[ddbuster]

Just starting a new build - somewhat based on hack's 8020 design. I've been lurking for quite some time - read and re-read all the 8020 builds. I'm calling mine BBR as in bargain basement router. My goal is to have a completed machine for under $500.00. (Software not included) I know already I won't make that but I feel that it will come in under $600.00. I do not have formal plans at this point, planning on getting a majority of the materials of of 8020 garage sale on ebay - and I will be focusing on materials that are "reduced" and "on sale". (As long as they pass 8020's deflection calculator at .005 or less it's good enough for me)
I have already purchased some 41" 4080 rails at a good price as well as some diy bearings, so the y footprint will be no more than 41". Trying to figure if I can push the x footprint out to 60" without losing too much accuracy or whipping 1/2 single start acme too much. Dumpster's nuts, some angle iron, couple motors, controller, some wire, What Could Go Wrong
Planning on 270 - 425 oz motors anybody had any experiece on using different motors on different axis? I dont think i'll need the 425's for the y and z but sure want it for the x. Then again I may go with hobby's 4 axis controller and just use dual 270's for the x. Will post more as the materials get purchased and plans get drawn......

[ahren]

If you're interested, I'll be launching my website this weekend with some inexpensive bearing blocks and motor mounts, both designed to mount directly to 8020 extrusion, for use with 1/2" ACME and dumpster nuts. Feel free to PM me if you'd like a preview.

Best regards,

Ahren

[ddbuster]

Well the 8020 shipment came today! One long (over 8') box, havent opened it up yet, kind of like a kid at christmas. Leadscrews are on order as well as the delrin nuts. scored a deal on ebay - we'll see if it was a GOOD deal or BAD soon enough :rainfro: . Next up the controller and steppers - pretty much decided on the hobby board and 425 oz motors from kelinginc. Am planning the build to start the week of June 15th - wife will be out of town - just me and the dogs - will post pictures as appropriate - will also post a complete cost breakdown when i have the major purchases done. so far have spent about $240.00. for the 8020 structual, bearings and the x and y screws and nuts. Again goal is a sub $500.00 machine (if possible).

[ddbuster]

Well here's a parts list so far - not ready for pictures unless you want to see uncut 8020.....
8020 purchases to date $218.55 including shipping for:

8020 Aluminum Make Your Own Bearing 40 S 40-6824 UN
8020 T Slot Aluminum Extrusion 25 S 25-2550 x 48 N
8020 T Slot Aluminum Extrusion 25 S 25-2550 x 96.50
8020 Aluminum Make Your Own Bearing 40 S 40-6823
8020 T Slot Aluminum Extrusion 40 S 40-4080 x 41
8020 Aluminum Make Your Own Bearing 25 S 25-6725 A
8020 T Slot Aluminum Linear Bearing 40 S 40-6826 A
8020 Aluminum Make Your Own Bearing 40 S 40-6825

Hobby CNC 4 Axis Stepper Control: $71.00

Y Axis & Z Axis Lead Screws, Delrin Nuts and Z Axis Linear Slide: $80.00

18/36 Volt Stepper motor power supply - Ebay Special $27.00 shipped

Total Spent to date: $396.55
Whats left to buy?

X-Axis Lead Screws and Nuts - ~$40.00
Stepper Motors ~$200.00
Bearings ~$40.00
Motor Couplers ~$30.00
Decking for top...
A little more 8020 for structure......

[ddbuster]

A few weeks after the above post, I lost my job of over 20 years. Needless to say, CNC build was put so far back on the burner, the flame wasn't visible.
I wound up opening up my own business, and for those of you who are in the same boat, you know that available time is non existent.
But I always kept the idea in the back of my mind, and would check in here and there, and the pile of 8020 was always a constant reminder.
Now 10 years have past, and I decided it was damn well time to to get off my duff and get-er-done!
I see the world has gone to 30x60 profiles (at the minimum), linear rails and servo's, but in my case, too late to re-invent the wheel, and although money is not as tight as it was 10 years ago, I still have the notion of a budget machine for hobbyist, occasional use.
I have drawn a lot of inspiration from three builds in general:
Joe's 4x4, (links everywehre)
pencilnecks http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cn...91481-cnc.html
and
mikelow ----∞ mikelow ∞----

As well as reading every post possible by ger21.

All parts now ordered (except power supplies - don't want to be tempted....), ger21 and others have stated many times "build your frame first"....
In any event, waiting on ups, plan on beginning build next weekend, with photos to follow.......

[1Jumper10]

2007~ 2008 were some rough years for a lot of people. Congrats for making it through The Great Recession and having the determination to pick up where you left off. Good luck on your build. You can build a very capable machine using 8020 extrusion.

[ddbuster]

Raw 8020 components

[ddbuster]

Initial Table Layout
Sub-Table (black) is comprised of 3x3 steel legs welded to 2" box frame, 1" thick steel top. Sub-Table had a previous life as some sort of measurement device.
Should make a stable base for whatever it ends up being......

[wizard]

Glad to see that you are back! It seems like every time I start to think I will be able to invest in some shop equipment something turns up to kill my plans. Hopefully you can get this done before the end of 2018.