Do-it-yourself milling machine with cnc. What are homemade machines and fixtures? Self-made for the home workshop. We make a carpentry workbench with our own hands according to the drawings: video instructions and photo examples

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. An automated control system saves a lot of time and improves 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 are.

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 the material by cutting, using a drill, due to which holes are obtained different diameters and holes having many faces of different sections and depths.

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 equivalent to universal machines. However, in 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. The skillful hands of the country, even from 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 you can go to the Internet for the correct dimensions.

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 the necessary parts and simply assemble it in your garage or workshop. Or order all equipment separately.

Consider a standard set of parts on the picture:

1. Directly the work area, which is made from plywood, is a tabletop and a side frame.
2. Guide elements.
3. Guide holders.
4. Linear bearings and plain bushings.
5. Support bearings.
6. Leading screws.
7. Stepper motor controller.
8. Controller power supply.
9. Electric engraver or milling cutter.
10. A coupling that connects the lead screw shaft to the stepper motor shaft.
11. Stepper motors.
12. Running nut.

Using this list of parts, you can safely create your own CNC wood router 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 a controller, to which commands are given from a 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 bought a set of parts for a 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. The tabletop, side walls and the movable portal for installing 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 the assembly is completed, the important step is to configure software machine tool and 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 - 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 or a low wooden crate near the machine, which will protect against leakage of electricity.
• Access to the machine by children must be strictly prohibited.
• Before using 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 review simple machine CNC

Overview of the possibilities of a homemade CNC machine

Overview of stepper motors

Review video multi-channel stepper motor driver

To make a three-dimensional drawing on wooden surface factory ones are used. It is difficult to make a similar mini-model with your own hands at home, but it is possible with a detailed study of the design. To do this, you need to understand the specifics, choose the right components and configure them.

The principle of operation of the milling machine

Modern woodworking equipment with a numerical control unit is designed to form a complex pattern on wood. The design must contain a mechanical electronic part. In combination, they will automate the work process as much as possible.

To make a desktop mini wood router with your own hands, you should familiarize yourself with the main components. The cutting element is a cutter, which is installed in a spindle located on the motor shaft. This design is attached to the bed. It can move along two coordinate axes - x; y. To fix the workpiece, it is necessary to make a support table.

The electronic control unit is connected to the stepper motors. They provide displacement of the carriage relative to the part. Using this technology, you can make 3D drawings on a wooden surface.

The sequence of operation of mini-equipment with CNC, which you can make yourself.

1. Writing a program according to which the sequence of movements of the cutting part will be performed. To do this, it is best to use special software systems designed for adaptation in home-made models.
2. Setting the workpiece on the table.
3. Program output to the CNC.
4. Turning on equipment, monitoring the implementation of automatic actions.

To achieve maximum automation of work in 3D mode, you will need to correctly draw up a diagram and select the appropriate components. Experts recommend studying factory models before making a mini.

To create complex patterns and patterns on a wooden surface, you will need several types of cutters. Some of them you can do yourself, but for fine work, you should purchase factory ones.

Scheme of a homemade milling machine with numerical control

The hardest part is choosing optimal scheme manufacturing. It depends on the dimensions of the workpiece and the degree of its processing. For home use, it is desirable to make a do-it-yourself desktop mini CNC milling machine that will have the optimal number of functions.

The best option is the manufacture of two carriages that will move along the x coordinate axes; y. It is best to use ground steel bars as a base. Carriages will be mounted on them. To create a transmission, stepper motors and screws with rolling bearings are needed.

For maximum automation of the process in a do-it-yourself wood construction, it is necessary to think over the electronic part in detail. Conventionally, it consists of the following components:

• power unit. It is necessary to supply electricity to stepper motors and the controller chip. Often use the model 12v 3A;
• controller. It is designed to give commands to electric motors. For the operation of a do-it-yourself mini CNC milling machine, a simple circuit is enough to control the functioning of three motors;
• driver. It is also an element of regulation of the operation of the moving part of the structure.

The advantage of this complex is the ability to import executable files of the most common formats. By using special application you can make a three-dimensional drawing of the part for preliminary analysis. Stepper motors will run at a certain stroke rate. But for this you need to make technical specifications to the control program.

Choice of accessories for CNC milling machine

The next step is to select the components to build. homemade equipment. The best option is to use improvised means. As a basis for desktop models of a 3D machine, you can use wood, aluminum or plexiglass.

For correct operation of the entire complex, it is necessary to develop the design of calipers. During their movement, there should be no vibrations, this can lead to inaccurate milling. Therefore, before assembly, all components are checked for compatibility with each other.

• guides. Polished steel bars with a diameter of 12 mm are used. The length for the x-axis is 200mm, for the y-axis it is 90mm;
• caliper. Textolite is the best option. The usual size of the platform is 25*100*45 mm;
• stepper motors. Experts recommend using models from a 24v, 5A printer. Unlike disk drives, they have more power;
• cutter block. It can also be made from textolite. The configuration directly depends on the available tool.

The power supply is best assembled from the factory. In self-manufacturing, errors are possible, which subsequently affect the operation of all equipment.

The procedure for manufacturing a CNC milling machine

After selecting all the components, you can make a desktop mini milling machine yourself with your own hands. All elements are preliminarily checked again, their dimensions and quality are checked.

To fix the elements of the equipment, it is necessary to use special fasteners. Their configuration and shape depend on the chosen scheme.

The procedure for assembling desktop mini CNC equipment for wood with a 3D processing function.

1. Installation of caliper guides, their fixation on the side parts of the structure. These blocks are not installed on the base yet.
2. Lapping of calipers. They must be moved along the guides until a smooth ride is obtained.
3. Tightening the bolts to fix the calipers.
4. Attaching components to the base of the equipment.
5. Installation of lead screws together with couplings.
6. Installation of drive motors. They are attached to the coupling screws.

The electronic part is located in a separate block. This helps to reduce the likelihood of malfunction during the operation of the router. Also important point is the choice of work surface for the installation of equipment. It must be level, since the level adjustment bolts are not provided in the design.

After that, you can start trial tests. It is recommended to set up a simple wood milling program first. During operation, it is necessary to check each cutter pass - the depth and width of processing, especially in the 3D mode.

The video shows an example of how to assemble a large do-it-yourself CNC milling machine:

Examples of drawings and homemade designs

For most home craftsmen, the manufacture of such an assembly as a do-it-yourself CNC milling machine is something at the level of a fantastic plot, because such machines and mechanisms are complex in design, constructive and electronic understanding of the device.

However, having at hand the necessary documentation, as well as the required materials, fixtures, it is quite possible to make a mini-milling home-made machine equipped with a CNC with your own hands.

This mechanism is distinguished by the accuracy of the performed processing, ease of control of mechanical and technological processes, as well as excellent indicators of productivity and product quality.

Principle of operation

Innovative computer-controlled block milling machines designed for complex patterns on semi-finished products. The design must have an electronic component. Together, this will allow you to automate work processes to the maximum.

To model milling mechanisms, you first need to familiarize yourself with the fundamental elements. The cutter acts as an actuating element, which is mounted in a spindle located on the shaft of an electric motor. This part is fixed on the base. It is capable of moving in two coordinate axes: X and Y. Design and install a support table to fix the workpieces.

The electric adjustment unit articulates with the electric propulsion motors. They will ensure the movement of the carriage relative to the workpieces or semi-finished products being processed. Using a similar technology, a 3D graphic image is made on wooden planes.

The sequence of work performed by this CNC mechanism:

1. Writing work program, due to which the movement of the working body will be performed. For this procedure, it is best to use specialized electronic systems designed to adapt in "handicraft" copies.
2. Mounting semi-finished products on the table.
3. Software output to the CNC.
4. Starting mechanisms, controlling the passage of automatic manipulations of equipment.

To get the maximum level of automation in 3D mode, correctly complete the diagram and label certain components. Experts strongly advise to initially study production copies before starting to build a milling machine with your own hands.

Scheme and drawing

Scheme of a CNC milling machine

The most critical phase in the manufacture of a home-made analogue is the search for the optimal course of equipment manufacturing. It directly depends on overall characteristics processed blanks and the need to achieve a certain quality in processing.

For the need to obtain all the necessary functions of the equipment, the best option is the manufacture of a mini-milling machine with their own hands. Thus, you will be sure not only of the assembly and its quality, but also of the technological properties, it will be known in advance how to maintain it.

Transmission components

by the most good option is the design of 2 carriages moving along perpendicular axes X and Y. It is better to use polished metal rods as a frame. Mobile mobile carriages are “dressed” on them. For the correct manufacture of the transmission, prepare stepper motors, as well as a set of screws.

For improved automation of the workflows of CNC milling machines, designed by oneself, it is required to immediately complete the electronic component to the smallest detail. It is divided into the following components:

• used to conduct electrical energy to stepper motors and power the controller chip. Running is considered modification 12v 3A;
• its purpose is to give commands to the engines. For the correct execution of all specified operations of a CNC milling machine, it will be enough to use a simple scheme to monitor the performance of 3 engines;
• drivers (software). It is also an element for adjusting the movable mechanism.

Video: do-it-yourself CNC milling machine.

Accessories for a homemade milling machine

The next, and crucial step in the construction of milling equipment is the selection of components for building a home-made unit. The best way out of this situation is the use of improvised parts and devices. It is possible to take solid wood species (beech, hornbeam), aluminum / steel or organic glass as the basis for desktop copies of 3D machines.

For the normal operation of the complex as a whole, the development of the design of calipers is required. At the moment of their movement, oscillations are not unacceptable, this will cause incorrect milling. Therefore, before assembly, the components are checked for reliable operation.

Practical Tips according to the choice of components of the CNC milling machine:

• guides - well-polished steel bars Ø12 mm are used. The length of the X axis is about 200 mm, Y - 100 mm;
• caliper mechanism, optimal material - textolite. Standard site dimensions are 30×100×50 mm;
• stepper motors - engineering experts advise using samples from a 24v, 5A printing device. They have a fairly significant power;
• a block for fixing the working body, it can also be built using textolite. The configuration is directly dependent on the tool that is available.

The procedure for building CNC milling equipment

After completing the selection of all the necessary components, you can completely easily build an oversized milling mechanism equipped with CNC with your own hands. Before proceeding with the direct design, we once again check the components, control their parameters and workmanship. This will further help to avoid premature failure of the mechanism chain.

For reliable fixation of equipment components, specialized fasteners are used. Their design and execution directly depend on the future scheme.

The list of necessary steps to assemble a small CNC equipment to perform the milling process:

1. Mounting the guide axles of the support element, fixing on the extreme parts of the machine.
2. Grinding calipers. It is required to move along the guides until a smooth movement is formed.
3. Tightening the screws to fix the support device.
4. Fastening components to the base of the working mechanism.
5. Mounting lead screws and couplings.
6. Installation of marching motors. They are attached to the coupling bolts.

Electronic components are located in a self-contained cabinet. This ensures the minimization of failures in performance in the process of carrying out technological operations with a milling cutter. The plane for mounting the working machine must be without drops, because the design does not provide for leveling screws.

After completing the above, proceed to perform trial tests. First you need to install a light program to perform milling. In the process of work, it is necessary to continuously check all passes of the working body (cutter). Parameters that are subject to constant control: the depth and width of processing. This applies especially to 3D processing.

Thus, referring to the information written above, making milling equipment with your own hands provides a whole list of advantages over conventional purchased counterparts. Firstly, this design will be suitable for the expected volumes and types of work, secondly, maintainability is ensured, since it is built from improvised materials and fixtures, and, thirdly, this equipment option is inexpensive.

Having experience in designing such equipment, further repairs will not take much time, downtime will be reduced to a minimum. Similar equipment may be useful to your neighbors in summer cottage to fulfill your own repair work. By renting such equipment, you will help your close friend in work, count on his help in the future.

Having dealt with the constructive and functional features milling machines, as well as the load that will fall on it, you can safely take on its manufacture, based on the practical information provided along the text. Design and complete tasks without any problems.

Video: homemade CNC wood milling machine.

Thanks to the full-scale introduction of computer technology and automation systems, modern woodworking machines operate according to pre-set programs, which makes it possible to ensure highest quality wood processing. Used in specialized woodworking factories and large sawmills, CNC machines make it easy to cut and process wood, while it is possible to make appropriate changes to the operation of such equipment. This ensures the greatest possible versatility in the use of such woodworking machines.

If you wish, you can independently create such CNC machines that will provide complete wood processing with excellent quality of work performed. We will tell you in more detail about how to make a homemade CNC machine with your own hands.

Despite the apparent complexity of the design of such equipment, it will not be difficult to assemble it yourself. Today on sale you can find ready-made kits for the manufacture of such CNC machines, which allows you to minimize your costs, while it is possible to manufacture the necessary 3d CNC milling machine that will perform a full range of work with lumber.

Such equipment is versatile 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 CNC machines today, which are fully controlled by automation and provide maximum precision in wood processing. With the help of such woodworking machines you can do the following:

• Sawing a tree.
• Cut plywood.
• Perform precise grinding.
• Perform complex three-dimensional and figured sawing of wood.
• Produce various building materials from wood.

In each specific case, depending on the functionality of such a device, its execution scheme and the components used will vary. That is why you must first decide with functionality such equipment and, depending on this, choose one or another type and scheme for the independent manufacture of a CNC machine.

Hardware Benefits

If we talk about the advantages of manufactured do-it-yourself CNC machines, we note the following:

• Efficiency at work.
• Versatility of use.
• Possibility of simplified reconfiguration of equipment.
• Reliability.
• Affordable cost.

Assembly instructions

offer you enough simple instructions on assembling a CNC milling machine, which will allow you to independently make such equipment for woodworking. This scheme implies 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 manufacturing all the components yourself, and subsequently you will not only be able to save a lot, but also make a machine that will fully meet your requirements.

Subsequently, it will be possible to easily connect a computer or a control unit with software to the completed mechanism, 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 use such a CNC machine only for processing wood, plastic or sheet metal.

If you need a CNC machine capable of performing full-fledged milling of workpieces from various materials, then a powerful stepper motor must be responsible for moving the working tool used. You can run it from a conventional electric motor or purchase ready-made models of low power.

The use of such engines will avoid the need for a screw drive, which complicates the entire design. At the same time, the characteristics of such home-made equipment and its functionality are significantly expanding. 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 the implementation of such equipment, then you can choose a mechanism that will fully correspond to the engine power and subsequent work 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 differ depending on the installed motors and carriages. When choosing one or another drawing of such a milling machine, it is necessary to give preference to equipment that combines simplicity of design and at the same time fully meets your requirements.

We collect the CNC machine

First of all, it is necessary to complete the basis of the equipment, to which the milling cutter, carriage and electric motor will subsequently be fixed. 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 of the milling head. Experts recommend connecting all the metal elements of such a supporting structure with screws, which allows not only to provide the necessary strength, but also to easily upgrade your machines in the future.

In the completed CNC machine, a mechanism must be provided that allows you to move the working tool in a vertical plane. We can recommend using a screw gear for such vertical movement of the tool, the rotation from which is transmitted using a toothed belt.

The vertical axis that every self-made CNC machine will need 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 to assemble 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 is already vertical. The components and assemblies used are mounted, while the quality of their fixation should be given due attention.

During the operation of such equipment, it has an increased load with vibration, and with poor-quality fastening, problems with the positioning accuracy of the heads may soon begin. All moving parts and working milling heads must be driven exclusively by belt drives.

Choice 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, as well as additionally assembled with electric motors from computer printers.

When choosing the stepper motors to be used, it is necessary to pay attention to the number of control channels. Best Models have five control channels, which increases the functionality of the manufactured mini-machine. Also, choosing specific models of such motors, you should familiarize yourself with their specification and clarify by how many degrees the head position on the coordinate table is changed in one step of the motor. The positioning accuracy of the cutting tool will directly depend on this characteristic.

Electronic filling of equipment

Today on sale you can find various ready-made microcircuits for controlling the operation of sustainer engines. It will also not be difficult to find the appropriate software that will send control signals to the motors, and, accordingly, they will, by changing their position, lower and raise the working tool.

An important point in choosing The software is that it must necessarily support the drivers for the arduino controllers installed on your mini-machine. Connecting the control board directly to a homemade CNC machine is 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 sets for machine tools and separately used electrical equipment. The cost of such chips, software and controllers will be at an affordable level.

Do-it-yourself CNC milling machine is a versatile equipment that allows you to significantly simplify and automate the work of processing lumber, plastic, thin metal, etc. If you have the appropriate work experience, you can independently make such a CNC machine that will provide the necessary accuracy and high performance. You just need to find a high-quality scheme for the execution of such equipment and purchase ready-made sets of components, select the main engines and automation used.

And so, within the framework of this article-instruction, 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 conducted in the first person, but know that, to my great regret, I am not sharing my experience, but only freely retelling the author of this project.

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

Foreword 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 give me the ability to make any household item. Two years later, I came across the phrase CNC or more precisely, to the phrase "Milling machine CNC". 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 could do it too. I must do it! For three months, I tried to collect the right parts, but did not budge. So my obsession gradually faded away.

In August 2013, the idea of ​​building a CNC milling machine re-engaged me. I just graduated from a bachelor's degree at the university industrial design so I was quite confident in my abilities. 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 several 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 technical drawings. I used these drawings for the manufacture of parts on manual metalworking machines: and.

To be honest, I love good handy tools. That is why I tried to make sure that the operations on maintenance and adjustment of the machine were made as easy as possible. I placed the bearings in special blocks in order to be able to quickly replace. The guides are serviceable so my car will always be clean when the job is done.

Downloads "Step 1"

dimensions

Step 2: Bed

The bed provides the machine with the necessary rigidity. It will be equipped with a movable portal, stepper motors, Z-axis and spindle, and later the work surface. To create a carrier frame, I used two aluminum profile Maytec section 40x80 mm and two end plates made of aluminum 10 mm thick. I connected all the elements to each other on aluminum corners. To strengthen the structure inside the main frame, I made an additional square frame from profiles of a smaller section.

In order to avoid dust on the rails in the future, I installed aluminum protective corners. The angle is mounted using T-nuts, which are installed in one of the grooves of the profile.

Both end plates are fitted with bearing blocks for mounting the drive screw.

Carrier frame assembly

Corners to protect the rails

Downloads "Step 2"

Drawings of the main elements of the bed

Step 3: Portal

Mobile portal - executive agency 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 you can machine. However, a high gantry is less resistant to the loads that occur during processing. The high side posts of the portal act as levers relative to the linear rolling bearings.

The main task that I planned to solve on my CNC milling machine was the processing of aluminum parts. Since the maximum thickness of aluminum blanks suitable for me is 60 mm, I decided to make the portal clearance (the distance from the working surface to the upper cross beam) equal to 125 mm. In SolidWorks, I converted all my measurements into a model and technical drawings. Due to the complexity of the parts, I processed them on an industrial CNC machining center, which 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 panel that attaches to the Y axis movement bearings, two plates to reinforce the assembly, a plate to mount the stepper motor, and a panel to mount the 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

Guides provide the ability to move in all directions, ensure smooth and precise movements. Any play 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 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

Screws convert rotational motion from stepper motors into linear motion. When designing your machine, you can choose from several options for this assembly: A screw-nut pair or a ball screw pair (ball screw). The screw nut, as a rule, is subjected to more frictional forces during operation, and is also less accurate relative to the 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.