Re: How is everyone building a DIY CNC router system that maintains cutting tolerance
Originally Posted by
JFL4066
Thank you everyone for your replies. You proved my suspicions. I'm a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry. Specifically block and head machining lines with 120 4 axis and 5 axis CNC machines. So I'm used to holding contours, holes, surfaces within microns. I also work with skilled trades in the maintenance of these machines.
Any way, I'm looking to build a 48" x 48" CNC router. I already have a manual vertical mill. From everyone's experience what can I expect from 1. a better than average kit. 2.Sub $5000.00 machine? If I machine a contour like an arc how much variation of the profile will I get on average. If I drill a pattern of holes, how much variation in true position of each hole to part datum? In wood and in aluminum. I'm assuming wood tolerances are usually +/- 0.015" (1/64") I'd like to know what everyone really sees in their machines when they compare CAD drawing to actual part.
I would suggest the one I have a Fine Line Automation Saturn 2 48x48 and mine will do everything you ask, I do not know about +/- .001 inch but I have never tried. The company has had some delivery and QC issues with some of the machines. Its a welded steel frame with NEMA 34 motors and mine is running on Mach4 just fine. I used the pre-built and wired control system from the company below. Yes it cuts contours and circles just fine. Anything a normal CNC machine is expected to do.
However the CNC Router Parts Pro line kits are pretty much the same only aluminum extrusions. Same control system if you purchase. One person who you will hear from has issues with the trueness of the extrusion cuts, but the machine is pretty popular regardless and widely used.
Retired Master Electrician, HVAC/R Commercial. FLA Saturn 2 4x4 CNC Router Mach4 Kimber 1911 45ACP