Axle arrangementX, Y, Zdesktop CNC milling and engraving machine:
The Z axis moves the tool (milling cutter) vertically (up and down)
Axis X - moves the carriage Z in the transverse direction (left-right).
Y-axis - moves the movable table (back and forth).
The device of the milling and engraving machine can be found
The composition of the set of CNC machine Modelist2020 and Modelist3030
I A set of milled parts made of 12mm plywood for self-assembly
A set of milled parts for the assembly of a CNC machine with a sliding table consists of:
1) CNC router gantry legs
2) A set of CNC milled parts to assemble the Z axis
3) A set of CNC milled parts to assemble the sliding table
4) a set of CNC milled parts for assembling supports stepper motors and spindle mounts
II Set of milling machine mechanics includes:
1. coupling for connecting the stepper motor shaft with the lead screw of the machine - (3 pcs.). Size coupling for machine Modelist2030 with NEMA17 stepper motors - 5x5mm. For Modelist3030 machine with Nema23 stepper motors - 6.35x8mm
2. steel linear guides for CNC machine Modelist3030:
16mm (4pcs) for X and Y axes,
12mm(2pcs) for Z axis
For CNC machine Modelist2020, the diameter of the linear movement guides:
12mm(8pcs) for X, Y and Z axes.
3. linear rolling bearings for milling machine Modelist3030:
Linear bearings LM16UU (8pcs) for X and Y axes,
Linear bearings LM12UU for Z axis.
For CNC milling Machine Tool Modeller2020
Linear bearings LM12UU (12pcs) for X, Y and Z axes.
4. lead screws for the milling machine Modelist2020 - M12 (pitch 1.75mm) - (3pcs) with processing under d=5mm from one end and under d=8mm from the other.
For milling machine Modelist3030 - TR12x3 trapezoidal screws (pitch 3mm) - (3 pcs.) with end processing under d=8mm.
5. radial bearings fastening of the lead screws - (4 pcs.) one bearing in an aluminum block for the Z axis.
6. running nuts made of graphite-filled caprolon for the X, Y and Z axes (- 3 pcs.)
III CNC milling machine electronics set:
1. For CNC machine Modelist2020: NEMA17 stepper motors 17HS8401(size 42x48mm, torque 52N.cm , current 1.8A, phase resistance 1.8Ω, inductance 3.2mH, shaft diameter 5mm)- 3 pcs.
For CNC machine Modelist3030: stepper motors 23HS5630 (size 57x56mm, torque 12.6kg*cm, current 3.0A, phase resistance 0.8Ω, inductance 2.4mH, shaft diameter 6.35mm)- 3 pcs.
2. The controller of stepper motors of the CNC machine on specialized microstepping drivers from Toshiba TV6560 in a closed aluminum case
3. power supply 24 V 6.5 A for CNC machine Modelist2020 and 24V 10.5A for CNC machine Modelist3030
4. set of connecting wires
The assembly sequence of the CNC milling machine with a movable table.
The linear movement system of any machine tool consists of two parts: a ball bushing is an element that moves and a fixed element of the system - a linear guide or shaft (linear support). Linear bearings can be different types: sleeve, split sleeve, aluminum sleeve for easy fastening, ball carriage, roller carriage, the main function of which is to carry the load, ensuring stable and accurate movement. The use of linear bearings (rolling friction) instead of sliding bushings can significantly reduce friction and use the full power of stepper motors for useful cutting work.
Picture 1
1 Lubricate the linear bearings of the system linear movement of the milling machine with special grease (you can use Litol-24 (sold in auto parts stores)).
2 Assembling the Z axis of the CNC milling machine.
The assembly of the Z axis is described in the instruction ""
3 CNC milling table assembly, Y axis
3.1 Details for assembling the portal, figure 2.
1) a set of milled parts
4) lead screws for the milling machine Modelist2030 - M12 (pitch 1.75mm) with end machining for d=8mm and d=5mm
Figure 2. Details of the portal milling desktop CNC machine
3.2 Press in the linear bearings and insert the linear bearing holders into the milled grooves, Figure 2. Insert the linear guides into the linear ball bearings.
Figure 2 Assembling the table of a desktop CNC milling machine
3.3 The linear bearing holders are driven into the grooves of the sliding table part. The thorn-and-groove connection provides excellent rigidity of the knot, all parts of this knot are made of 18mm plywood. Additionally, by tightening the parts with a bolted connection, we will ensure a long and reliable service life, for this, through an existing hole in the plate, which serves as a guide for the drill, we drill a hole in the end face of the linear bearing holder, as shown in Figure 3, a drill with a diameter of 4mm.
Figure 3 Drilling mounting holes.
3.4 We impose the table itself and, through the existing holes, we fasten it with the help of M4x55 screws from the kit, Figure 4 and 5.
Figure 4 Mounting the slide table bearings.
Figure 5 Mounting the slide table bearings.
3.5 Press the thrust bearings into the details of the table frame. Insert the lead screw with lead nut made of graphite-filled caprolon into the support bearings and linear guides into the grooves of the frame elements, Figure 6.
Figure 6. Assembly of the sliding table.
Fasten the frame elements with screws from the kit. For fastening from the sides, use screws 3x25mm, Figure 7. Before screwing in the screws, be sure to drill with a 2mm drill to avoid delamination of the plywood.
If the lead screw is not clamped by the parts of the base of the movable table and there is play of the screw along the axis in the support bearings, use a washer with a diameter of 8 mm, Figure 6.
Figure 7. Assembly of the frame of the desktop machine.
3.6 Center the drive nut between the linear bearings and make holes for the screws with a 2mm drill, Figure 8, then use the 3x20 screws from the kit to secure the drive nut. When drilling, be sure to use a stop under the lead nut so as not to bend the lead screw. .
Figure 8 Mounting running nut.
4 Assembling the portal of the machine.
For assembly you will need:
1) a set of milled parts for assembling the sliding table
2) steel linear guides with a diameter of 16mm (2pcs)
3) linear bearing LM16UU(4pcs)
4) lead screws for the milling machine Modelist2030 - M12 (pitch 1.75mm) with end machining under d=8mm and d=5mm.
For milling machine Modelist3030 - TR12x3 trapezoidal screws (pitch 3mm) with end machining under d=8mm.
5. radial bearings for fastening the lead screws - (2 pcs.)
6. running nut made of graphite-filled caprolon - (- 1 pc.)
4.1 Fasten the sidewall of the portal, Figure 9.
Figure 9. Machine portal assembly.
4.2 Insert the lead screw with nut into the frame of the Z-axis carriage, figure 10.
Figure 10 Lead screw installation.
4.3 Insert linear guides, figure 11.
Figure 19 Fastening the lead screw "in the thrust".
4.4 Fasten the second side of the portal, Figure 11.
Figure 11. Installing the second side of the portal
If the lead screw is not clamped by the parts of the base of the movable table and there is play along the axis, use a washer with a diameter of 8mm.
4.5 Install and secure the rear wall of the carriage Z, Figure 12.
Figure 12. Fastening the rear wall of the Z carriage.
4.6 Fasten the caprolon running nut with 3x20 screws from the kit, Figure 13.
Figure 13. Attaching the X Axis Lead Nut.
4.7 Fasten the rear wall of the portal, Figure 14, using 3x25 screws from the kit. 
Figure 14. Fastening the rear wall of the portal.
5 Installation of stepper motors.
To install stepper motors, use the fasteners from the set of milled parts of the CNC machine to assemble the Nema23 stepper motor supports for the Modelist3030 milling machine.
Figure 15. Installation of stepper motors.
Install 5x8mm couplings to connect the motor shaft to the lead screw. Fasten the stepper motors to the machine, for fastening use the M4x55 screw from the kit, Figure 15.
6 Attach the controller to back wall milling and engraving machine, and connect the motor terminals to it.
7 Installing the router.
The router is fastened by the neck of the tool or the body. The standard diameter of the neck of household routers is 43mm. Spindle diameter 300W - 52mm, mounted on the body. For installation, assemble the router mount, fastening details in Figure 16. Use the 3x30mm screw from the kit.
Figure 16 Spindle mount 43mm
Figure 17 CNC Mounted Spindle
When installing Dremel similar tools (engravers), in addition, you will need to additionally fasten the engraver body to the Z carriage with a clamp, Figure 18.
Figure 18 Mounting the engraver on milling machine.
It is possible to install a nozzle for connecting a vacuum cleaner
Knowing that a CNC milling machine is considered sophisticated technical and electronic equipment, many craftsmen think that it simply cannot be done by hand.
However, this opinion is not true: you can make such a device with your own hands, but for this you need to have not only its complete drawing, but also a set of certain tools and suitable components.
DIY CNC machine (drawings)
When deciding to create a homemade special CNC machine, remember that this can take a lot of time. In addition, you will need a lot of money.
To make a milling machine that is equipped with a CNC system, you can use 2 methods: purchase a ready-made set of specially selected parts from which such equipment is assembled, or find all the components and independently assemble a device that fully meets all your requirements.
Preparation for work
If you planned to make a CNC machine yourself without using a ready-made kit, then the first thing you will need to do is stop at special scheme, on which such a mini-device will work.
Equipment assembly
The basis of the assembled milling equipment can be a rectangular beam, which must be firmly fixed on the rails.
The supporting structure of the equipment must have high rigidity. When installing it, it is better not to use welded joints, but to attach all parts only with screws.
In milling equipment, which you will assemble yourself, a mechanism must be provided that will ensure the movement of the working device in the vertical direction. It is best to take a screw gear for it, the rotation of which will be transmitted using a toothed belt.
The main part of the machine
An important part of such a machine is its vertical axis, which for homemade device can be made from aluminum plate. Remember to the dimensions of such an axis were precisely matched to the dimensions of the device being created.
Nowadays, handicraft people increasingly have new machines that are controlled not by hands, as we are all used to, but by computer software and computerized equipment. This innovation is called CNC (Computer Numerical Control).
This technology is used in many institutions, in large industries, as well as in the master's workshops. Automated system management allows you to save a lot of time, as well as improve the quality of products.
The automated system is controlled by a program from a computer. This system includes asynchronous motors with vector control, having three axes of movement of the electric engraver: X, Z, Y. Below we will consider what machines with automatic control and calculations.
As a rule, all CNC machines use an electric engraver, or a milling cutter, on which you can change nozzles. A numerically controlled machine is used to give decorative elements to various materials and not only. CNC machines, due to advances in the computer world, must have many functions. These features include:
Milling
The mechanical process of processing the material, during which the cutting element (nozzle, in the form of a cutter) produces rotational movements on the surface of the workpiece.
Engraving
It consists in applying this or that image on the surface of the workpiece. To do this, use either milling cutters or a chisel (a steel rod with one end pointed at an angle).
drilling
Machining of the material by cutting, with the help of a drill, due to which holes of different diameters and holes with many faces of different sections and depths are obtained.
laser cutting
The method of cutting and cutting the material, in which there is no mechanical action, the high accuracy of the workpiece is maintained, and the deformations performed by this method have minimal deformations.
Plotter
High precision drawing the most complex schemes, drawings, geographical maps. Drawing is done at the expense of the writing block, by means of a specialized pen.
Drawing and drilling PCBs
Production of boards, as well as drawing electrically conductive circuits on the surface of a dielectric plate. Also drilling small holes for radio components.
It is up to you to decide what functions your future CNC machine will perform. And then consider the design of the CNC machine.
Variety of CNC machines
Technological features and capabilities of these machines are equated to universal machines. However, in the modern world, there are three types of CNC machines:
Turning
The purpose of such machines is to create parts according to the type of bodies of revolution, which consists in processing the surface of the workpiece. Also manufacture of internal and external threads.
Milling
The automated operation of these machines consists in the processing of planes and spaces of various body blanks. Carry out milling flat, contour and stepped, under different angles, as well as from several sides. Drilling holes, threading, reaming and boring workpieces.
Drilling - boring
They perform reaming, drilling holes, boring and reaming, countersinking, milling, threading and much more.
As we can see, CNC machines have a wide range of functions that they perform. Therefore, they are equated with universal machines. All of them are very expensive and it is simply impossible to buy any of the above installations, due to financial insufficiency. And you might think that you have to do all these actions manually, throughout your life.
You may not be upset. Skillful hands countries, since the first appearance of factory CNC machines, began to create home-made prototypes that work no worse than professional ones.
All component materials for CNC machines can be ordered on the Internet, where they are freely available and are quite inexpensive. By the way, the body of an automated machine can be made by hand, and for correct dimensions can be accessed on the Internet.
Tip: Before choosing a CNC machine, decide what material you will be processing. This choice will be of major importance in the construction of the machine, as it directly depends on the size of the equipment, as well as the cost of it.
The design of the CNC machine depends entirely on your choice. You can purchase a ready-made standard set of all necessary details and just assemble it in your garage or workshop. Or order all equipment separately.
Consider a standard set of parts on the picture:
- Directly the work area, which is made from plywood, is a countertop and a side frame.
- Guide elements.
- Guide holders.
- Linear bearings and plain bushings.
- Support bearings.
- Leading screws.
- Stepper motor controller.
- Controller power supply.
- Electric engraver or milling cutter.
- A coupling that connects the lead screw shaft to the stepper motor shaft.
- Stepper motors.
- Running nut.
Using this list of parts, you can safely create your own own machine with automated work. When you assemble the entire structure, you can safely get to work.
Principle of operation
Perhaps the most important element on this machine is a milling cutter, engraver or spindle. It depends on your choice. If you have a spindle, then the tail of the cutter, which has a collet for fastening, will be tightly attached to the collet chuck.
The chuck itself is directly mounted on the spindle shaft. The cutting part of the cutter is selected based on the selected material. An electric motor, which is located on a moving carriage, rotates the spindle with a cutter, which allows you to process the surface of the material. The stepper motors are controlled by the controller, which receives commands from computer program.
Electronics The machine works directly on the computer software, which must be supplied with the ordered electronics. The program sends commands in the form of G-codes to the controller. Thus, these codes are stored in the RAM of the controller.
After selecting a processing program on the machine (finishing, roughing, three-dimensional), the commands are distributed to stepper motors, after which the surface of the material is processed.
Tip: Before starting work, it is necessary to test the machine with a specialized program and skip a trial part to make sure that the CNC works correctly.
Assembly
Machine assembly do it yourself won't take you too long. Moreover, on the Internet now you can download a lot of different schemes and drawings. If you purchased a kit for homemade machine, then its assembly will be very fast.
So let's look at one of drawings actual manual machine.
Drawing of a homemade CNC machine.
As a rule, first of all, a frame is made of plywood, 10-11 millimeters thick. tabletop, side walls and a movable portal for the installation of a router or spindle, are made only of plywood material. The tabletop is made movable, furniture guides of appropriate sizes are used.
As a result, you should get such a frame. After frame structure is ready, a drill and special crowns come into play, with which you can make holes in plywood.
The frame of the future CNC machine.
In the finished frame, it is necessary to prepare all the holes in order to install bearings and guide bolts in them. After this installation, you can install all fasteners, electrical installations, etc.
After assembly is complete, milestone becomes the setting of the machine software and the computer program. When setting up the program, the operation of the machine is checked for the correctness of the specified dimensions. If everything is ready, you can start the long-awaited work.
Tip: Before starting work, it is necessary to check the correct fastening of the workpiece material and the reliability of the fastening of the working nozzle. Also make sure that the selected material matches the manufactured machine.
Equipment setup
Adjustment of the CNC machine is carried out directly from the working computer on which the program for working with the machine is installed. It is in the program that the necessary drawings, graphs, drawings are loaded. Which in sequence are converted by the program into G - the codes necessary to control the machine.
When everything is loaded, trial actions are performed with respect to the selected material. It is during these actions that a check is made of all the necessary preset sizes.
Tip: Only after a thorough check of the machine's performance, you can start full-fledged work.
Safety
The rules and safety precautions when working with this machine are no different from working on all other machines. Below are the most basic ones:
- Check the correct operation of the machine before work.
- Clothing must be properly tucked in so that nothing sticks out anywhere and cannot get into working area machine.
- You must wear a headdress that will hold your hair.
- There should be a rubber mat near the machine or a low wooden crate to protect against electrical leakage.
- Access to the machine by children must be strictly prohibited.
- Before working with the machine, check all fasteners for their strength.
Advice: It is necessary to approach the work on the machine with a sober head and understanding that if you work incorrectly, you can cause irreparable harm to yourself.
With complete safety requirements for working with the machine, you can find it on the World Wide Web, i.e. on the Internet and check them out.
Video reviews
Overview of the assembly of a homemade CNC machine
Video overview of a simple cnc machine
Features Overview homemade CNC machine tool
Overview of stepper motors
Review video multi-channel stepper motor driver
The aim of this project is to create a desktop CNC machine. could buy finished machine, but its price and dimensions did not suit me, and I decided to build a CNC machine with the following requirements:
- usage simple tools(only need drilling machine, band-saw and hand tools)
- low cost (I was looking for 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, 14" Y, 4" Z)
- high cutting speed (60" per minute)
- a small number of elements (less than 30 unique)
- available elements (all elements can be bought in one hardware and three online stores)
- the possibility of successful processing of plywood
Other people's machines
Here are some photos of other machines that have been assembled according to this article
Photo 1 - Chris and a friend assembled the machine by laser-cutting parts from 0.5" acrylic. But everyone who has worked with acrylic knows that laser cutting that's good, but acrylic doesn't handle drilling well, and there are a lot of holes in this project. They did Good work, more information can be found on Chris's blog. I especially liked making a 3D object with 2D cuts.
Photo 2 - Sam McCaskill did a really good job desktop machine with CNC. I was impressed that he did not simplify his work and cut out all the elements by hand. I am impressed with this project.
Photo 3 - Angry Monk's used DMF parts cut with laser cutter and toothed-belt motors converted to propeller motors.
Photo 4 - Bret Golab's assembled the machine and set it up to work with Linux CNC (I also tried to do this, but I couldn't because of the complexity). If you are interested in his 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 homemade machines, which helped me a lot.
Cutter: Dremel or Dremel Type Tool
Axes options:
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 drive
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 tools that can be purchased at a 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 (to be installed in the finished machine).
Hand tool:
- rubber mallet(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" socket)
Necessary materials
The attached PDF file (CNC-Part-Summary.pdf) provides all costs and information about each item. Only summarized information is provided here.
Sheets---$20
- A piece of 48"x48" 1/2" MDF (any sheet material 1/2" thick. I plan 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 use any 3/4" piece of material)
Motors and controllers --- $255
-A whole article can be written about the choice of controllers and motors. In short, you need a controller capable of controlling three motors and motors with about 100 oz/in torque. I bought motors and a ready-made controller and everything worked well.
Hardware --- $275
-I bought these items in three stores. Simple elements I got it from a hardware store, I bought specialized drivers from McMaster Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com), and bearings that I need a lot, I bought from an online seller, paying $ 40 for 100 pieces (it turns out to be quite profitable, a lot bearings remain for other projects).
Software --- (Free)
-You need a program to draw your design (I use CorelDraw) and I'm currently using a trial version of Mach3, but I have plans to switch to LinuxCNC (an open source machine controller using Linux)
Head Unit --- (Optional)
-I installed Dremel on my machine, but if you are interested in 3D printing (like RepRap) you can install your device.
Printing templates
I had some experience with a jigsaw, so I decided to glue on the templates. Need to print PDF files with the templates placed on the sheet, stick the sheet on the material and cut out the details.
File name and material:
All: CNC-Cut-Summary.pdf
0.5" MDF (35 8.5"x11" template sheets): 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 options for MDF 0.5". MDF-CutPattern.pdf) with one 48"x48" sheet for printing on a large format printer.
Step by step:
1. Download three PDF 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 scaled by accident. The first time I did not do this, and printed everything at a scale of 90%, as described below.
Gluing and cutting elements
Glue the printed templates on the MDF and on the aluminum pipe. Next, just cut out the part along the contour.
As mentioned above, I accidentally printed the templates at 90% scale, and did not notice this until I started cutting. Unfortunately, I did not understand this until this stage. I was left with 90% scale templates and moving across the country I got access to a full size CNC. I could not resist and cut out the elements with this machine, but I could not drill them with reverse side. That is why all the elements in the photos are without template pieces.
drilling
I didn't count exactly how many, but this project uses a lot of holes. The holes that are drilled on the ends are especially important, but take the time to get them, and you will rarely need to use a rubber hammer.
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 have reached this step, then I congratulate you! Looking at a bunch of elements, it is quite difficult to imagine how to assemble a machine, so I tried to make detailed instructions similar to LEGO instructions. (attached PDF CNC-Assembly-Instructions.pdf). Looks pretty interesting step by step photos assemblies.
Ready!
The machine is ready! I hope you made and run it. I hope the article is not missing important details and moments. Here is a video that shows the machine cutting a pattern on pink foam.
For many home craftsmen, it may seem that this is somewhere on the verge of fantasy, since this equipment is a device that is complex in design, technical and electronic terms.
Meanwhile, having the appropriate drawings at hand, the entire necessary material and a tool, a mini home-made woodworking machine equipped with CNC, you can do it yourself.
Of course, for this you will have to spend certain efforts, including financial ones, but nothing is impossible, and if you approach this issue correctly and competently, homemade table milling machine on a mini woodwork with a CNC block, every home craftsman can do it with his own hands.
As you know, such a mini unit for wood is distinguished by the accuracy of the processing, ease of control of all work processes, as well as the high quality of the finished product.
Currently, there are several ways to implement a home-made desktop CNC milling machine in a mini version for working on wood and other materials.
First of all, you can purchase a special kit for assembling this type of structure, or you can do all the necessary work yourself, getting a finished product with high quality processing at the output.
If a decision is made to carry out all the necessary work on the design and assembly of a mini desktop milling machine for working on wood and other materials with CNC by yourself, with your own hands, then you should start by choosing the most optimal scheme for the future unit.
In this case, you can take a small old drilling machine as the initial equipment and replace the working body in the form of a drill directly with a cutter.
Be sure to think carefully about how the mechanism responsible for the necessary movement in three independent planes will be arranged.
You can try to assemble such a mechanism from recycled carriages from an old printer, which will make it possible to ensure the movement of the working cutter in two planes.
Here you can simply connect the necessary software, which will make it possible to make a home-made desktop CNC milling machine automatic, however, such a design can only work on wood, plastic or thin metal.
In order for a self-made milling machine assembled by oneself to be able to perform more serious operations, it must be equipped with a stepper motor with high power ratings.
This type of engine can be obtained from the standard version of the electric motor due to a slight refinement. This will completely eliminate the use of a screw drive, while all its advantages will be preserved in full.
The necessary force on the shaft in a homemade unit is best transmitted through toothed belts.
In the event that, in order to ensure the necessary movement of the working cutter in a home-made CNC milling machine, it is decided to use home-made carriages from printers, then it is better to take these devices from large printer models for these purposes.
When creating a CNC milling unit with your own hands, Special attention should be given to the manufacture of the milling mechanism, which will require the appropriate drawings.
Assembly of the milling machine
It is best to take a rectangular beam as the basis of a home-made milling machine, which should be firmly fixed on the guides.
The whole structure must have high rigidity, while it is better if welding work will be kept to a minimum.
The fact is that in any case, the welding seams are subject to destruction and deformation under certain loads, during the operation of the machine, its frame will be subjected to, among other things, vibration, which may adversely affect these fastening elements, which, in turn, will lead to to a failure in the settings.
To increase rigidity, it is recommended to fasten the beam and fastening elements with screws of certain diameters.
This should completely eliminate the possible backlash during the operation of the CNC milling machine, as well as the deflection of the guides under severe loads.
By exactly the same principle, do-it-yourself self-made milling and engraving machine equipped with CNC. The do-it-yourself assembly process of a fairly functional CNC milling machine is described in detail in the video below.
In the design of the unit, it is mandatory to provide for the lifting of the working tool in a vertical position, for which it is recommended to use a screw gear.
In turn, for the necessary return of rotation directly to the lead screw, a toothed belt should be used.
The vertical axis, which is also an indispensable element of any CNC milling machine, is made from an aluminum plate.
It should be precisely adjusted to the dimensions that were obtained at the design stage of the unit and entered in the corresponding drawings.
At home, you can cast a vertical axis using a muffle plate, in which case you should take aluminum.
After that, two stepper motors should be mounted directly on the body immediately behind the axle, one of which will be responsible for horizontal movement, and the second, respectively, for vertical movement.
All rotation must be transmitted through the belts. After all the elements are in place, the home-made milling machine should be checked in operation when manual control, and if deficiencies are identified, eliminate them on the spot.
A bit about stepper motors
Any CNC unit, including an engraving machine, is necessarily equipped with stepper-type electric motors.
When assembling homemade CNC milling equipment, engines from old dot matrix printers can be used as such a motor. Most dot matrix printers have two of these elements with sufficient power.
In addition, dot matrix printers also have steel rods made of durable steel, which can also be used in a homemade machine.
In this case, it should be noted that to assemble such a unit with your own hands, you will need three separate stepper motors, which means you will have to look for and disassemble two dot-matrix printers.
It is better if such motors have about five separate control wires, since in this case the functionality of a home-made machine will increase several times.
When selecting stepper motors for a homemade CNC milling machine, it is necessary to find out the number of their degrees per step, as well as the operating voltage and winding resistance.
This will help subsequently to correctly configure all the hardware software.
It is best to fasten the stepper motor shaft with a rubber cable with a thick winding. It will also help when attaching the engine itself directly to the stud.
You can make clamps from a do-it-yourself sleeve with a screw. To do this, take nylon, and as a tool a drill and a file.
How to make an engraving and milling machine with a CNC block with your own hands is described in detail in the video below.
Electronic provision
The main element of any CNC machine is its software.
In this case, you can use a home-made one, which will include all the necessary drivers for installed controllers, as well as stepper motors, and in addition, standard power supplies.
An LPT port is required. It will also be necessary to think about the working program, which will provide not only control, but also management of all necessary modes of operation.
Directly the CNC unit itself should be connected to the milling unit through the above port, always through the installed motors.
When choosing the necessary software for a home-made machine, you need to rely on one that has already managed to prove its stable operation and has great functionality.
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It should be remembered that electronics will mainly affect the accuracy and quality of all operations performed on CNC equipment.
After all the necessary electronics are installed, it is necessary to download all the programs and drivers necessary for the operation of the desktop milling machine.
Further, just before the machine starts to operate for its intended purpose, the electronic software should be checked in operation and, if necessary, all identified shortcomings should be eliminated on the spot.
All of the above operations for assembling a CNC milling machine with your own hands are also suitable for creating a home-made coordinate boring unit, as well as many other equipment of this class.
In any case, if all the work of assembling a CNC-equipped milling unit with your own hands is done correctly and in accordance with the technology, home master it will be possible to perform many complex operations, both on metal and on wood.
How to make your own CNC milling machine is described in detail in the video in our article.
