cutting emblems for classic cars, making custom details / parts, such as this air filter housing, etc.
https://www.instagram.com/p/1Objgml4py/
The cutters used are mainly diameter 1-3mm maybe 5-6 (with small depression)
Working area about 600 x 400 x 150 - but maybe a little bigger
Before I start buying parts and putting them together, I have a question for you which solution will be the best?
I am thinking of a solution similar to this:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4iQNFeqwFu/
My assumptions are:
- lower base frame - aluminium extrusion profiles 80x80 Item or similar
- gantry profile - 80x160
- side support of the gantry made of aluminum plate (20mm?)
- one or two? ball screw 1605 for X axis
- spindle 2.2kW chinees
- hiwin linear rails
At the moment I have 4 hiwin qhh15ca Z0
whether to use them for the Y and Z axis, and for the X axis buy qhh20?
Or use them for X and Y and for Z buy qhh15ca ZA ?
That's it for the moment, if I remember something else, I will write it.
Are these my plans ok or should I change my assumptions?
Thanks for your help and best regards
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Re: Which solution is best for a small CNC router
After reviewing the projects on this forum, at the moment I will probably choose a version similar to the project made by 'devmonkey' ("Joe's 1000x600x200 steel and aluminium router started"): extrusion gantry and welded steel frame
I started to draw from the Z and Y axes, and I have such a concept:
Attachment 29251
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I am still thinking about mounting Y linear rails: as I drew in the picture or maybe I should move them to top and bottom?
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Re: Which solution is best for a small CNC router
I already have my project, but I am thinking about one more thing: connection of the gantry profile with cariage
At the moment they are 15mm aluminum plates, but I am wondering about steel sheets with keyway and welded connection
Maybe someone used this solution? or rather only aluminum plate?
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Re: Which solution is best for a small CNC router
@szecho, I've seen plenty of machines on this forum using a similar design to what you have decided on, and the recommendation seems to be to use 20mm Aluminium Plate if possible.
Re: Which solution is best for a small CNC router
It looks like you have the opportunity to bolt through from the horizontal carriage plate to the bottom of the gantry extrusion - this will greatly rigidise the axial movement of the gantry and reduce the requirement for the side plates over a design where the gantry extrusion is well up in the air and the side plates are taking all the strain. Regarding position of the rails on the gantry, top and bottom spaces them further apart than on the front giving the opportunity for greater rigidity and keeps the Z axis assembly close to the gantry, but it will lose you clearance in the Z axis. Top and front (bottom) is an in-between solution that some people use.