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My "on the cheap" CNC router build

#121
What host operating system and driver software are you using?

I remember looking into building a small CNC router a while back. IIRC popular driver software at the time was EMC2 that ran under Linux. It had some test routines for checking PC latency, maximum reliable step rate etc.

I bought some stepper motors and other bits and pieces but life sort of got in the way of building it, this thread has got me thinking again.
 
#122
delta7fred said:
What host operating system and driver software are you using?

I remember looking into building a small CNC router a while back. IIRC popular driver software at the time was EMC2 that ran under Linux. It had some test routines for checking PC latency, maximum reliable step rate etc.

I bought some stepper motors and other bits and pieces but life sort of got in the way of building it, this thread has got me thinking again.
Click to expand...
Window's XP and Mach3
 
#123
scottyd said:
Window's XP and Mach3
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I seem to recall that Windows was not very good at "staying out of the way and letting programs do their thing". It might have changed but somehow I doubt it.

If you cannot get to the bottom of it then might be worth trying a live version (run off a CD) of Linux and one of the compatible CAD/CAM programs. I haven't looked for a few years so don't know what is available these days.
 
#124
I made this little Monster High name plaque for my little girl.

She's all smiles.. so basically this thing has already paid for itself. :)

P_20150831_204759.jpg
 
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#125
Realising my machine is underpowered I have been searching for more power.. I found this, the seller took my offer of 15 dollars. Little did I know with a bit of research these things go for much more.

300 watt 48volt 10.5amp Celestica power supply.

P_20150903_133625.jpg
Check out the retail on it.. Invalid Link Removed
 
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#128
Smilodon said:
Yeah, good power supplies tend to be pretty expensive.

Out of curiosity, what was the current rating on the old PSU?
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The tag says 7 amp. It's the supply that comes with the TB6560 kit. I hooked up the new one last night and it made a huge difference. I have speed now. Much more than I need actually. I made a mistake above on the new power supplies amps its actually 12.5 amp again more than I need and gives me growing room for upgrades if needed. Now it's time to address the lead scews. :)
 
#129
scottyd said:
A cnc cant level and dress frets, setup relief and action
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Well.....actually, I guess you haven't seen this...
It's just absolutely friggin cool as snot!!
Watch the video on this page:
PLEK / A+D Gitarrentechnologie GmbH - Technology

BTW ... No, using a CNC does NOT make you any less of a luthier (luthchinist?)...even with a store-bought unit.. It's not like you just push a button and out pops a finished bass! And you are actually building your own unit? ...well shoot, that makes you like a Luthier + or Luthier ² maybe even Luthier ³ ;)
 
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#130
Rôckhewer said:
Well.....actually, I guess you haven't seen this...
It's just absolutely friggin cool as snot!!
Watch the video on this page:
PLEK / A+D Gitarrentechnologie GmbH - Technology

BTW ... No, using a CNC does NOT make you any less of a luthier (luthchinist?)...even with a store-bought unit.. It's not like you just push a button and out pops a finished bass! And you are actually building your own unit? ...well shoot, that makes you like a Luthier + or Luthier ² maybe even Luthier ³ ;)
Click to expand...

Those Pleks are crazy. I like luthchinist.. I should cnc a sign that says that and mount it on the cnc. :)
 
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#131
I ordered some 5 start Acme lead screw, bearings for the screw, anti-backlash nuts for the screws, home/limit switches and an emergency stop switch.

This weekend I plan on routing a few body templates and a router clamp for the machine. Then its coming all back apart for painting and new rods.
 
#133
Actually yes.. Lots! I have used the machine for a while now, have used it to make some templates for pickups, neck routes, a few other odd and ends. It works, but honestly it could be so much better. I attempted to route a body blank with it, on thicker stuff it does not do so well, the gantry has enough flex that when it does multi pass work it will get off slightly on each pass. It was a fun project.. I learned a lot and that was mostly the point.

So, what I have done (within the last few weeks) is decided to build a new one, this time from metal... This machine should be rigid enough to machine aluminum and any wood work I throw its way. This is what I have so far. It's based off the OX router that is on Openbuilds. I have some more parts on the way for it now.

P_20160425_183526.jpg
 
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#138
scottyd said:
There's no shortage of cnc info on the web, but I figure there's not much info about GUITAR cnc on the web and very little about BASS GUITAR cnc.. so lets delve into this together. I will be most likely changing things as I go. :)

The plan:
I decided to make the machine 40" by 36" This not only will be compact enough to fit into my shop without taking much space but should be large enough to do anything I need done. It will be 4 axis, but I will initially only use 3 for the primary cutter and the 4th later will be used as a lathe/rotation tool. It will be made from steel tubing, mostly welded.

I want this machine rigid and versatile enough to not only cut wood but also be able to mill aluminum. Thus my own bridges and hardware.. The gantry will be top mounted each axis will be driven by 1/2" acme screws via stepper motors along with anti backlash screws to help keep it accurate. I plan to use 3/4" linear rails and bearings through out. There's so many different options for this.. It's literally had my head spinning for the last few weeks.

Software:
I've been using Google Sketchup Pro as a cad program for years... converting the cads to cam files has been a breeze using a plugin called SketchUcam. I have not dove into actual 3d design cam using this.. Simple body shapes and such so far. The control program I am using is called Mach 3.

The main reason I want this tool is to get away from having to use templates for neck, body and pickup routes... I want to build a second smaller machine to use for small stuff like fret slots and inlays.. I honestly have no desire to use it shape necks or body cuts but who knows what might happen in the future.

My linear bearings and support ends on the way once they come I can get a good start on the bottom x axis.



initial frame welded together and square, I will build a table from lumber for this to sit on. I had this laying around the shop... I can weld decent enough have been doing so for quite a long time.. I consider my labor for this project free. :)
View attachment 651983

One of my Bodies in GCode in mach 3 showing the tool paths of the cuts. A trial for this software is free.. I have had a version of Sketchup Pro for years..
View attachment 651984


The electronics, a 24 volt power supply, 2-4 axis controller/breakout boards, I will be using the one on the left most likely for this build and 4 nema 23 287oz steppers. I was able to purchase all of this on ebay for $90.00
View attachment 651985

I'll post more parts and how I put them together as it happens.
Click to expand...



Just a suggestion, have you ever built anything with 80/20 extruded aluminum?

Might want to look into it, extra cost involved but welding the aluminum can be an issue when trying to keep tolerances. Shimming will correct but labor intensive.

I engineer, fabricate and build equipment, your app is reasonably light duty, may be worthwhile.
 
#139
Just a question from a guy who doesn't want to deal with sourcing parts and building my own CNC. Do you think those small CNC machines on ebay that sell for about $750 are good enough to not be a total waste of money? I know the bed isn't really large enough to cut bodies, but I was thinking about using it more for pick guards and cutting headstock inlays. But than again, I don't want to flush money down the drain on a total pile of garbage either.
 
#140
Hopkins said:
Just a question from a guy who doesn't want to deal with sourcing parts and building my own CNC. Do you think those small CNC machines on ebay that sell for about $750 are good enough to not be a total waste of money? I know the bed isn't really large enough to cut bodies, but I was thinking about using it more for pick guards and cutting headstock inlays. But than again, I don't want to flush money down the drain on a total pile of garbage either.
Click to expand...

Some of them are junk others are not, depends on the construction. Most will not usually come with software but the new plc's are inexpensive. The bad news is being inexpensive means after so many cycles you will end up retrofitting a new Plc as they are not repairable.

Would have to see unit but for pickguards, likely no issues.
 

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