Desktop build with zero budget. Critique my design please?

[Nealieboyee]

Thanks for the replies all. I've stretched my budget as far as I can. I've changed the z-axis to use 10mm linear shaft bearings on a solid 10mm aluminium plate. The x and y axis will stay with skate bearings but I've changed the 20mm pipe to 16mm round bar. The spindle mount will also be aluminium plate.



If I had the budget i'd go for proper stuff but I have to fork out almost 4k for other stuff right now, so please forgive my frugality. This little project is the only thing keeping me sane.

The electronics will come in time, hopefully when my budget frees up in a few months. At the moment I'd like to get the frame done and sliding.

[JoeHarris]

Thanks for the replies all. I've stretched my budget as far as I can. I've changed the z-axis to use 10mm linear shaft bearings on a solid 10mm aluminium plate. The x and y axis will stay with skate bearings but I've changed the 20mm pipe to 16mm round bar. The spindle mount will also be aluminium plate.



If I had the budget i'd go for proper stuff but I have to fork out almost 4k for other stuff right now, so please forgive my frugality. This little project is the only thing keeping me sane.

The electronics will come in time, hopefully when my budget frees up in a few months. At the moment I'd like to get the frame done and sliding.

I started my build with a tiny budget as many on here do. Realistically Boyan is right you need to spend on electronics, software, tools etc. It is impossible to build a CNC for nothing. Mine has evolved from an MDF horror to something I'm quite proud of. If you are willing to go slow you can put aside a bit each month and make a half decent machine without it crippling you financially! That said, mine has taken a few years so far and is still not finished. I'm saving for the motion controller at the moment (I've gone for a really good one) but it will be worth the wait and in the mean time there are tons of other things to work on on the machine. Slow, steady and good has got to trump quick and crap! Good luck with the build its a lot of fun!