Hey guys,
I'm a hobbyist of many disciplines and I love building, creating. There was a point where I realised I'd reached the limits of what my hands alone were able to create and that I needed tooling that would allow me to create with greater precision and consistency so I decided to build a 3D printer. Part of the challenge for me was building something completely out of my range of capability, and possible innovate in some form, but as I researched, I found that developing a 3D printer from scratch was pointless due to the vast availability of commercially available printers and systems. I couldn't justify the cost when I weighed up the limitations of additive CNC systems and thats when I turned my attention to CNC machining. I havent totally abandoned the 3D printer, I intend to add an extruder to my mill at a later stage.
I watched hundreds of videos on Youtube of industrial machines, hobby machines and a few commercially available desktop units, needless to say... I fell hopelessy and absolutely in LOVE with CNC Machining. I set my sights on building a CNC mill, mainly down to the large variety of machinable materials available. I started this project in 2015 and it has turned into a full-blown obsession for me. Im now on the second iteration of the machine and its almost ready to roll, as of today, I'm awaiting the delivery of the final component - the spindle. I'm sharing my journey in the hope that it will help some of you, my fellow hobbyists and CNC professionals alike. I'll be as detailed as I can, but If I miss anything please feel free to ask. Disclaimer - this is merely a documentation of my project, if you choose to follow my advice - you do so willingly and at your own risk.
Part 1 - Parts list (I'll keep adding as I progress and remember stuff)
Controller:
1x Arduino Uno
1x Protoneer CNC Shield V3.00
4x Pololu A489 Stepper Driver
Tooling:
500w ER11 Air cooled 52mm CNC Spindle (3k-12k rpm) + Mount clamp
Power:
1x 48v 7.5A PS (Steppers)
1x 12V 20A PS (Spindle)
1x 5V 2A PS (Arduino)
Components: Motion
3x Nema 17 Bipolar Stepper motors
1x (X) 500mmx8mmx2mm pitch Lead screw
1x (Y) 700mmx8mmx2mm pitch Lead screw
1x (Z) 300mmx8mmx2mm pitch Lead screw
6x 6.35x8mm Jaw Shaft Coupler (I got one spare for each axis - machine uses 3)
6x 8mmx2mm Brass Lead nuts (2 per axis)
2x 8mm ID KP08 Pillow Block mount bearing (lead screws)
4x 8mm ID KFL08 Pillow Block Flange bearing (lead screws)
Components: Frame and support
2x 500mm Stainless 12mm Linear shaft rail (X)
2x 300mm Stainless 12mm Linear shaft rail (Y)
2x 700mm Stainless 12mm Linear shaft rail (Z)
4X SC12UU Pillow block mount Linear bearings (Y)
2X SCS12LUU Pillow block mount Linear bearings (Z)
4X LME12UU Linear bearings (X)
4X SK12 Linear shaft support (Y)
1X 1m Cable Drag chain
Components: Electronics
6x Roller Lever micro limit switches
Cables and wiring
1x Emergency Stop switch
3x momentary push-buttons (Abort, Hold, Resume)
Frame: Materials
6m 25x25 Alu square tube
10m 25mm Alu Angle
8x 25mm Corner connects
3m Alu C-Profile
(Makers Rails would be a better option - I cant source them cheaply where I live)
Misc: consumables
Heat shrink
Insulation Tape
2-part expoxy
Double Sided tape
Blind Rivets
50x M5x30 machine screws + nuts
Threadlocker
Essential Tools:
Wood Saw
Hack Saw
NT Cutter / Box Cutter
Screwdrivers
Wire cutters / Stripper
Cordless Drill
Drill Press
Center punch
Sharp set of drill bits
Countersink tool
Miter Box
Workshop Ruler
Angle tool
Math set (or angle finder)
Pencil, Sharpie
Eye Protection
Part 2: A video I'm compiling that documents the V1 build with photos and comments