How to build a Custom CNC

[Tapoore]

That looks very good! I came across this design a few weeks ago.

[cdfps]

I wrote a cnc plotter program that took hpgl files and output steps out of the parallel port. I was building plotter / cnc machines at the time and there wasn't much code avilable.

A great resource is Luberth Dijkman in the netherlands. I think there is still a copy of my code there in the archives written in of all things..Pascal.

Here is a link to that page.

http://cstep.luberth.com/

A couple of other names are Ian Harries and Tomi Engdahl.

I think both were Brits. If you google either of those names and "tandon disk drive" you should get some intresting info on a "free" source for stepper controller boards and motors.

The old full height 5 1/4 disk drives for IBM were made by Tandon. Each has a TTL level control (you can control it with the parallel port of your computer) that Engdahl has mapped for you. The stepper motors are kind of weak but are great for building an experimental cnc / plotter / engraver.

A student of mine build one three or four years ago using tandon control boards, information from the above sites, and a bunch of MDF.

http://www.smallmetals.com/educoopwi...r.MikesPlotter

Building plotters and CNC machines was an educational experience, I would suggest starting with a NC etch-a-sketch run from the paralel port using tandon driver boards and tandon steppers. If you make it print out the first logo and bring it to a competition....

Good luck,

[Qbranch]

Originally Posted by Bill_Hancoc

Engadget has a really great 2+ part article on how to build a Home CNC. This is part one of ??? I will post the links to the later parts as they are posted...
If any team doesnt have to money for a 2 million dollar HAAS machine but still wants a small CNC for making parts check this out


(I realize not all HAAS CNC's are 2 million dollars but it sounds good for the purpose of a shock factor)

HAAS machines are definitely not 2 million dollars..... but I use a Hurco VM-2 at work, its a much much better value than a Haas.

Tons more accurate too..... sub-tenth-thousandth chord tolerances and repeatable as all get out. Awesome user interface, very small footprint for the work cube size. Designed and serviced from Indianapolis. Sorry, I just really really like the machine.


Link to their website

Link to the VM home page

You can see their display at IMTS (Link)

Or at the free Brickyard 400 Open House (Link)

I can answer any ?'s you like. We have 2 homebuilt CNC machines as well (6'x12' and a 3'x2').

-Q

[Bill_Hancoc]

Originally Posted by Qbranch

HAAS machines are definitely not 2 million dollars..... but I use a Hurco VM-2 at work, its a much much better value than a Haas.

Tons more accurate too..... sub-tenth-thousandth chord tolerances and repeatable as all get out. Awesome user interface, very small footprint for the work cube size. Designed and serviced from Indianapolis. Sorry, I just really really like the machine.
]

Personally i prefer Toshiba Machines and Mori Seiki...both very high quality...Toshiba machines are a pretty good budget and Mori Seiki are like the Rolls Royce of CNC's they are made to run full speed for weeks on end and have very high tolerances that are compensated for in heat changes and other small factors

[Bill_Hancoc]

How-To: Build your own CNC machine (Part 2)
Like i said here is part 2

[D.Fahringer]

I just retrofitted my knee mill Bridgeport copy and it is amazing what is out there these days to do this! Mine is based on the Logitrol 3 axis large servo system sold by "lowcostcncretrofits.com of Australia...great package and well worth the $2,500. (I got mine on an eBay auction for $2,000). I use Mach 3 from Artsoft to program and control it...another fantastic value at $159.00 Some pictures are below...


Dave Fahringer

[sanddrag]

Wow, I am SO jealous. That is just awesome. Now I REALLY want to convert my little benchtop machine.

[Not2B]

I just purchased a 3-axis controller kit from www.hobbycnc.com - I'll have to let you all know how it turns out. This one goes into a retrofit Emco F1 CNC Mill. If everything works well, the second one I order will go into my own home-made CNC router.

[Steve S.]

look for one in our teams pit at the 2007 FLR

[Bill_Hancoc]

And as i Promised Part 3 of i think 3 but im not really sure...feel free to correct me if i am in mistake but from the sound of it i think it is the end (yes i did make this like intentionally long

[sanddrag]

In case anyone was interested HobbyCNC has their 3 axis driver board kit and 200 oz-in dual shaft stepper combo on sale for $179. Seems like a great deal; I just bought one for my Sieg X1 micro mill. It should be noted that the driver board is in kit fashion and you must assemble (solder) it yourself. Also, you will need some additional components such as a transformer, bridge rectifier, fan, etc.

[Qbranch]

Originally Posted by Bill_Hancoc

Personally i prefer Toshiba Machines and Mori Seiki...both very high quality...Toshiba machines are a pretty good budget and Mori Seiki are like the Rolls Royce of CNC's they are made to run full speed for weeks on end and have very high tolerances that are compensated for in heat changes and other small factors

Yes, mori-seki makes very good stuff, and the price is higher but not bad, but... its nice to have the headquarters of the company in your town. That was one of the big draws we had to hurco.

-Q

[Dick Linn]

A couple of interesting sites for those of you wanting relatively low-cost cnc with serious capabilities:

http://www.tormach.com/

http://www.industrialhobbies.com/

And for an inexpensive mill that can be retrofit:

http://www.lathemaster.com/HEAVYDUTY...E%207045FG.htm

[Not2B]

Originally Posted by Not2B

I'm going to retrofit an old Emco F1 CNC mill this summer. The school was getting rid of it, so I thought I could repair it and get it working for simple stuff for the team. I mean - better than nothing, right?

http://static.flickr.com/58/16500066...73e819.jpg?v=0

WOO HOO! As of today, around 3:30 pm EST, the retrofit baby mill woke up, and moved. The way I wanted it too.

Just gotta get the spindle spinning and then we can make... uh... really really tiny things. 4" by 8" window to machine in. That's big enough to make gear box parts I figure.

Besides, even if we never use it, the team can learn what IS possible.