"homemade" cnc router

[PGSigns]

I looked at a lot of self built and production routers when I designed mine and took from them what I thought was a good feature and that could be done in my shop with the tooling I have. Mine ended up with a 49X97 4 zone vacuum table and a 51X100 cutable area to allow for triming a full sheet to size. I spent a good bit of time fixturing mine to ensure it would end up square when done and to control any weld distortion as I went on the frame work. A good solid base is what will make the machine a good one in the end. One of the things I decided to do on mine was use good quality linier motion rails for all axis and this did add to the cost but after fine tuning this thing I think it is worth it for the accuracy they provide. I use mine to engrave lexan for Harley windshields at .004 deep and it will hold that and repeat. It is rewarding when you get finished to watch a machine you built run. Some good sources for parts are http://www.kelinginc.net/ for motors and drive components. http://www.k2cnc.com for a Z axis (hard to build for what they sell them for) http://www.machsupport.com/ Mach 3 to run them with works great and has a lot of folks on the forum for help. And http://www.homeshopcnc.com/LinearGuide2.html has some good prices on rails and ball screws.
Jimmy

 

[Lunatic Taskbar]

and do you need to be able to cut a 4X8? what materials do you think you will be cutting?

Hi Dan. To be honest I would think the max would be 4x4. I would even entertain 2x3.

It would really be to cut alupanel, aluminum. Coro. As I am typing it I am wondering if it would actually be more worth while to source a supplier with blanks. But then again its always better to be able to do those one offs in house.

Currently I have hand cut a number of the coro signs for dealerships that hang on the rear view mirrors saying sold, etc. they are 1x2 so even something that would cut down the work on those would be a huge benefit. As I typed that the phone rang with an order of 12 of those actual signs. Cool.

I may also need to produce huge billboards for many many multiples.... No phone didn't ring that time DAM! it was worth a try!

Ian

 

[Techman]

die cut is more efficient than using a cnc router.. These machines eat electricity.

 

[Lunatic Taskbar]

Die cut is obviously another solution.

Ian

 

[Just Another Sign Guy]

or using a duplicating bit on a router with or without a small router table.

 

[jemmyell]

8020 bolt together is the way to go

Hi,

My routers are retrofitted Liberty CNC small tables. I use them for cutting mother of pearl. I plan to make a 4' x 4' rack and pinion drive table (like a ShopBOT) out of 8020 aluminum profile later this year when the kits become available. Here is a list of parts for a 2' x 3' screw driven table that is made from 8020. This is a bolt together type of construction.

2' x 3' bolt together router on CNCZone
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73670

2' x 3' router kit mechanical parts - $1300.00
http://www.finelineautomation.com/store/show/FLA100-00

electronics - about $600.00
http://www.finelineautomation.com/store/show_by_tag?tag=CNC+Electronics

router - Bosch Colt - about $100.00
http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Recon...ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1264095909&sr=8-5

router mount - about $65.00
http://www.k2cnc.com/shop/products.asp?cat=31

Collets from PreciseBits - about $70.00
http://www.precisebits.com/gateways/ColletsNutsHome.htm

Router Bits from PreciseBits - varies

Software

Mach3 - about $170

CorelDRAW about $150 with a beginners class and a tutorial

DXFTool $59.95

Vectric Cut2D $149.00 (or SheetCAM - $170)

Total = $2663.95

I heartily echo the need for dust collection. The one small router I am using for production currently is fully enclosed. My dust collector is outside in a shed and I run flexible hose under a computer floor (bought on eBay) from machine to machine. I have individual 'boosters' at each machine. They are a small Harbor Freight dust collector without a bag. They give me great airflow at my machines and 'pump' everything to the outside dust collector. I also have an overhead air cleaner (Jet). I have gone to all this trouble since I had to stop my inlay part cutting business 4 years ago when I started to get a wheeze in my lungs (it has never gone away). I am now cautiously starting to cut for customers again with good results. I wear a high quality mask when I am cleaning my machines.

-James Leonard

 

[signmeup]

Has anyone turned a plotter into a router?

 

[Techman]

Not a chance..
The motors are way too weak..

Unless u make a tiny little one..

 

[signmeup]

I figured that but it's a fully operational xy machine that already runs off common, cheap software. Couldn't the motors be replaced? I guess I was thinking the control system mated to a more robust set of motors and frame.

Actually, when you mention a tiny little one.....I bet there would be high demand for a cheap router that could cut balsa parts for model airplanes and railroad model buildings......architectural models....