Incredible videos how to build a cheap CNC

[Pbot]

This site is detailing a complete build of a CNC from scratch and keeping parametrics in mind for varying sizes and proportions for xyz travel extents.  The site is at http://www.buildyourcnc.com.  The videos are very detailed, and so far up to 25 videos.

What do you guys think?

There's also another pcb milling machine on instructables which is pretty cool made of pipes.  Here is the link http://www.instructables.com/id/EG9RXG6F54HJ7SL/.  If anything, it looks interesting and very creative work.

[STATE_MACHINE]

What can I build with a CNC?

[Rebelgium]

a CNC machine is used to machine metal parts, wait look:

a powered mechanical device typically used to fabricate metal components by the selective removal of metal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cnc

[Pbot]

If you can design it, you can probably make it with a cnc.  Depending what tool is used for the CNC (router, dremel, extruder, etc.) you can cut metal, plastic, wood, etc. into many shapes with very precise tolerances, usually .0025".  So, for a minumt, imagine that part that you really want in that robot, but its just too hard to make it with the typical hand tools, a cnc could be a good alternative.  Another great application for CNC machines is PCB milling.  You can attach a very small milling bit to the router and mill away the copper on the board according to the eagle (or other software) design that you create.

Really, the sky's the limit.

[Ro-Bot-X]

Depending on how the CNC is built, you can use a milling bit to carv in wood or plastic 3D objects. This is usually called 3D engraving.
If you build it so the Z axis is high enough, install a extruder instead of a dremel, you can build real complex 3D parts like a 3D printer, layer by layer, bottom to top.
Here is a sample of such a machine:

Read the post here to see what can be built with such a CNC:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=1852.0

[ivanirons]

Just to add to the conversation on CNC...

I am the admin on a CNC Community site that walks through the basics.  There are CNC Tutorial Videos, forums, etc.  If you are looking to learn more on the capabilities, check us out for an afternoon.

Have a good one,
Ivan
http://www.cncinformation.com

[MarkBrown]

This is awesome stuff guys, thanks.  I have been wanting to look further into CNC to help make parts.  Now it looks as though I might be able to make them my self, or at least have more knowledge in what is involved.

Thanks again,

Mark

[RobD]

My current project is converting an old mini drill press into a 3-axis milling machine; on a budget (sorta  )!  It's a testing and concept project to learn a few lessons, get the software and circuitry tweaked, and ensure I don't blow anything up before I convert my Dad's mill to CNC. 

Perhaps I should document this and write something up?  It really hasn't been all that difficult so far.

Once I learned how to use a mill porperly an enormous amount of ideas began to flow haha. 

 

[pomprocker]

i wrote that site a email, they didnt have a parts or price list.

a couple things that make me decide if i want to do this, is how much is it going to cost, and how long is it going to take me (my time is worth something)

if it ends up being more expensive in man hours and monetary value than buying a sherline, then its not worth it to me.

[Admin]

All the robots I've made in the last 3 years (except the $50 Robot) were made by CNC and 3D printing.

You can make much more difficult, much more accurate, and much more professional looking parts. But I never found it saving me much time.

ivanirons, your MySQL crashed on your site.