[Mark Phillips]

Hello all, I'm new to the forum. I'm a sign maker and an artist and looking to try to build my own CNC router. I have wanted one for years and always thought they were financially out of reach. Glad you DIY people are around. I guess my first question would be if I bought one of Joe's 4x4 hybrid kits how much would I need for the motors and other things such as software and all the extras to make it work.

For my sign business I have special software for using my plotter but doubt it will drive the router (no 3D and Mac based). I may be able to upgrade that software but since it's for the sign industry they'd want an arm and a leg for it.

So what should I expect to be in for money-wise (ballpark highs and lows) and what's the best way to get started? Is anyone selling a complete kit or are there so many custom considerations that it's all in what I plan to use it for? I've been reading the forum posts but getting a little confused on what I need.

I'll be cutting HD Urethane foam, redwood, some aluminum, acrylic, PVC, and other basic sign and art materials. I'd like to be able to carve/rout 3D with some detail and control for my signs. I figure the 4x4 will accomodate most signs I'd make and I can always upgrade after I get the basics down. I figure building these things are addictive and I'll want to go bigger and with more bells and whistles with the second one.

So where to start?

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi Mark. Welcome to the Zone!

You haven't said anything about how you are going to drive the axes so this could change but generally you can probably use a G540 controller, 270 oz N23 motors for X and Y, a 387 oz motor for Z and a 48V 7.3A power supply.

$299 G540 http://geckodrive.com/product.aspx?c=3&i=14469
$078 Two $39 KL23H276-28-4B 270 oz motors for X & Y
$049 One KL23H284-35-4B 387 oz motor for Z
$060 One KL-350-48 48V/7.3A power supply.
$010 Estop switch
-----
$496 Total electronics cost.

$149 Mach3 cost with above purchase.

$645 To spend at Keling. http://kelinginc.net/

This most likely will be the best electronics for your 4 x 4 router.

Start by reading this:

http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread...709#post572709

CR.

[abomb55076]

Welcome! Sounds like your going to building the same type of machine I built. I build one mostly for the fun of it but instead lead to carving signs and artwork. As for software, most people go for mach 3 because its easy to work with and not too bad for price. I like it alot. The price can vary greatly and depends on the materials you use to build the machine. In my case, I had no money to build the machine, but in the end ended up with a pretty solid machine. I just looked around for used parts, and materials and actually ended up using an old military bullet inspecting machine for the majority of my parts including both my y and z axis, and the table top. Take a look at www.homegrowncnc.com, theres alot of information pertaining directly to diy cnc machines. Good luck

[ger21]

The best bang for the buck for sign software would be from Vectric. Check out V-Carve Pro and Aspire, if your budget allows.

www.vectric.com

[Mark Phillips]

Now that I have a basic budget set out I can get things together to get started. No Mac systems out there eh? I can pick up a used PC pretty cheap I guess. The software link seems pretty reasonable in price. I know I spent over 3K for my original sign making software 15 years ago so this seems like it's more in reach.
Thanks for all the replies.

[Crevice Reamer]

These are pretty cheap and come with 1 year warranty. Make sure it has a Parallel port and XP--NOT Vista.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...+lease+desktop

CR.