Thanks to the full-scale introduction of computer technology and automation systems, modern woodworking machines operate according to preset programs, which allows for the highest quality of wood processing. CNC machines used in specialized woodworking factories and large sawmills make it easy to cut and process wood, and it is possible to make appropriate changes to the operation of such equipment. This ensures the greatest possible versatility in the use of such wood processing machines.
If you wish, you can independently create such numerically controlled machines that will provide complete wood processing with excellent quality of work performed. We'll tell you more about how to do it homemade machine do-it-yourself CNC.
Despite the apparent complexity of the design of such equipment, assembling it yourself is not difficult. Today on sale you can find ready-made kits for the manufacture of such CNC machines, which allows you to minimize your costs, while at the same time it is possible to manufacture the necessary milling machine with 3D CNC, which will perform a full range of work with lumber.
Such equipment is distinguished by its versatility in use, which has a positive impact on its demand and popularity in the market. Such devices can be used to work with the following materials:
- Tree.
- Plastic.
- Composites and polymers.
- Thin metal.
- Rubber.
- Other materials.
The most popular today are CNC machines, which are fully automated and provide maximum precision in wood processing. With the help of such woodworking machines you can perform the following work:
- Sawing a tree.
- Cut the plywood.
- Perform precision grinding.
- Perform complex three-dimensional and shaped wood cuts.
- Make various building materials from wood.
In each specific case, depending on the functionality of such a device, its design and the components used will differ. That's why you need to decide first with functionality such equipment and, depending on this, choose one or another type and circuit for self-made CNC machine.
Equipment advantages
If we talk about the advantages of manufactured with our own hands using CNC machines, we note the following:
- Efficiency at work.
- Versatility of use.
- Possibility of simplified reconfiguration of equipment.
- Reliability.
- Affordable price.
Assembly instructions
We offer you enough simple instructions on assembling a CNC milling machine, which will allow you to independently produce such equipment for wood processing. This scheme involves the use of ready-made sets of components, which include specially selected elements for the manufacture of such equipment. However, nothing prevents you from finding or making all the components yourself, and subsequently you will not only be able to save significantly, but also make a machine that will fully meet your requirements.
Subsequently, it will be possible to easily connect a computer or control unit with software, which allows you to completely set the trajectory of the milling working head. At the same time, we note that if you use a carriage from an old filter, then you can only use such a CNC machine for processing wood, plastic or thin sheet metal.
If you need a CNC machine capable of performing full milling of workpieces from various materials, then a powerful stepper motor must be responsible for moving the working tool used. It can be done from a conventional electric motor or purchased ready-made low-power models.
The use of such motors will avoid the need to use a screw drive, which complicates the entire design. At the same time, the characteristics of such homemade equipment and its functionality is significantly expanded. If for some reason you cannot or do not want to use a powerful stepper motor, then we recommend choosing carriages from printers of powerful top models, which will ensure the maximum possible amplitude of movement of the milling working head.
Scheme and drawings of the machine
The basis of a self-made CNC machine will be the milling mechanism. In the event that you use ready-made kits for performing such equipment, then you can select a mechanism that will fully correspond to the engine power and the subsequent work performed with wood and other materials.
On the Internet you can find numerous schemes for the implementation of such milling mechanisms for CNC machines. In each case, the mechanism used will vary depending on the installed motors and carriages. When choosing one or another design of such a milling machine, you need to give preference to equipment that combines simplicity of design and at the same time fully meets your requirements.
Assembling a CNC machine
First of all, it is necessary to construct the base of the equipment, to which the milling cutter, carriage and electric motor will subsequently be attached. Such a base can be made from rectangular beams to which metal guides are welded or bolted.
The completed base for the machine must be rigid, which is necessary for accurate positioning milling head. Experts recommend connecting all metal elements of such a supporting structure using screws, which allows you not only to ensure the required strength, but also to easily upgrade your machines in the future.
The completed CNC machine must have a mechanism that allows you to move the working tool in vertical plane. We can recommend using a screw gear for such vertical movement of the tool, the rotation of which is transmitted using a toothed belt.
The vertical axis that every self-made CNC machine will require can be made from an aluminum plate. The dimensions of such a vertical axis should be exactly adjusted to the overall dimensions of the device you are assembling.
Having manufactured or purchased all the components for such equipment, you can begin assembling the machine. You need to mount two stepper motors that are attached to the base behind its vertical axis. The first electric motor is responsible for moving the head in a horizontal plane, while the second ensures the movement of the cutter vertically. The components and assemblies used are mounted, and due attention should be paid to the quality of their fixation.
During operation of such equipment, it is subject to increased load with vibration, and if the fastening is poor, problems with the accuracy of positioning of the heads may soon begin. The drive of all moving elements and working milling heads must be carried out exclusively using belt drives.
Selection of stepper motors
Most models of self-made CNC machines are equipped with stepper motors that allow you to move the working tool in three planes. Depending on the design, such equipment can be equipped with two or three stepper motors, and can also be additionally equipped with electric motors from computer printers.
When choosing the stepper motors to use, you need to pay attention to the number of control channels. The best models have five control channels, which increases the functionality of the manufactured mini-machine. Also, choosing specific models such engines, you should familiarize yourself with their specifications and clarify by how many degrees the head position is changed by coordinate table in one motor step. The positioning accuracy of the cutting tool will directly depend on this characteristic.
Electronic equipment
Today on sale you can find various ready-made microcircuits for controlling the operation of propulsion engines. It will also not be difficult to find appropriate software that will supply control signals to the motors, and, accordingly, they will lower and raise the working tool by changing their position.
An important point in choosing e of the software is that it must necessarily support the drivers for the Arduino controllers installed on your mini-machine. The control board is connected directly to a homemade CNC machine via the LPT or CNC port.
The easiest way is to order such electronic equipment for a CNC machine directly from Chinese auctions and websites. There you can easily find both ready-made kits for machines and separately used electrical equipment. The cost of such microcircuits, software and controllers will be at an affordable level.
A do-it-yourself CNC router is a universal-use equipment that can significantly simplify and automate the work of processing lumber, plastic, thin metal etc. If you have relevant work experience, you can independently manufacture a CNC machine that will provide the necessary accuracy and high performance work. You just need to find a high-quality design of such equipment and purchase ready-made sets of components, select the propulsion engines and automation used.
Knowing that a CNC milling machine is considered complicated technical and electronic equipment, many craftsmen think that it simply cannot be done with their own hands.
However, this opinion does not correspond to reality: 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)
If you decide 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.
Preparing 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, according to which such a mini-device will work.
Equipment assembly
The base of the assembled milling equipment can be a rectangular beam, which must be firmly fixed on the guides.
The supporting structure of the equipment must have great rigidity. When installing it, it is better not to use welded joints, but to connect all parts only with screws.
In milling equipment that you will assemble yourself, there must be a mechanism 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.
Main part of the machine
An important part of such a machine is its vertical axis, which 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.
Hello, dear friends! Today we will tell you about how to create a CNC from a printer. The main reason that there are now so many offers on the Internet to convert printers or scanners into homemade devices is that many modern PC peripherals are so complex from a functional point of view that, when converted, they can create machines that can perform amazing tasks.
Let's start production
To start making a CNC machine out of an old printer, you will need some parts that come with inkjet printers:
- Drives, pins, guides from the printer (it is advisable to use several old printers; the printers do not necessarily need to print);
- Drive from floppy drive.
- Material for creating the body - plywood, chipboard, etc.
- Drivers and controllers;
- Materials for fasteners.
The resulting numerically controlled machines will be able to perform various functions. Everything ultimately depends on the device that will be located at the output of the machine. Most often, inkjet printers are used to make a burner (by installing a burner at the output of the device) and drilling machines to create printed circuit boards.
The basis is wooden box from chipboard. Sometimes they use ready-made ones, but it’s not difficult to make it yourself. It is necessary to take into account that electronic components and controllers will be located inside the box. It is best to assemble the entire structure using self-tapping screws. Do not forget that the parts must be positioned relative to each other at an angle of 90 degrees and fastened as firmly as possible to each other.
Creating a homemade machine
Before converting printers or scanners into mini machines that can perform milling work, you should assemble the structure frame and its main components as accurately as possible.
On top cover The device requires the installation of main axes, which are important components among all professional machines. There should be only three axes; work must begin by fastening the y-axis. In order to create a guide, a furniture runner is used.
Separately, we note the creation of a CNC from a scanner. Remaking this device is the same as if you had an old inkjet printer at hand. In any scanner, there are stepper motors and pins, thanks to which the scanning process is carried out. In the machine, these motors and pins will be useful to us; instead of scanning and printing, milling will be done, and instead of a head that moves in the printer, the movement of the milling device will be used.
For the vertical axis, in homemade CNC We will need parts from the disk drive (the guide along which the laser moved).
Printers have so-called rods, they play the role of lead screws.
The motor shaft must be connected to the stud using a coupling flexible type. All axles must be attached to bases made of chipboard. In structures of this type, the milling cutter moves exclusively in the vertical plane, while the part itself shifts horizontally.
Electronic components of future machine tools
This is one of the most important stages design. Electronics homemade cars is a key control element for all engines and the process itself.
The work that will be performed by the future machine and the processes that occur in the milling and drilling mechanisms are very diverse and precise, so we need a reliable controller and driver.
The homemade machine can operate on domestic K155TM7, we need 3 of them.
Each driver has wiring from its own microcircuit (the controllers are independent).
Stepper motors in a homemade device must be designed for a voltage not exceeding 30-35 V. It often happened that with increased power, Soviet microcircuit controllers burned out.
The power supply is ideal for the scanner. It needs to be connected to the unit, to the power button, the controller and the device itself (milling cutter, drill, burner, and so on).
The main control board (motherboard for a DIY CNC machine) must be connected to a personal computer or laptop. It is with the help of a computer that the machine will be able to receive clear tasks and turn them into three-axis movements, creating final products. The ideal program would be Math3, which allows you to create sketches. Professional vector graphics programs are also great.
Of course, it all depends on your imagination and the strength (load capacity) of the body and frame. However, most often your machine will be able to cut plywood less than 1.5 cm thick, three-millimeter PCB or plastic.
IN this review I’ll tell you what parts and components this printer was assembled from. I'll show you how the main components are arranged. We will also start the machine on Arduino. Let's turn on the spindle.
For the simplest software for starting the machine with this connection diagram, see. This example is very simple but it has enough large quantities shortcomings.
To assemble a CNC machine from parts from a printer, the following were used:
- 3 Dot matrix printer A3 format.
- Furniture guides: 2 pairs 500 mm. And one pair for 300 mm.
- Board 25x100, block 25x25, plywood 8 mm thick.
- Computer power supply.
- Drivers L298 4 pcs.
- Construction and furniture corners.
- Self-tapping screws, screws, nuts and M10 stud.
- Telephone wires, computer wires.
- Variable resistor from a car.
- Engine from car compressor.
- Stepper motor from scanner.
- Brass collet.
Briefly what was used for what CNC machine:
X axis h The machine's PU is made from two bases from dot matrix printers A3 format. Using 25x25 bars, the bases of the printers were tied and two furniture guides 500 mm long were attached to these bars. A sheet of 8 mm flattened plywood is attached to the top of the furniture guides.
Y axis machine on Arduino located on the portal, which is made of three boards 25x100 mm. For movement, a motor from a dot matrix printer and a belt drive are used. The guides are also furniture guides with a length of 500 mm.
Z axis CNC fixed to the Y-axis guides. A stepper motor taken from the scanner was used for movement. Screw transmission made from M10 stud. Furniture guides 300 mm long. Connected at 90 degree angle for rigidity.
Spindle state of emergency machine It is made from an engine taken from a non-working automobile compressor. A collet is attached to the motor shaft.
Operates the machine. Drivers L298. To reduce the voltage from 12 volts to 8, transistors are used.
See also video:
Milling on a homemade CNC milling machine.
Machine tools equipped with numerical control (CNC) software are presented in the form modern equipment for cutting, turning, drilling or grinding metal, plywood, wood, foam and other materials.
Built-in electronics based on Arduino printed circuit boards ensure maximum automation of work.
1 What is a CNC machine?
CNC machines based on Arduino printed circuit boards are capable of automatically continuously changing the spindle speed, as well as the feed speed of supports, tables and other mechanisms. Auxiliary elements CNC machine automatically takes the desired position, and can be used to cut plywood or aluminum profiles.
In devices based on Arduino printed circuit boards 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 software. For such plywood cutting equipment, metal profiles or foam, the program carriers are cams, stops or copiers.
The signal received from the program carrier through the controller sends a command to the machine, semi-automatic or copying machine. If it is necessary to change a sheet of plywood or foam plastic 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 carrier, which contain all necessary information. With the use of Arduino boards, the entire process of cutting plywood, foam plastic or other material is fully automated, minimizing labor costs.
It is worth noting that building a CNC machine for cutting plywood or foam plastic based on Arduino boards you can do it yourself without much difficulty. Control in CNC units based on Arduino is carried out by a controller that transmits both technological and dimensional information.
Using CNC plasma cutters based on Arduino boards, you can free up a large number of universal equipment and, at the same time, increase labor productivity. The main advantages of Arduino-based machines assembled by yourself are expressed in:
- high (compared to manual machines) productivity;
- flexibility of universal equipment combined with precision;
- reducing the need to attract qualified specialists to work;
- the possibility of manufacturing interchangeable parts according to one program;
- reduced preparation times for the manufacture of new parts;
- the opportunity to make a machine with your own hands.
1.1 Process of operation of a CNC milling machine (video)
1.2 Types of CNC machines
The presented units for cutting plywood or foam plastic, using Arduino boards for operation, are divided into classes according to:
- technological capabilities;
- the principle of tool change;
- method of changing the workpiece.
Any class of such equipment can be made with your own hands, and the Arduino electronics will provide maximum automation of the work process. Along with classes, machines can be:
- turning;
- drilling and boring;
- milling;
- grinding;
- electrophysical machines;
- multi-purpose.
Arduino-based turning units can process external and internal surfaces all kinds of details.
Rotation of workpieces can be carried out in both straight and curved contours. The device is also designed for cutting external and internal thread. Arduino-based milling units are designed for milling simple and complex body-type parts.
In addition, they can perform drilling and boring. Grinding machines, which can also be made with your own hands, can be used for finishing details.
Depending on the type of surfaces being processed, units can be:
- surface grinding;
- internal grinding;
- spline grinding.
Multi-purpose units can be used for cutting plywood or foam plastic, perform drilling, milling, boring and turning parts. Before you make a CNC machine with your own hands, it is important to consider that the equipment is divided according to the method of changing tools. Replacement can be made:
- manually;
- automatically in the turret;
- automatically in the store.
If the electronics (controller) can provide automatic change of workpieces using special drives, then the device can long time work without operator participation.
In order to make the presented unit for cutting plywood or foam plastic with your own hands, you need to prepare the initial equipment. A used one may be suitable for this.
In it, the working element is replaced with 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 working cutter to move in the direction of two planes. Next, electronics are connected to the structure, the key element of which is the controller and Arduino boards.
The assembly diagram allows you to make your own homemade CNC unit automatic. Such equipment may 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 stepper motor.
It must have high power indicators - at least 40-50 watts. It is recommended to use a conventional electric motor, since its use will eliminate the need to create a screw drive, and the controller will ensure timely delivery of commands.
The required force on the transmission shaft is homemade device must be transmitted via timing 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-sized printers.
The basis of the future unit can be a rectangular beam, which must be firmly fixed to the guides. The frame must have a high degree of rigidity, but welding is not recommended. It is better to use a bolted connection.
Welding seams will be subject to deformation due to constant loads during machine operation. In this case, the fastening elements are destroyed, which will lead to settings failure, and the controller will not work correctly.
2.1 About stepper motors, supports and guides
A self-assembled CNC unit 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 you will need three separate engines stepper type. It is recommended to use motors with five separate control wires. This will increase functionality homemade apparatus several times.
When selecting motors for a future machine, you need to know the number of degrees per step, the operating voltage and the winding resistance. Subsequently, this will help to configure the entire software correctly.
The ball motor shaft is fastened using a rubber cable covered with a thick winding. In addition, using such a cable you can connect the motor to the running 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 attached using self-tapping screws, and when using wood, the elements can be attached 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 textolite, its dimensions should be 30x100x40 cm. The guide parts of the textolite are fastened with M6 screws, and the supports “X” and “Y” at the top must have 4 threaded holes to secure the frame. Stepper motors are installed using fasteners.
Fastenings can be made using steel leaf type. The sheet thickness should be 2-3 mm. Next, the screw is connected to the axle stepper motor via a flexible shaft. For this purpose, you can use a regular rubber hose.
