Well, seeing as this is my first thread on here. I may as well talk about myself as well. I am a hobbyist. I like to build/design/fix things. My First hobby was my computer. It's a beast of a machine and has cost me multiple thousands of dollars over the years but haven't had any games on it that have peaked my interest lately. I have many a project around the house finished and unfinished. I just recently built a DIY MDF/Plywood CNC machine that is working fairly well...it's just not big enough. The machines current work area is 39"x31"x5". Here are a couple photos of it.
Attachment 223164 Attachment 223166Attachment 223162
It was a nice learning experience, but I am wanting to go bigger. I first looked at the Blackfoot 4x8 CNC in the beginning and thought it would be too big of a task (and machine) to take on for a first build, but now I think I am ready for it. I have all my plans drawn up, and some parts already purchased. I am in the very early stages of the build but would like to keep a build log on here to show my progress. Here are pictures of the sketches of the machine just based on the pictures from their website and other people posting their "Blackfoot/blacktoe" machines. The machine will be pretty much the same as the one sold on the site but I plan on doing a floating dust shoe and then a cutting laser way down the road.
Attachment 223168Attachment 223170Attachment 223172
I couldn't bring myself to pay 500$ for the plans if there are dozens of pictures out there to give a pretty good idea of what shapes and measurements to use. I also am implementing the improvements of JC Ryan on youtube on how to make the machine more rigid by doubling up the bearings shown here
Part 1
and
Part 2
Although I didn't have any plans or real measurements to base this off of please don't ask for the dxf files as I spent around 36 hours drawing these up and am very proud of it, and wouldn't want to get in trouble with www.buildyourcnc.com for copying their design and spreading the files. Later on down the build I will message them to see if I could sell my plans. If they don't object then I will post a price.
The current things I have purchased or already own:
Bosch 2.25hp router of course
All the electronics to hook up steppers and the computer
x7 3/4"x4'x8' Medium Density Overlay Plywood for parts(not cut yet)
x3 425oz/in steppers with matching drivers
x1 651oz/in stepper with matching driver
170ft of 4 conductor wire to hook up new machine
500 1.5" 1/4-20 black oxide hex bolts
360 1/4-20-3/4 cross dowels
Feel free to ask any questions or comment on it.