Hi, I'm working on Cheap CNC

[Clive S]

After rediscovering CNC router tables, then being blown away by the cost of them.
I thought why not make a kit that is simple and easy to put together for those who wasn't loving the price tag.

So then i searched and saw the range of kits complete and incomplete "£1800 for a kit, really!"
Was my first thought. So after a lot of reading watching designing tinkering and the like.

I think I've sussed it! a Chain driven CNC kit that should come in at £900 ish

Do you think it'll be a worth wild idea to provide these (if it works) for such a price?
the size is approx 90cm x 90cm, fyi.

Hi and welcome to the forum. Why don't you start a build log then we can see how you can possibly make a cnc that will cut anything above icing a cake at 900x900mm

[CNCKitMan]

Howdy Clive,

I've not got any technical wording so forgive me if i accidentally use incorrect terminology in advance.
My unit will have a cutting area of 90 x 90 cm.
My rails will all be moved by chain drive for i hear/read this is the best method (backlash, torque, etc)
Using grooved bearings top and bottom of rails.
My stepper motors that i currently have may need an upgrade (which is a bridge to cross when i get there).
Why would it not cut more than icing?

[njhussey]

Hi CNCKitMan, it's just our experience of people coming on here saying they're going to make a really cheap CNC Router that can cut hard woods and aluminium etc. etc. (not saying you're claiming to be able to cut that...) They generally fade away after a couple of posts.....like this one....as the feedback given isn't what they're looking for.

If you look at my build log you'll see that I started out with the idea of making one really cheaply out of aluminium square tube and skate bearings and it's ended up slightly different after much learning, listening and discussion.....if you've found the magic formulae for making a cheap useable CNC router then we're all ears as that's the Holy Grail of DIY CNC..... Don't take this as a personal knocking, it's just our experience of building and running DIY CNC Routers...hence why the response about cutting icing :)

All the best...

[CNCKitMan]

Nah make total sense now! thanks for the background. I'm looking not to disappear as i'm SURE I've overlooked something.

I've prototyped some of the components that i want to use but waiting on the post man for my grooved bearings.
Do you have a working CNC? if so what would it cost me to have some parts cut?? My actually wood working skill level is NONE or near None. I have stupid ideas hourly and with no way of taking them from either detailed or non detailed drawings. I thought a CNC routing table would/could solve this issue for me maybe other too.

[Ger21]

Most people would rather build a good cnc machine, rather than a cheap one.
And the ones that start out building a cheap machine, then go on to build a good one, when they see the limitations of the cheap one.
You get what you pay for.....

[CNCKitMan]

Yeah Good Vs Cheap Good wins everytime. i'm looking at good + Cheap.