The goal of this project is to create an original CNC router that is capable of machining wood, plastics, and hopefully aluminum. I want to keep the design accessible and minimize the amount of tools and custom parts needed.
Like all of my projects, I started with a design. I researched current DIY CNCs, as well as hobby level CNCs that are sold commercially. I took inspiration from the PrintNC and the Carbide3d's Nomad. The CAD file to the right is the third major revision, after I decided the previous two would not succeed in fulfilling the goals of the project.
The current design of the CNC router, made
in Fusion360
After I was happy with the design, I ordered the steel tubing that would construct the frame of the machine. From my research I found that steel tubing would be the most cost effective way of building a rigid frame, with the tradeoff that there is a lot of manual work involved in getting it ready for assembly.
All of the steel tubing after I cut it to size
I wanted to avoid any load bearing 3D printed parts, both because they would greatly reduce the rigidity of the machine and because I wanted to learn about different ways to manufacture metal parts. I machined these parts for the Z axis on a Tormach CNC with the assistance of Michael Dubno.
After drilling and tapping most of the holes necessary for assembly, I test fit some of the linear motion components and Z axis parts. I also had to go back and revise some of the holes that I drilled to allow for the frame to be square.