The goal of this project is to create a desktop CNC machine. I could buy a ready-made machine, but its price and size did not suit me, and I decided to build a CNC machine with the following requirements:
- usage simple tools(only needed drilling machine, band-saw and hand tools)
- low cost (I was guided by a low cost, but I still bought items for about $ 600, you can save a lot by buying items in the appropriate stores)
- small footprint (30 "x25")
- normal working space (10 "X-axis, 14" Y-axis, 4 "Z-axis)
- high cutting speed (60 "per minute)
- a small number of elements (less than 30 unique)
- available items (all items can be bought in one hardware store and three online stores)
- the possibility of successful processing of plywood

Other people's machines

Here are a few photos of other machines that have been collected under this article.

Photo 1 - Chris and a friend assembled a machine by cutting parts from 0.5 "acrylic using laser cutting. But everyone who has worked with acrylic knows that laser cut that's good, but acrylic does not tolerate drilling well and there are a lot of holes in this project. They did Good work, more information can be found on Chris'a blog. I especially enjoyed making a 3D object using 2D cuts.

Photo 2 - Sam McCaskill did really good bench machine with CNC. I was impressed that he did not simplify his work and cut all the elements by hand. I am impressed with this project.

Photo 3 - Angry Monk "s used parts from DMF, cut with laser cutter and toothed belt engines converted to propeller engines.

Photo 4 - Bret Golab "s assembled the machine and configured it to work with Linux CNC (I tried to do this too, but could not because of the complexity). If you are interested in its settings, you can contact him. He did a great job!

I'm afraid I don't have enough experience and knowledge to explain the basics of CNC, but the CNCZone.com forum has an extensive section on DIY machines that helped me a lot.

Cutter: Dremel or Dremel Type Tool

Axes parameters:

X axis
Travel distance: 14 "

Speed: 60 "/ min
Acceleration: 1 "/ s2
Resolution: 1/2000 "
Pulses per inch: 2001

Y-axis
Travel distance: 10 "
Drive: Toothed belt transmission
Speed: 60 "/ min
Acceleration: 1 "/ s2
Resolution: 1/2000 "
Pulses per inch: 2001

Z-axis (up-down)
Travel distance: 4 "
Drive: Screw
Acceleration: .2 "/ s2
Speed: 12 "/ min
Resolution: 1/8000 "
Pulses per inch: 8000

Required tools

I aimed to use popular instruments which can be purchased from your regular craft store.

Power tool:
- band saw or jigsaw
- drilling machine (drills 1/4 ", 5/16", 7/16 ", 5/8", 7/8 ", 8mm (about 5/16")), also called Q
- Printer
- Dremel or similar tool (for installation in a finished machine).

Hand tool:
- rubber hammer(for planting elements in place)
- hexagons (5/64 ", 1/16")
- screwdriver
- glue stick or spray glue
- adjustable wrench (or socket wrench with ratchet and 7/16 "head)

Necessary materials

The attached PDF file (CNC-Part-Summary.pdf) provides all costs and information about each item. Only general information is provided here.

Sheets --- $ 20
- A piece of 48 "x48" 1/2 "MDF (any sheet material 1/2 "thick I am planning to use UHMW in the next version of the machine, but now it is too expensive)
- A piece of 5 "x5" 3/4 "MDF (this piece is used as a spacer, so you can take a piece of any 3/4" material)

Motors and Controllers --- $ 255
-About the choice of controllers and motors, you can write a whole article. In short, you need a controller capable of driving three motors and motors with a torque of around 100 oz / in. I bought motors and a ready-made controller and everything worked fine.

Hardware --- $ 275
-I bought these items from three stores. Simple elements I bought from a hardware store, I bought specialized drivers from McMaster Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com), and I bought a lot of bearings from an online seller, paying $ 40 for 100 pieces (it turns out quite profitable, a lot bearings remains for other projects).

Software --- (free)
-Requires a program to draw your structure (I'm using CorelDraw) and I'm currently using a trial version of Mach3, but I have plans to migrate to LinuxCNC (open source machine controller using Linux)

Head unit --- (optional)
-I have Dremel installed on my machine, but if you are interested in 3D printing (eg RepRap) you can install your own.

Printing templates

I had some experience with jigsaw, so I decided to glue the templates. You need to print PDF files with templates placed on the sheet, stick the sheet onto the material and cut out the details.

File name and material:
Everything: CNC-Cut-Summary.pdf
0.5 "MDF (35 8.5" x11 "sheets with templates): CNC-0.5MDF-CutLayout- (Rev3) .pdf
0.75 "MDF: CNC-0.75MDF-CutLayout- (Rev2) .pdf
0,75" aluminum tube: CNC-0.75Alum-CutLayout- (Rev3) .pdf
0.5 "MDF (1 48" x48 "pattern sheet): CNC- (One 48x48 Page) 05-MDF-CutPattern.pdf

Note: I am attaching CorelDraw drawings in original format (CNC-CorelDrawFormat-CutPatterns (Rev2) ZIP) for those who would like to change something.

Note: There are two file options for 0.5 "MDF. You can download a file with 35 pages 8.5" x11 "(CNC-0.5MDF-CutLayout- (Rev3), PDF), or a file (CNC- (One 48x48 Page) 05- MDF-CutPattern.pdf) with one 48 "x48" sheet for printing on a large format printer.

Step by step:
1. Download three PDFs with templates.
2. Open each file in Adobe Reader
3. Open the print window
4. (IMPORTANT) disable Page Scaling.
5. Check that the file has not been accidentally scaled. The first time I did not do this, I printed everything at a scale of 90%, as described below.

Gluing and cutting out elements

Glue the printed templates onto MDF and aluminum pipe. Next, just cut out the part along the contour.

As mentioned above, I accidentally printed the templates at a scale of 90%, and did not notice it until I started cutting. Unfortunately, I did not understand this until this stage. I was left with templates at 90% scale and after moving across the country I got access to a full size CNC. I could not stand it and cut out the elements with this machine, but I could not drill them from the back side. That is why all the elements in the photos are without pieces of the template.

Drilling

I didn't count how many, but this project uses a lot of holes. The holes that are drilled at the ends are especially important, but take the time to make them, and you will rarely need to use a rubber mallet.

Places with holes in the lining on top of each other is an attempt to make grooves. Perhaps you have a CNC machine that can do this better.

If you've gotten to this step, then congratulations! Looking at a bunch of elements, it is rather difficult to imagine how to assemble a machine, so I tried to make detailed instructions similar to the instructions for LEGO. (attached PDF CNC-Assembly-Instructions.pdf). Step-by-step photos of the assembly look quite interesting.

Ready!

The machine is ready! Hope you got it done and got it up and running. I hope the article does not miss important details and moments. Here's a video that shows the machine cutting a pattern on pink styrofoam.

And so, as part of this instructional article, I want you, together with the author of the project, a 21-year-old mechanic and designer, to make your own. The narration will be in the first person, but you should know that, to my great regret, I am not sharing my experience, but only freely retelling the author of this project.

There will be quite a lot of drawings in this article., notes to them are made at English language, but I'm sure that a real techie will understand everything without further ado. For ease of perception, I will break the story into "steps".

Preface from the author

Already at the age of 12, I dreamed of building a machine that would be able to create various things. A machine that will enable me to make any household item. Two years later, I came across the phrase CNC or more precisely, the phrase "CNC milling machine"... After I found out that there are people who can make such a machine on their own for their own needs, in their own garage, I realized that I can do it too. I must do it! For three months I tried to put together the right parts, but I didn’t budge. So my obsession gradually faded away.

In August 2013, the idea to build a CNC milling machine captured me again. I had just graduated from an undergraduate degree from the University of Industrial Design, so I was quite confident in my capabilities. Now I clearly understood the difference between me today and me five years ago. I learned how to work with metal, mastered the techniques of working on manual metalworking machines, but most importantly, I learned how to use development tools. I hope this tutorial will inspire you to create your own CNC machine!

Step 1: design and CAD model

It all starts with thoughtful design. I made some sketches to get a better feel for the size and shape of the future machine. After that, I created a CAD model using SolidWorks. After I modeled all the parts and assemblies of the machine, I prepared the technical drawings. I used these drawings to make parts on manual metalworking machines: and.

Honestly, I love the good handy tools... That is why I tried to make sure that operations on maintenance and the adjustment of the machine was carried out as easy as possible. I placed the bearings in special blocks in order to be able to quickly change. The rails are serviceable so my machine will always be clean when finished.

Downloads "Step 1"

dimensions

Step 2: bed

The bed provides the machine with the required rigidity. A movable portal, stepper motors, a Z-axis and a spindle, and later a work surface will be installed on it. To create the base frame, I used two 40x80mm Maytec aluminum profiles and two 10mm aluminum end plates. I connected all the elements to each other on aluminum corners... To reinforce the structure inside the main frame, I made an additional square frame from smaller sections.

In order to further avoid dust getting on the guides, I installed protective corners made of aluminum. The corner is mounted using T-nuts, which are installed in one of the grooves of the profile.

Bearing blocks are mounted on both end plates to accommodate the drive screw.

Carrying frame assembly

Angles to protect the guides

Downloads "Step 2"

Drawings of the main elements of the bed

Step 3: Portal

The movable gantry is the executive element of your machine, it moves along the X-axis and carries the milling spindle and the Z-axis support. The higher the gantry, the thicker the workpiece that you can machine. However, a high portal is less resistant to loads that arise during processing. High side gantry struts act as levers relative to linear rolling bearings.

The main task that I planned to solve on my CNC milling machine is the processing of aluminum parts. Since the maximum thickness of suitable aluminum blanks is 60 mm, I decided to make the portal clearance (distance from work surface to the top crossbeam) equal to 125 mm. In SolidWorks, I converted all of my measurements to model and technical drawings. Due to the complexity of the parts, I processed them on an industrial CNC machining center, this additionally allowed me to process chamfers, which would be very difficult to do on a manual metal milling machine.

Downloads "Step 3"

Step 4: Z-axis caliper

In the Z-axis design, I used a front plate that attaches to the Y-axis travel bearings, two plates to reinforce the assembly, a plate to hold the stepper motor, and a plate to mount. milling spindle... On the front panel, I installed two profile guides along which the spindle will move along the Z axis. Please note that the Z axis screw does not have a counter support at the bottom.

Downloads "Step 4"

Step 5: guides

The guides provide the ability to move in all directions, ensure smooth and precise movements. Any backlash in one of the directions can cause inaccuracies in the processing of your products. I chose the most expensive option - profiled hardened steel rails. This will allow the structure to withstand high loads and provide the positioning accuracy I need. To ensure that the guides are parallel, I used a special indicator during their installation. The maximum deviation relative to each other was no more than 0.01 mm.

Step 6: screws and pulleys

The screws convert rotary motion from stepper motors to linear motion. When designing your machine, you can choose several options for this unit: A pair of screw-nut or ball-screw pair (ball screw). A screw nut is generally more subject to frictional forces during operation and is also less accurate relative to a ball screw. If you need increased accuracy, then you definitely need to opt for a ball screw. But you should know that ball screws are quite expensive.

Machine tools equipped with numerical software (CNC) are presented as modern equipment for cutting, turning, drilling or grinding metal, plywood, wood foam and other materials.

Built-in electronics based on printed circuit boards Arduino provides maximum work automation.

1 What is a CNC machine?

CNC machines based on Arduino printed circuit boards are capable of steplessly changing the spindle speed in automatic mode, as well as the feed rate of calipers, tables and other mechanisms. Auxiliary elements of the CNC machine automatically takes the desired position, and can be used to cut plywood or aluminum profiles.

In devices based on printed circuit boards "Arduino" cutting tool(preset) also changes automatically.

In CNC devices based on Arduino printed circuit boards, all commands are sent through the controller.

The controller receives signals from the media. For such plywood cutting equipment, metal profiles or polystyrene, the program carriers are cams, stops or copiers.

The signal received from the software carrier through the controller sends a command to the automatic, semi-automatic or copying machine... If it is necessary to change a sheet of plywood or foam for cutting, then the cams or copiers are replaced with other elements.

Units with program control based on Arduino boards use punched tapes, punched cards or magnetic tapes as a program medium, which contain all the necessary information. With the use of Arduino boards, the entire process of cutting plywood, foam or other material is fully automated, one hundred and minimizes labor costs.

It is worth noting that to assemble a CNC machine for cutting plywood or foam based on Arduino boards do it yourself without much difficulty. Arduino-based CNC units are controlled by a controller that transmits both technological and dimensional information.

Using plasma cutters with CNC based on Arduino boards, you can free big number universal equipment and along with this increase labor productivity. The main advantages of self-assembled machines based on "Arduino" are expressed in:

• high (compared to manual machines) performance;
• flexibility of versatile equipment combined with precision;
• reducing the need to attract qualified specialists to work;
• the ability to manufacture interchangeable parts according to one program;
• shorter preparation times for the manufacture of new parts;
• the ability to make a machine with your own hands.

1.1 The process of the CNC milling machine (video)

1.2 Varieties of CNC machines

The presented units for cutting plywood or polystyrene, using Arduino boards for operation, are divided into classes according to:

• technological capabilities;
• the principle of tool change;
• the way of changing the workpiece.

Any class of such equipment can be made by hand, and the Arduino electronics will provide maximum workflow automation. Along with classes, machines can be:

• turning;
• drilling and boring;
• milling;
• grinding;
• electrophysical machines;
• multipurpose.

Arduino-based turning units can process external and inner surfaces all kinds of details.

The workpieces can be rotated in both straight and curved contours. The device is also designed for cutting outside and internal thread... Arduino-based milling units are designed for milling simple and complex body-type parts.

In addition, they can drill and bore. Grinding machines, which can also be done by hand, can be used for finishing details.

Depending on the type of surfaces to be treated, the units can be:

• surface grinders;
• internal grinding;
• slot-grinding.

Multipurpose units can be used for cutting plywood or Styrofoam, drilling, milling, boring and turning parts. Before making a do-it-yourself CNC machine, it is important to consider that the division of equipment is also carried out according to the method of changing the tool. Replacement can be done:

• manually;
• automatically in the turret;
• automatically in the store.

If the electronics (controller) can provide automatic change of workpieces using special storage devices, then the device can work for a long time without the participation of an operator.

In order to make the presented unit for cutting plywood or foam with your own hands, you need to prepare the original equipment. Used may be suitable for this.

In it, the working body is replaced by a milling cutter. In addition, you can make a mechanism with your own hands from the carriages of an old printer.

This will allow the milling cutter to move in the direction of the two planes. Further, the electronics are connected to the structure, the key element of which is the controller and the Arduino boards.

The assembly diagram allows you to do it yourself homemade unit CNC automatic. Such equipment can be designed for cutting plastic, foam, plywood or thin metal. In order for the device to be able to perform more complex types of work, not only a controller is needed, but also a stepping motor.

It must have high power ratings - at least 40-50 watts. It is recommended to use a conventional electric motor, since with its use there will be no need to create a helical gear, and the controller will ensure the timely delivery of commands.

The required force on the transmission shaft in a homemade device must be transmitted by means of toothed belts. If a homemade CNC machine will use carriages from printers to move the working cutter, then for this purpose it is necessary to select parts from large printers.

The basis of the future unit can be a rectangular beam, which must be firmly fixed on the guides. The frame should have a high degree of rigidity, but welding is not recommended. It is better to use a bolted connection.

Weld seams will be subject to deformation due to constant loads during machine operation. At the same time, the fastening elements are destroyed, which will lead to a malfunction of the settings, and the controller will not work correctly.

2.1 About stepper motors, calipers and rails

Self-assembled CNC machine must be equipped with stepper motors. As mentioned above, it is best to use motors from old dot matrix printers to assemble the unit.

For efficient operation of the device need three separate motors stepping type. It is recommended to use motors with five separate wires management. This will increase the functionality homemade apparatus several times.

When selecting motors for a future machine tool, you need to know the number of degrees per step, the operating voltage indicator and the winding resistance. Subsequently, this will help to make the correct configuration of all software.

The ball motor shaft is fastened using a rubber cable covered with a thick winding. In addition, this cable can be used to connect the motor to the travel pin. The frame can be made of plastic with a thickness of 10-12 mm.

Along with plastic, it is possible to use aluminum or organic glass.

The leading parts of the frame are fastened with self-tapping screws, and when using wood, you can fasten the elements with PVA glue. The guides are steel rods with a cross section of 12 mm and a length of 20 mm. There are 2 rods for each axis.

The support is made of PCB, its dimensions should be 30x100x40 cm. The guide parts of the PCB are fastened with M6 screws, and the “X” and “Y” calipers at the top should have 4 threaded holes for fixing the bed. Stepper motors are installed with hardware.

Fasteners can be made using steel sheet type. The sheet thickness should be 2-3 mm. Next, the screw is connected to the axis of the stepper motor by means of a flexible shaft. For this purpose, you can use a conventional rubber hose.

So you decided to build homemade CNC a milling machine or maybe you are just thinking about it and do not know where to start? There are many advantages to having a CNC machine. Home machines can mill and cut almost all materials. Whether you are an amateur or a craftsman, it opens up great horizons for creativity. The fact that one of the machines might end up in your workshop is even more seductive.

There are many reasons people want to build their own DIY CNC router. As a rule, this happens because we simply cannot afford to buy it in a store or from a manufacturer, and this is not surprising, because the price for them is rather big. Or you can be like me and have a lot of fun doing your own work and creating something unique. You can just do it for experience in mechanical engineering.

Personal experience

When I first started to develop, think over and make the first CNC router with my own hands, it took about one day to create the project. Then when I started buying parts, I did a little research. And I found some information in various sources and forums, which led to the emergence of new questions:

• Do I really need ball screws, or will regular studs and nuts work just fine?
• Which linear bearing is best and can I afford it?
• What kind of motor do I need, and is it better to use a stepper or servo?
• Does the case material deform too much when large size machine tool?
• Etc.

Fortunately, I was able to answer some of the questions thanks to my engineering background from my studies. However, many of the problems I would run into could not be calculated. I just needed someone with practical experience and information on this matter.

Of course, I got many answers to my questions from different people, many of which contradicted each other. Then I had to do more research to find out which answers are worthwhile and which are rubbish.

Every time I had a question that I didn't know the answer to, I had to repeat the same process. This is largely due to the fact that I had a limited budget and wanted to take the best that my money could buy. The same situation is with many people creating a homemade CNC milling machine.

DIY kits and kits for assembling CNC milling cutters

Yes, there are kits available for manual assembly, but I have yet to see one that can be tailored to specific needs.

Also, there is no way to make changes to the design and type of machine, but there are many of them, and how do you know which one is right for you? No matter how good the instruction is, if the design is poorly thought out, the final machine will be bad.

This is why you need to be aware of what you are building and understand how every detail plays a role!

Management

This guide aims to prevent you from making the same mistakes that I wasted my precious time and money on.

We'll go over all the components right down to the bolts, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of each part. I will cover every aspect of design and show you how to create a DIY CNC milling machine. I'll walk you through the mechanics to the software and everything in between.

Keep in mind that DIY CNC machine drawings offer few ways to solve some problems. This often results in "sloppy" design or poor machine performance. That is why I suggest you read this guide first.

LET'S START

STEP 1: Key design decisions

First of all, you need to consider the following questions:

1. Determination of a suitable design specifically for you (for example, if you will make a wood machine with your own hands).
2. Required processing area.
3. Workspace availability.
4. Materials.
5. Tolerances.
6. Construction methods.
7. Available tools.
8. Budget.

STEP 2: Base and X-axis

The following issues are covered here:

1. Design and build the base or X axis base.
2. Fixed parts.
3. Partially fixed parts, etc.

STEP 3: Design the Gantry Y-Axis

1. Design and construction of the portal Y-axis.
2. Breakdown various designs to the elements.
3. Forces and moments on the portal, etc.

STEP 4: Z-axis assembly diagram

The following issues are covered here:

1. Designing and assembling a Z-axis assembly.
2. Forces and moments on the Z axis.
3. Linear rails / guides and bearing spacing.
4. Choice of cable channel.

STEP 5: Linear Motion System

This clause addresses the following issues:

1. Detailed study of linear motion systems.
2. Choice correct system specifically for your machine.
3. Design and construction of your own guides with a small budget.
4. Linear Shaft and Bushings or Rails and Blocks?

STEP 6: Mechanical Drive Components

This clause addresses the following aspects:

1. Detailed overview of the drive parts.
2. Selecting the right components for your machine type.
3. Stepper or servo motors.
4. Screws and ball screws.
5. Drive nuts.
6. Radial and thrust bearings.
7. Coupling and engine mount.
8. Direct drive or gearbox.
9. Racks and gears.
10. Calibration of propellers in relation to motors.

STEP 7: Selecting Engines

In this step, you need to consider:

1. Detailed overview of CNC motors.
2. Types of CNC motors.
3. How stepper motors work.
4. Types of stepper motors.
5. How servomotors work.
6. Types of servo motors.
7. NEMA standards.
8. Choosing the right engine type for your project.
9. Measurement of motor parameters.

STEP 8: Cutting Table Design

1. Design and build your own tables on a small budget.
2. Perforated cutting layer.
3. Vacuum table.
4. Overview of cutting table designs.
5. The table can be cut with a CNC wood router.

STEP 9: Spindle parameters

This step addresses the following issues:

1. Overview of CNC spindles.
2. Types and functions.
3. Pricing and costs.
4. Mounting and cooling options.
5. Cooling systems.
6. Create your own spindle.
7. Calculation of chip load and cutting force.
8. Finding the optimal feed rate.

STEP 10: Electronics

This clause addresses the following issues:

1. Control Panel.
2. Electrical wiring and fuses.
3. Buttons and switches.
4. Lap MPG and Jog.
5. Power supplies.

STEP 11: Program Control Controller Parameters

This step addresses the following issues:

1. CNC controller overview.
2. Controller selection.
3. Available options.
4. Closed loop and open loop systems.
5. Controllers at an affordable price.
6. Creating your own controller from scratch.

STEP 12. Choosing software

This clause addresses the following issues:

1. An overview of software related to CNC.
2. Selection of software.
3. CAM software.
4. CAD software.
5. NC Controller software.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Nowadays, the production of small parts made of wood, for certain structures. Also in stores you can find a variety of beautiful volumetric paintings made on wood linen. Such operations are performed using numerically controlled milling machines. The accuracy of parts or pictures made of wood is achieved through control from a computer, a specialized program.

The CNC wood milling machine is a highly professional machine with the latest technology.

All work consists in processing with a special cutter for wood, which can be used to cut out small parts from wood material creating beautiful drawings. The work is carried out by sending signals to stepper motors, which, in turn, move the router along three axes.

Due to this, high-precision processing takes place. As a rule, such works cannot be done manually with such high quality. Therefore, CNC wood milling machines are a great boon for joiners.

Purpose

For a long time, milling was intended for planing work with wood. But the engine of progress is moving strictly forward and in our time, numerical control has been created for such machines. At this stage, the milling machine can perform a variety of actions that relate to wood processing:

1. Cutting out various parts from solid wood.
2. Cutting off excess parts of the workpiece.
3. Possibility to make grooves and holes of various diameters.
4. Drawing complex ornaments using a cutter.
5. 3D Three-dimensional images on a solid wood.
6. Full furniture manufacturing and much more.

Whatever the task is, it will be performed with high precision and accuracy.

Tip: When working on homemade CNC equipment, you need to smoothly remove the thickness of the wood, otherwise your part will be damaged or burned by the cutter!

Variety

In the modern technological world, the following types of numerically controlled wood milling machines are distinguished:

Stationary

These machines are used in production facilities, as they are of enormous size and weight. But such equipment is capable of manufacturing products in large volumes.

Manual

This is homemade devices or devices from ready-made kits. These machines can be safely installed in your garage or your own workshop. These include the following subspecies:

Gantry-assisted numerically controlled equipment

Directly the milling cutter itself is capable of moving along two Cartesian axes X and Z. This type of machine has high rigidity when processing bends. The design of the gantry milling machine with numerical control is quite simple in its design. Many carpenters begin their knowledge of CNC machine tools with this subtype. However, in this case, the size of the blank will be limited by the size of the portal itself.

Numerically controlled and movable gantry

The construction of this subtype is slightly complicated.

Mobile portal

It is this type that moves the router along all three Cartesian axes, along X, Z and Y. In this case, it will be necessary to use a solid guide for the X axis, since all the heavy load will be directed to it.

With a movable gantry, it is very convenient for creating printed circuit boards. On the Y axis, it is possible to machine long parts.

The cutter moves along the Z-axis.

A machine on which a milling part can move in a vertical direction

This subtype is usually used when revising production samples or when converting drilling equipment into an engraving-milling one.

The working field, that is, the tabletop itself, has dimensions of 15x15 centimeters, which makes it impossible to process large parts.

This type is not very easy to use.

Portless numerically controlled

This type of machine is very complex in its design, but it is the most productive and convenient.

Workpieces can be machined up to five meters long, even if the X-axis is 20 centimeters long.

This subtype is extremely unsuitable for the first experience, since it requires skills on this equipment.

Below we will consider the design of a hand-held CNC wood milling machine, we will analyze the principles of its operation. Find out how to do this brainchild and how such equipment is being adjusted.

Device and principle of operation

The main parts of the milling device are the following parts:

Stanina

Directly the construction of the machine itself, on which all other parts are located.

Calipers

An assembly that is a mount to support the movement of an automatic tool.

Desktop

The area where all the necessary work is done.

Spindle shaft or router

A tool that performs milling work.

Woodworking milling cutter

A tool, or rather a device for a router, of various sizes and shapes, with which wood is processed.

CNC

Let's just say the brain and heart of the whole structure. The software performs precise control of the entire work.

The job is programmed. A specialized program is installed on the computer, it is she who converts the circuits loaded into it into special codes, which the program distributes to the controller, and then to the stepper motors. Stepper motors, in turn, move the router along the Z, Y, X coordinate axes, due to which the wooden workpiece is processed.

Choice of components

The main stage in the invention homemade milling machine is the selection of accessories. After choosing bad material, something can go wrong in

An example of an assembly from an aluminum frame.

the work itself. Usually use simple materials, such as: aluminum, wood (solid wood, MDF), plexiglass. For the correct and accurate operation of the entire structure, it is important to develop the entire design of the calipers.

Tip: Before assembly do it yourself, it is necessary to check all already prepared parts for compatibility.

Check if there is a snag anywhere that will interfere. And most importantly, to prevent various kinds of vibrations, as this will directly lead to poor-quality milling.

There are some assignments for the selection of work items that will help in creation, namely:

Guides

Scheme of cnc guides for a milling cutter.

For them, rods with a diameter of 12 millimeters are used. For the X-axis, the length of the rod is 200 millimeters, and for the Y-axis, the length is 90 millimeters.

The use of guides will allow highly accurate placement of moving parts

Calipers

Support for CNC milling machine.

Caliper assembly.

For these components, you can use textolite material. Enough durable material of a kind. As a rule, the size of the textolite platform is 25x100x45 milli

Router fixing unit

An example of a frame for fixing a router.

You can also use a textolite frame. The dimensions directly depend on the tool you have.

Stepper motors or servo motors

Power Supply

Controller

An electronic board that distributes electricity to stepper motors in order to move them along axes.

Tip: When soldering the board, it is necessary to use capacitors and resistors in special SMD cases (aluminum, ceramics, plastic are used for the manufacture of cases of such parts). This will reduce the size of the board, as well as inner space in the design will be optimized.

Assembly

Scheme homemade machine numerically controlled

The assembly will not take you too long. The only thing is that the customization process will be the longest in the entire manufacturing process.

To start

It is necessary to develop a diagram and drawings of the future numerically controlled machine.

If you do not want to do this, then you can download the drawings from the Internet. For all size prepare all the necessary details.

Make all the necessary holes

Designed for bearings and guides. The main thing is to observe all the necessary dimensions, otherwise the work of the machine will be disrupted. A diagram with a description of the arrangement of mechanisms is presented. She will allow you to receive general idea especially if you collect it for the first time.

When you have all the elements and parts of the mechanism ready, you can safely start assembling. The first step is to assemble the equipment bed.

Frame

Must be assembled geometrically correctly. All corners must be even and equal. When the frame is ready, you can mount the guide axes, work table, calipers. When these elements are installed, you can install a router or a spindle.

The last step remains - electronics. The installation of the electronics is a major step in the assembly. A controller is connected to the stepper motors installed on the machine, which will be responsible for their operation.

Next, the controller is connected to a computer on which a special control program must already be installed. The trade mark is widely used Arduino which manufactures and supplies hardware.

With everything connected and ready, it's time to start a test piece. For this, any wood that will not go beyond the desktop is suitable. If your workpiece has been processed and everything is in order, then you can proceed to the full production of one or another milling product.

Safety engineering

Safety with milling equipment is the cornerstone. If you do not take care of yourself, you can end up in the hospital with serious injuries. All safety rules are the same, but the most basic ones will be listed below:

1. Your equipment must be grounded to avoid electric shock.
2. Keep children away from the machine.
3. Neither eat nor drink on the desktop.
4. Appropriate clothing should be chosen.
5. Do not handle bulky parts that exceed the dimensions of the working table, machine tool equipment.
6. Do not drop various tools onto the working area of ​​the machine.
7. Do not use material (metal, plastic, etc.).

Video reviews

Video review of parts for the machine and where to get them:

Video review of the work of a milling machine for wood:

Video review of electronics