Hello all! I've been fascinated with CNC machines for years and I think I finally have the resources to build one for myself. I've spent several hours reading these forums and looking at others' homemade CNC designs and I think I've reached the point where I'd like to throw my simple plan out there and make sure I'm not too crazy.
With a completed CNC machine, I'd like to be able to easily cut wood and MDF, up to say 2" thick. If I could cut thin aluminum that would be even more of a bonus. Speed is not a real concern for me. I love watching these things run and since this is not going to be a production machine (and will be housed in the garage) it can run for as long as it needs without disturbing anybody too much. On this starter machine, I'd like a travel of say 10" or 12" in the X- and Y-directions, and 3" or 4" in the Z direction. The accuracy doesn't have to be super at this point...I'd like to be able to easily cut out parts for another CNC without concern, or perhaps build a slick wooden clock as I've seen others do on these boards, but I'll not be working with very fine elements (at least not on this machine).
For the steppers and drivers, I'm looking at the KL-4030 package from Keling Inc. with 270oz bipolar steppers, 1.8deg/step, 32v @ 2.8a rating. The power supply is 36v/8.8a.
http://www.kelinginc.net/ThreeXCNCPackage2.html
This package is appealing for several reasons. The power supply is in a nice enclosure, although I could just buy one by myself. Same with the controllers. Additionally, the wiring diagram looks simple enough and at $359 it's definitely pretty inexpensive.
I haven't decided entirely on the frame yet, but I'm giving serious consideration to this one:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...-Cheaply-and-/
This is a simple design built with 1/2" MDF and parts mostly available from Home Depot or Lowes. This is very appealing because the instructions are laid out in great detail with pictures and lego-style diagrams, so will keep my frustration to a minimum, hopefully. Using this method, I should be able to purchase all of the parts from a local hardware store for about $250, get the Keling kit for $359, and end up with a working CNC for the low cost of about $750 and many hours of cussing and fist-shaking. (my total budget is about a thousand bucks).
My cutting tool will be a Dremel to start, as I have one laying about somewhere and it never gets used for anything. I'll likely buy something beefier after I get the machine up and running, but at this point I have no idea what.
Oh, and my home is a PC graveyard so no worries there. Since I don't know much at all about CNC software, I'm going to try real hard to love the Linux CNC software since it's free, but if that doesn't work out I'll spring for Mach3 which seems to have a very good reputation around here.
So my outstanding questions at this point (sorry for the novel):
1. Is the frame sturdy enough for cutting wood and possibly some very thin aluminum or brass? Pretend I've got a nice cutting tool that I got for less than $100.
2. Am I overlooking anything on the electronics side? I've got a parallel cable sitting around, but I think between that and the Keling kit I should have a ready to go system.
3. Am I going about this all wrong?
4. Does anybody have a CNC in Tampa or the surrounding area that could help me out with cutting out the MDF? If so, how much would something like that cost? I'll bring the board and the DXF! There are plans on the site for individual components or as one giant 48"x48" sheet.
Thanks for any -- and all -- comments!