Hey guys, I'm a bit new to the forums but have been lurking around for a while. I've been interested in building my own CNC router table for a while and I'm finally ready to dive into it!
My goal for this project is to route mainly 3/4" MDF, but other hardwoods will be thrown in there from time to time. I'm looking at creating a usable routing space of 28"x18"x3". All these dimensions are somewhat flexible, but around what I'll need them to be. The table will be made from MDF.
As for budget restraints, I'm looking to keep it pretty cheap. I, like everyone else, would love to make it fast, but that can be sacrificed a bit to achieve a cheaper design. High accuracy would be great, as I would like to someday get a proper spindle to route PCB's, but if it runs the cost too high I can skimp on super accurate.
My first goal is to figure out what kind of stepper driver and motors I should use. I was looking at using the 185 oz-in Nema 23 (or equivalent) for X,Y, and Z, and then use maybe a 100 oz-in motor for the 4th axis, as I understand spinning a block of wood shouldn't take a whole heck of a lot of force. As for the drivers, I would really love to build my own. I could probably design my own, but it seems like it would be a lot more work than I'm looking to get into. If you guys feel it's really worth laying the cash down on a commercial driver, that will be considered.
On the mechanics side of things, I'd like to go with the v rollers and lead screws-or any other cheaper method that will achieve similar results-for all three axis. The router I'll need to purchase and will obviously go for lowest bidder; if it spins I'm happy.
As for my tools, I have only but the basic woodworking tools: table saw, jig saw, (soon to have) drill press, really crappy router from the 70's (will upgrade soon), and other various hand tools. I am currently co-op'ing at Wallops Flight Facility right now, which happens to house one of the largest machine shops on the East coast... so I might be able to pull some strings and get a few crucial parts milled from scrap aluminum... MAYBE.
Anyway, sorry for writing a book! I hope you guys can help me on my adventure! I'll start posting some 3D models of what I'm thinking about this weekend!
Tyler