Well I got a pretty good idea of how it needs to be built and started designing it in google sketchup. Below is some of the google sketchup pics and build pics of what is going on so far. CNC - Imgur

So far I have my gantry side plates designed and built out of 5/8in 6061 aluminum. They are beefy! Below is a test of one of the rails and how smooth it seems so far.
Cnc rails - YouTube

Tonight I hope to be able to finish putting spill table together and it being on it's own weight vs being held up by the gantry. This will be the full test of how well the gantry moves.

List of things to still be done
  1. mock up y 1/2in acme 5start screw
  2. mock up x 1/2in acme 5start screw
  3. mock up stepper plates
  4. mock up x and z axes plates for router
  5. mock up router clamp


Parts already bought
  • gecko g540
  • 320oz 3/8in shaft stepper motors
  • OpenBuilds steel v-groove bearings x22
  • OpenBuilds hardcoat rail x8
  • cncrouterparts 1/2 acme bearing blocks x6
  • dumpster cnc couplers x3
  • dumpster cnc super clamps for acme x12
  • cncrouterparts thrust bearings x12
  • 2550 80/20 1500mm aluminum with L brackets for rails and spillboard area x8
  • old router or dremel 4000 till I can purchase a spindle
  • micro switches for limit switches x10
  • 1/2 acme 5start 6ft x2
  • 1/2 acme 5start 3ft x1


Things I still need to get
  • pc with parallel port
  • misc screws and wires
  • wood to make a table for the cnc to rest on
  • and other unknown items...


Album will be updated as I get new pics during build.