CNC Engraving machine.

A

Aussie048

Guest
I decide some time ago to buy a cheap CNC Engraving machine.

It was a lot smaller than what it is today.

The reason I decide to buy such a machine was maybe one day I could start to learn to scratch build.

Getting the Open Source programs to run the machine on my old PC that did have only 528Kb of Ram runs a little bit happier with 2Mb of Ram. Yes I re purposed my old laptop. The DVD drive did not work, but I managed to find a used DVD drive for her. Yes I gave her a birthday present. I also upgraded from Window XP to Vista to windows 7 over the years. She is now running Windows 7.

The original be is sitting on top of the old bed in the photo on my CNC engraver.

In this topic I want to explain how to build such a machine. I want to explain minimum requirements to run a CNC machine. Suggest how to build this machine.

The minimum requirements in the way of software is open source software. Open source software is free.

All I am running at the moment is a program called GRBL and Universal Gcode Sender. It doe also need JAVA script to run the machine which is also free from Oracle.

GRBL require internet connectivity. Universal Gcode Sender does not. Universal Gcode sender requires GRBL to run. I do not need internet connectivity to run the CNC machine as I am using Universal Gcode sender

The original machine cost me probably a little over %200 US.

So far I am impressed with the CNC engraver. I am yet to test it out properly since I upgrade the size of the CNC machine.

I will add additional information on the post as time permits.

Cheers
GeoffCNC Machine_1.jpg
 
The main components to this CNC engraving machine are:-

2020 t slot aluminum extrusion

t slot extrusion bracket t slot 2020 (This is a triangular bracket for the corners)

Tee Sliding Heavy Duty M5 - Fits V & T Slot Rail 2020 ( Be careful here there are two different sizes.Some of which are smaller in size and can turn when you insert them. The larger ones are better as they will not turn)

Socket Head Cap Screw M5 (5mm) Metric ( These are far superior to a metal thread with a Phillips head as was supplied in the original kit.
20x60 2060 t slot aluminum extrusion (This makes up my bed on the improved CNC machine)

6V 12V 24V 28V 3A PWM DC Motor Speed Control Switch Adjustable Controller ( I could control the speed of the Spindle motor in the Gcode script. I have more control being able to adjust the motor manually. I do not want to over rev the spindle motor or stall the spindle motor)

CNC Shield V3.0 + UNO R3 Board + A4988 Driver + Heatsink Kits for Arduino TE623 (It is not a genuine Aduiano controller board. but I can get the right driver for the laptop to control the machine)

Motor Shaft Collet Chuck ER11A 5mm Extension Rod Holder ( This is a lot better than what was supplied in the original kit)

7Pcs Full ER11 Precision Spring Collet Set for Toolholder CNC Metric Chuck Tool (This allows me to insert different sized shafts into the CNC Engraving machine)

Anti-Backlash Spring Loaded Nut For 2mm / 8mm Acme Threaded Rod Lead Screws ( Very important we do not want any backlash)

8mm Lead Screw Rod Z Axis Linear Rail Bar Shaft 600mm + Brass Nut T8 ( I am still waiting on that brass nut. I bought the lead screw and the copper nut for 1c and paid about $8 in postage. I have no need for it now for the machine but maybe I could machine it for a part on a Model Ship)

Aluminum T-slot 20x20 profile 3-hole join flat connect 60x18x4mm plate (This is what holds my bed together underneath the bed)

ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION PROFILE ENDER PLASTIC COVER TO 2020 (This only make the CNC machine look nicer and also takes out the chance of cutting myself on maybe a Sharpe edge)

Bearing Steel Cylinder Liner Rail Linear Drive Shaft Optical Axis Rod 8 x 600mm. (This is what the bed runs along with the original Linear Bearing Slide Blocks)

The CNC machine has 3 power supply connections to the card. I purchased a Mean Well SP-320-12 Switching Power Supplies 12V 25A 300W In actual fact I found out I only need 2 power supply connections on my Uno board to control the machines stepper motors. I still have to make a cover where the power supply and outlet are. There is 240v sitting there, uncovered. I don't think that would tickle and safety first.

I will continue this post with the lengths of 2020 material etc I have used in the construction.
How I could improve the CNC machine further still, etc.

These are bit and pieces I have used and are readily valuable on Auction sites like eBay,

There are also laser options as well as milling options and both fro a machine. I chose not to go towards laser options as I do not know anything about a laser. There are special glasses required on some of the options. What is the quality of those glasses. Is the risk worth the reward for a laser machine.

I hope that this has been informative to members and I am happy to answer any questions if I can. I will continue on with this topic. I do not think I have missed any of the parts that I have used so far. This was originally purchased as a DIY Kit

Cheers
Geoff
 
In my working life I was a Computer Systems Officer. I have a very good understanding of some programs, not all. I did have issues setting up the Open Source Software. This was a whole new ball game for me.

If your computer skills are poor then a CNC machine might not be for you. If you have average computer skills then with some advice you probably would be able to understand what is required to setup and run a CNC machine.

If a member has CNC knowledge, they might be able to add to this topic. I am new to all this and have spent may hours researching, watchin YouTube Videos on various software options. I myself have a lot to learn in the way of CNC.

Where can CNC take our great hobby in the future at an affordable price? :D

Cheers
Geoff
 
Fantastic I am looking into buying a machine myself I know some things about cnc but not everything. Taught it in HS. mostly gcode.
In industry I was using large maCHINES BUT MOSTLY 3 AXIS. iT WAS RATHER BORING WHEN CODING WAS COMPLETE YOU JUST LOADED MATERIAL AND CUT 1000'S OF PARTS.
Anyway I am following this with interest to see if it's worth buying kits.
Dave
 
Hi Dave

Welcome to a great topic for discussion. This is mostly going to be about Education of a cheap affordable product. I will show picture of the underside of the table. There are many programs out there that will produce Gcode to drive a CNC machine. I am a raw beginner at this CNC stuff. I am learning this the hard way. I hope this can educate members and I can get feed back from members on how to produce Gcode to expand our hobby.

I will update this post in the coming days and weeks in building a machine which is affordable to a hobbyist with some computer skills.

I hope that some members can take this topic further than what I can.

Cheers
Geoff
 
There are some basic open source software programs. I am running GRBL and Universal Gcode Sender

GRBL require you to be online on your computer bur Universal Gcode Sender will control the CNC machine whilst you are off line.

There are some programs like Mach 3 that you could use to control the CNC Machine.

Some CAD programs will generate Gcode like FreeCad which is also Open Source software.

There are some graphic packaged that will generate Gcode like Inkscape.

Gcode can be written with notepad manually.

With Gcode you can command the CNC machine to travel so many MM or inches with a G91 on the X,Y and Z axis on this machine. You can command the machine to go from point A to Point B with a G90 command. You can mill arcs or circle with a G92 command.

The following link contains the different Gcode commands

http://linuxcnc.org/docs/2.6/html/gcode/gcode.html
 
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