OffAxis CNC 1000x1500

Thanks for checking out the OffAxis CNC Router. Feel free to ask questions.

My desire to build a cnc router stemmed from spending to much time cutting out FliteTest style foam airplanes. I was spending hours cutting foam board that will just take minutes if using a CNC router.

I started with building a Rascal CNC router which is a budget cnc router designed for only cutting foam and foam board. When I started describing to my family and friends what the machine can do, I learned that I will need to be able to cut more than just foam. As I started trying to cut wood with the Rascal, I quickly realized that I was exceeding limits of the machine. My desire to get more out of my machine grew and I went back to the drawing board.

Using the main components that I had from the Rascal machine plus adding a bunch more, I completely redesigned the router into my own creation. After reviewing many machine designs here on OpenBuilds, I'm introducing you to OffAxis CNC V1.



This routers uses 8mm lead screws for the y and z axis and 6mm belts for the x axis. Nema 23 stepper motors drive the x and y axis. Nema 17 motors drive the Z axis. By keeping things compact and achieves 825mm x 1340mm cutting area from 1000mm x 1500mm C-Beams. Thanks to the 3/8" aluminum plate that I got cut on a water jet, everything feels super solid. I was also able to have the v slot profile cut into the z axis end caps making spindle changes easier. The bearings are mounted on custom bushings and eccentric spacers. Check out the attached photos for further details.

The next area of improvement will definitely be electronics. The stepper drivers, Arduino control, and spindle will be pushed to their limits when plunging into harder materials. Thankfully they are easy to upgrade and am looking forward to making those chances in the future. Stay tuned as I have lots to learn in the world of CNC. As I validate this machine I will certainly share more details about the build.

V1 Build (Feb. 2018)
Waiting on a few pieces of M5 screws and a flex coupler.
Need to finish: Square gantry then testing.