A 3-axis flying gantry (4'x4') mechanical kit is assembled. A 3D printer is used to make cable chain for tidy and cheap wire management. A BeagleBone Black development platform with Machinekit software (LinuxCNC) is configured to control a Xylotex motor driver box connected to an Openbuilds Ox direct-drive pulley and belt motion system. A vacuum dust-collection system is designed, CNC-routed and installed. A steel table is made to mount the table onto.

Rigid variant of the C-Beam sphinx platform

C-Beam based CNC with Rack & Pinion (for the X Axis) and lead screws (for the Y Axis)

You need some mechanical and electronic experience. This is NOT a novice undertaking! a familiarity with linux a plus (but not necessary). Basic woodworking and metal fabrication a big plus as well.

A modified OX with more X clearance, MDF plates, vacuum table

Ox Stainless with ballscrews for motion, nema 23 steppers, LInuxcnc for control software. Using basic parts for frame from Makersupplies, and the rest sourced from ebay. Building a small router hoping it will be able to cut aluminum with decent results.

Similar to C-Beam Machine build, but with inverted Y-axis assembly to shield drive screw. Integrated XZ gantry can be fixed to any solid surface. Build dimensions are 36" x 36" x 6".

This is a story about a guy who started with a $25 set of plans, and through 4 iterations/ rebuilds, ended up with a professional quality CNC plasma table capable of cutting anything steel up to 2 inches thick.