Lowcost capable CNC - Make vs Buy?

[JAZZCNC]

Here's the other design with it's clothes off.

[Andrewg]

So I am still mulling design options
Is there something wrong with me finding the sight of Dean's machine undresses slightly arousing?! I certainly now 'get' the neatness and economy of this single leadscrew Y axis design: Standard BK.LK12 bearings mounting 1610 leadscrew on underside of 45x90 central heavy extrusion, motor tucked away by addition of GT timing belt and 1:1 pulleys. With single traveling homing/limit sensor fitted to Y axis under-gantry and drag chain safely out of the way under table......very nice.

As I am still looking around at other designs for ideas and still open to buying rather than making, wanted to draw peoples attention to another very nice UK router CNC kit that addresses the low-cost capable niche. UKCNC's D-500 kit is £4.450+ VAT currently - 500x500 cutting area, all aluminium plate construction with linear rails and ballscrews all around.

Having just complemented Dean's single screw Y axis, the folks from UKCNC have come up with a very nice dual screw Y axis design. This is of interest to me who wants to machine board ends, as the middle 2/3 of the bed is open and unobstructed so no need for the spindle run beyond the end of the bed.

These guys seem to know what they are doing and so interesting to see their particular design choices:
1610 ballscrews all round, direct drive X and Z, 2:1 belt gearing on Z - this seems to be accepted wisdom then across many designs
15mm linear rails all round, 2 each side on Y - so perhaps interesting trade off between number of parts and size, as single 20mm rail per Y side more standard here for self build, but then a kit seller has sourcing savings when buying single spec rail in volume
Closed loop steppers - this seems to be a theme I'm picking up if you want reliability and performance on a budget
All CNC machined Ali plate construction - as they point out in the description this is not a cheap option for one off builds, but when engineered for low volume batch production this changes, and quality more controllable than when using extrusions.

It is certainly an attractive offering if self-build was off the table. The specs are slightly lower than what I started costing up from Dean's guidance, So say the self build budget materials were £2k min, additional £500 for tools etc then that is a £2-3k premium to have a proven design,support and fewer months of designing and making. For me it is a definitely an option should I have the money and 500x500 will meet my workshop needs.

[Doddy]

So I am still mulling design options
Is there something wrong with me finding the sight of Dean's machine undresses slightly arousing?

Yes.

As I am still looking around at other designs for ideas and still open to buying rather than making, wanted to draw peoples attention to another very nice UK router CNC kit that addresses the low-cost capable niche. UKCNC's D-500 kit is £4.450 currently - 500x500 cutting area, all aluminium plate construction with linear rails and ballscrews all around.

...and a grand in VAT, if that's of concern.

[Andrewg]

....and a grand in VAT, if that's of concern.

Yes good catch - was about to correct, Probably £5,500 by the time delivery and VAT added

[Doddy]

...an do my eyes deceive me... is that an Arduino Mega in the kit?

Edit:

Aha!, they've cunningly slaved an Ardy on there for GRBL support. The electronics are built down to a cost - with some significant compromises.
Like I said - kit-in-a-box. I don't think it'd suit everyone.

Edit 2:

Not just closed-loop steppers, but integrated driver, too. I reserve judgement until I read up..... 2NM, 36V supply, 250kHz max input frequency, NEMA 23 size. Think the supply side of things will limit performance but... kit-in-a-box.

[JAZZCNC]

...an do my eyes deceive me... is that an Arduino Mega in the kit?

Edit:

Aha!, they've cunningly slaved an Ardy on there for GRBL support. The electronics are built down to a cost - with some significant compromises.
Like I said - kit-in-a-box. I don't think it'd suit everyone.

Edit 2:

Not just closed-loop steppers, but integrated driver, too. I reserve judgement until I read up..... 2NM, 36V supply, 250kHz max input frequency, NEMA 23 size. Think the supply side of things will limit performance but... kit-in-a-box.

Those two things right there are a flashing beacon to stay away.!!

[JAZZCNC]

So I am still mulling design options
Is there something wrong with me finding the sight of Dean's machine undresses slightly arousing?! I certainly now 'get' the neatness and economy of this single leadscrew Y axis design:

There is twin screw version as well.!

[JAZZCNC]

Or a Twin screw single motor version.!!

[Andrewg]

There is twin screw version as well.!

Which is why when you recommend single screw as sufficient for a 600 wide machine, we listen, as you have done them all, not just stating what you did in your single build!......but anything you do like about their approach?

[Doddy]

A couple of things grab me, though only glanced briefly at the site. Looks to be a single prox. sensor on the twin-screw axis - you'll be having to manual tram the machine if you crash it. Manual spindle speed control (I can't argue, my mill is currently like this), but obviously geared towards making sawdust. It's a machine-in-a-box, granted, and it's an easy entry if it suits your needs.

What we need is an enterprising soul that's prepared to pull together a similar kit of parts for a manly machine :)