[rooter]

Hi, I am thinking of building or buying a cnc router. I would like something around 4'x4'. I can get a used shop bot for around $5,000. If I was to build one I would make it from 80/20 extrusion, with aluminum plate, and vbx linear guides. No wood. How much money has people been sinking into their setups. I would hope to be under $3,000 up and running. So, what do you guys think. Drop 5,000 and have something up and running or build and save some money if possible. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Eurisko]

$3000 is definitely doable, but it depends on the components you use.

[Ballscrews] [acme rod] [rack & pinion]
[stepper motors] [servo motors]
[budget drivers] [top-end drivers]
[new components] [used components]

Are you planning to make any of the components you'll need?

I'm going the cheap route,
used Thomson shafts & bearings
stepper motors, acme rod, steel and aluminum plate, cheap electronics, some used components, plus a lot of elbow grease (and time)
I've probably got about $1500 invested.
The final total will be under $2000.
The final build will be 48x36 OR 36x24

Would be nice to use higher-end components, but that will have to wait for version 1.2

[rooter]

I would be using the vbx 20 mm linear slides on all movements and acme screws as they should not be real pricey. Steppers mounted directly to screws. The 80/20 material to make the table may be costly. If the mechanical part turned out ok then I would get decent steppers and electrical components. I just hate to start the project and then wind up with a bunch of cost and head aches.

[ger21]

You might want to look at the mechmate, http://www.mechmate.com/

[rustamd]

Mine will cost me about $2300. Its completely made out of aluminum. Rails are bosch rexroth, gear rack with 3:1 reduction, keling steppers and drivers etc. ~36"x28" working area. Here is a sketch:

[Monster]

rustamd you design has some flaws

[rustamd]

rustamd you design has some flaws

yep, so does everybody else's

[andy_ck87028]

yep, so does everybody else's

beautiful ... just beautiful.

I enjoyed your response. Go for it.

Andy

[High Seas]

Maybe it is me -
I don't see rustmamd sketch
that must be my flaw

For the Haiku innocent ; )

[rustamd]

its there, at least for me, but if you dont see it go look at my build log