Info
People are always asking us similar questions about CNC machines. This section is here to answer some of the most common questions. Although we are working on our own software, we are currently using Mach 2 CNC software from Artsoft (www.artofcnc.com). If you are new to CNC here are some of the basics. CNC stands for Computer Numeric Control. A computer runs what is called a G-code file to drive the machine. In this case the machine is a 3 axis (X, Y and Z) machine. The cutting tool is a simple Dremel Rotary tool, or laminate router. On my current mill I use a Rotozip router. Depending on the type of cutter you put in the router you can do different things with this machine. I have engraved, cut out parts, and plan to do 3D cutting. Some people use our CNC to make model airplane or boat parts from a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file. With a software package such as ACE, or Master 5 CNC it is possible to take a DXF file (DXF is a common CAD file system that makes sharing drawings between CAD programs universal) into G-code (Tool path file). Also try turbocnc, a great free cnc program! A CNC machine works off of simple x-y (and Z) coordinates. Some more complex machines incorporate another axis, an A axis (Rotation) or even more axes than that! With a simple X, Y, Z machine you can do a lot, even some 3D cutting. If you are interested in building this machine, visit my plans page. I accept PayPal for easy secure purchases.

 

Answers to some commonly asked questions:

What will it cost me to build this?
Click here for parts and price list.

What is your machine made of?
HDPE plastic

Why Plastic?
It is easy to cut and drill with wood working tools. It can be drilled and tapped to receive bolts much like metal can. Because you can cut it with wood working tools you don't need a large shop to build it.

What tools did you use to make your machine?
I used a table saw and a drill press. You need to be able to cut a straight line and drill a straight hole. You could cut the plastic with and hand saw such as a jig saw or circular saw. How ever in order to make the bearings and slides a drill press is recommended. You can find small bench top models for under $100 or even cheaper used. No shop should be with out one! A tap set is also needed.

Can I make this machine larger?
Yes, you can... but it may cause some problems. This design works well for this size, but making the machine larger causes many other problems. More weight means larger motors, larger drivers, larger bearings, better bearing to maintain accuracy. A larger machine is going to cost you a lot more money to build.

What is the accuracy?
0.00025" per step (Not taking into account error for slop, bearings, temperature etc. Accuracy is very good. It cuts just as well as much more expensive machines. Most people wont believe you made a machine this good, this cheap. Really.

Why a dremel tool?
It is small and light. Accuracy is good, not a lot of play in the shaft. It is basically a small router. You can buy a ton of different bits for it.

Can I use a larger router?
Yes, I have used Rotozip tools and even a grizzly 1HP router.

How do you go from a picture to a router? What do I need?
You first need a software program that can save a file or export a file in what is called DXF format. Almost any drafting or cad program will do this such as Autocad, Minicad, Cadkey ect. Many graphics programs will as well such as CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Flash. Also vector based clip art can be converted to DXF format.
You then need a program to convert your dxf file to G-code and drive the machine. You can use Master 5, Mach 1 or Mach 2 from www.artofcnc.ca or turbocnc. Both programs have free downloads that will let you do a lot. Master 5 and Mach 1-2 both have free versions that have done all the routing I have done so far. For $100 you can upgrade to the full version and convert digital pictures to G-code!!!!!! Very cool!!!! Turbocnc is free and is a dos program. For $20 you can have the source code to it as well!!!!! You can also download a program called ACE converter which is free and will do just the DXF to g-code conversion.

When will you release your software?
My software is still in development. Time to work on it is limited as this is only a hobby for me. I hope to have it out soon.

What will your software cost?
I plan to release the DXF to Gcode converter as shareware. The CNC driver portion will cost between $50US and $100US.

How will your driver connect to the PC?
Through the serial or USB port.

What Operating Systems will it run on?
Windows 98,2000, XP and Mac OS X and Mac Classic OS 9
 
What do I get if I buy your plans.
You get a large pdf file with step by step instructions and measured drawing on how to build each piece. I walk you through how to make every part and how to calibrate this machine. Just looking at the pictures or even the plans doesn't explain everything. My directions explain what order to do things in and what is critical to get this machine to move. Others can tell you the money you spend on these plans is well spent. I spent many a long night building my first machine, wasting a lot of money on mistakes. Once I knew what I was doing and had a good set of plan developed, I built this new plastic machine in less than a month working at night and on the weekends. You will learn a lot from my mistakes.

Will you build a machine for me?
No, time does not permit it as we are busy with other projects.