[tmarks11]

for the type of thing you want to make, I would second the recommendation of a cnc router. Take a look at the stuff built by widgitmaster (he may have one of his mini-routers available as an almost ready-to-go option). Doesn't look like you really need much room in the XYZ axis, and his stuff would be perfect.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...9&postcount=10

Also look at some of the other build logs in the cnc router forum.

[GreenLead]

Hey guys, thanks for the response(s).

I was aiming for something with equivalent specs to this, although obviously I must've gone ahead of myself.

My budget is around NZD$600-700 (USD$450-550). Obviously, not even enough to even get a Sherline or a TAIG, or even one of these.

Had a look a widgetmaster's setup - something along the lines of what I might need, but his units are pretty pricey at USD$1050, and I'll have to get the steppers, controller and dremel myself.

It's very difficult trying to do just about anything in New Zealand, considering the lack of resources.

Yeah, I'll look again at the Sherlines and stuff. Thanks guys - will keep you posted.

[bones]

Hi,
I agree with most of the guys. Good luck with builting one for that price.
You will be lucky to but he motors and drivers with that budget.
I CNC'ed a Hafco AL-50G Lathe and it cost me about $1200 AUD for the parts.
And that was getting alot of them cheap.
I also did a small mill. $300 for the mill $120 for a new compound table, ballscrews and you've hit your budget already.
And if I didn't have a mate that had a mill, saw etc there was no way I could of built them.

Personally I wouldn't muck around with electronics, buy a board already done! And electronics is my trade!
They are cheap and work straight away.
Xylotex board and their motor package will get you started.
http://www.xylotex.com/3AxSysKit.htm
$372USD shipped to you. That's your motors and drivers done.

As for resource in NZ, you don't need them.
I hardly buy anything from Australia. Too bloody expensive.
It's cheaper to buy it from the US and pay $50 shipping than it is to buy it here.

A router machine is the go, as the guys said. Use a small 30K rpm router.
They are cheap. Use acme threads (oops I swore) as they are cheap and you can can replace he nuts cheaply when they wear.
But ballscrew are heaps better if you can get them cheap.

Built it strong. re-enforce stuff where ever you can.
Rigitity is the key for a good machine.

Best way it to buy stuff bit by bit.

And make it pay for itself. Do some wooden carvings and go sell them.
Wooden signs for the front of peoples house's.
eg. DIDYOUBRINGYOUROWNGROGALONG

You can sell then to family members and mates.
Then buy a proper mill with maybe an ballscrew kit to suit.

Easy money.

Cheers
Rodney

[darkith]

Hey guys, thanks for the response(s).

I was aiming for something with equivalent specs to this, although obviously I must've gone ahead of myself.

Heh, the Taig's resolution of .0005" is 1/2000, not 1/20,000 as you originally spec'ced. That's a good part of the confusion cleared up.

D.