[Quwat]

Hello everyone

I decided its about time I did a CNC based project. So recently I have done a lot of research and pulled together a little design.

If it works as well as I want it to I will be able to use it for:

# I’ll start with an Ink plotter: it would be cool to make a font of my own hand writing, then get it to write letters or something.

# Laser engraver: when an old DVD player turns up on freecycle

# PCB mill: set and forget easiest system for homebrew pcb

# Softwood mill: to make creepy wooden portraits of family for presents

# 3D printer: because everyone needs one

Check out my idea’s so far here, tell me what you think I could do better. I want to send off for parts soon

[awerby]

Is that a Dremel tool? If so, ditch it, and use something better. The plastic bodies that hold those things together soften with heat, so as soon as it really gets going, it will fail. A Proxxon IB/E is a lot better, if you want something with the same form factor.

I'd also triangulate the sides of the bridge, for better rigidity. I think you're going to have problems with the sliding Z axis that's driven from the middle racking and getting stuck - it would work better if it was driven from both sides.

Andrew Werby
301 Moved Permanently

[Quwat]

A Proxxon IB/E would cost more than the budget of the whole design at its minimum. If heats the problem wouldn't a cooling fan or two keep it together?

If you think I'll have trouble with the z axis, then I'll buy an extra stepper motor. But I'll see how it goes with just one first, then I might be able to use the spare one for something else.

[tahustvedt]

Another reason to use two steppers is to avoid that lead screw hanging down the middle. Won't it be in the way with taller work pieces as the table moves towards the back?

[Quwat]

Yes you are completely right, I don't know how I missed that.

Looks like I will definitely need to use 2 stepper motors there.