. .
  1. #1
    Having watched Yutube and other sites, I too want my own CNC router/mill
    I have created a Sketchup static model for experienced members to comment on before I buy materials.
    I have omitted occassional plates so you can see my design better
    I have a worktop space 450mm x 350mm max and watch machining area 200x200 or larger
    I want to machine steels and brass for vintage motorcycle parts
    I was proposing to use 10mm mild steel plate and 500+ oz-inch motors
    Any experienced CNC hand who is in UK West Midlands who is prepared to mentor me ?
    I hope I have attached several JPG of my proposed design.
    Do I need to protect rails from suds and swarf?
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	CNCrouter_3c.jpg 
Views:	496 
Size:	119.2 KB 
ID:	5826   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	CNCrouter_3a.jpg 
Views:	530 
Size:	125.3 KB 
ID:	5827   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	CNCrouter_3b.jpg 
Views:	425 
Size:	121.2 KB 
ID:	5828  

  2. #2
    thread copied from new member introductions

  3. #3
    You need a pretty stiff machine to cut steel and the fixed gantry is a good start if the parts are small. Unfortunately using 10mm plate on the Y axis and the gantry sides might not be enough.

    I would substitute the 2off Y axis plates for box section which would stiffen up both the Y axis and the gantry sides in one go. Ali profile would be easy to fix by tapping the ends and bolting through the gantry sides. Or you could use steel box welded to small plates which were in turn bolted to the gantry sides (bolted allows for alignment).

    For the base I would consider using box section all round instead to give the gantry sides more support, or if you want to stick to plate at least closing off the front of the machine with more plate to stop the sides bending in.
    Building a CNC machine to make a better one since 2010 . . .
    MK1 (1st photo), MK2, MK3, MK4

  4. #4
    It looks like it is designed to cut large cheeses, I think you need help!

  5. Adding to some good points already given,

    1) rotate your rails so that they are opposing each other (one facing up and one down) That will bring your Z plate closer to Y as well as be a better transfer of force when cutting. Boxed section to mount them on with index plates to insure alignment would also help. Given the limit on space you might look at different options how you are mounting the X axis motor as that is costing you 60 or more mm off Y movement and if you plan on using precision profile rail that means you will be needing around 200mm width of the z plate to mount them. Also making a "C" with box section and plate for the axis as suggested above will add a good bit to the rigidity you will need to cut steel. Good luck and will keep an eye out and let others add their much greater depth of knowledge to this.

    Michael

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to m.marino For This Useful Post:


  7. #6
    I cant wait for Jazz and Jonathan to start pointing you in the right direction, Should be epic

    James

  8. #7
    If you want to cut steel efficiently then I'm afraid the machine will need to be significantly stronger and consequentially more expensive. My subsequent comments are based on the assumption that the majority of the parts you want to cut are steel.

    Do you actually need 200x200, or would about 140x300 be acceptable? If so you could just convert a milling machine to CNC. Get one second hand and it could well be cheaper than making the CNC router strong enough. I got my milling machine on eBay for £320 (add to that price of ballscrews etc), compared to about £1k new...search by distance nearest and if you're prepared to wait something's bound to come up.

    Quote Originally Posted by m.marino View Post
    if you plan on using precision profile rail that means you will be needing around 200mm width of the z plate to mount them
    Which linear rails are you planning on using? Profile rails are pretty much a must to cut steel. You might get away with SBR25 supported round rail, but it will be mediocre by comparison. You should be able to fit two 15mm profile rails in a 150mm wide Z-axis quite easily so long as you don't use flanged bearing blocks. Profile rails can have fairly good seals on the bearings, but it's still best to protect them particularly as the only way to get rails for a good price is second hand where you can't specify the correct seals/scrapers.

    '500+ oz-inch motors'

    Common misconception that you'll need big motors. You wont need more than 3Nm. Compared to say woods and plastics steel is cut at very low feedrates and the machine is small, so high rapid speeds are irrelevant. Most motors greater than 3Nm are Nema 34, so they're unlikely to go faster anyway. There's a lot to work out first before considering buying motors!

    What spindle are you thinking of using? The standard spindles for CNC routers are no good for steel as they are optimised for high rpm. On mild steel I doubt you'll ever need more than about 3000rpm. Making your own spindle is probably the best bet.

    Do post a drawing when you've considered the changes that have been suggested.
    Old router build log here. New router build log here. Lathe build log here.
    Electric motorbike project here.

  9. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by luke11cnc View Post
    I cant wait for Jazz and Jonathan to start pointing you in the right direction, Should be epic

    James
    Can hardly bloody see to reply James, Knackerd my eyes with grinding disk breaking up, now got an infection. Just reading the post's makes my eyes stream so no chance of writing the sort of reply needed to cover this project and thats why haven't been around much.!! . . . BUT I'll be back.!!!

  10. #9
    JW149,

    This would be a better option:
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	CNC_Router_v005.JPG 
Views:	931 
Size:	102.9 KB 
ID:	5831

    Taken from this thread in cnczone:
    http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn..._question.html
    Building a CNC machine to make a better one since 2010 . . .
    MK1 (1st photo), MK2, MK3, MK4

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Design Help Pt2 Required for CNC design/Build
    By MikeyC38 in forum Gantry/Router Machines & Building
    Replies: 38
    Last Post: 21-07-2014, 02:05 PM
  2. Critique required on y-axis design.
    By Spedley in forum Gantry/Router Machines & Building
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-05-2013, 09:17 PM
  3. NEW MEMBER: About to build CNC miller, need design critique please
    By JW149 in forum New Member Introductions
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 22-04-2012, 07:01 PM
  4. Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-04-2012, 09:13 PM
  5. Design help etc required with DIY CNC Router Design / Build
    By MikeyC38 in forum Gantry/Router Machines & Building
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 21-10-2011, 04:50 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •