Hello, Let me start off by expressing how impressive the builds on this site are; as well as I'm new. With that being said, I'm new to the CNC world. I have slight knowledge of the motors and mechanics but let's assume I don't. NO EXPERIENCE IN SOFTWARE. I am a determined hobbiest though; I enjoy wood working. I would like to build a CNC router and eventually a CNC laser engraver/cutter. I just how no idea where to begin; seems so overwhelming. Any advice on where to begin and expand my knowledge of this world. Also I should mention I have access to 3D printer; college student in engineering (civil engineering).
Try watching some of these videos ,i have learned quite a lot from this guy: NYC CNC He does a lot of Fusion 360 work and i think its one of the best programs out there for CAM/CAD for its easy to understand the interface. But obviusly he uses a lot better machines cant compare them to any CNC router here. Neo7CNC He also does some more hobby CNC stuff and explains along the way. I have C-beam platemaker but if you wana do anything big an OX would probably be a better choice.
Great thanks! I have some experience in autodesk software such as autocad and inventor; I have messed some with fusion also. I will definitely check those videos out. My goal is to be able to cut out plaques; for Taxidermy art etc. Maybe 3D shapes if possible. I am interested in this sort of machine because I currently cut my plaques out with a scroll saw, which is ok but CNC router is appealing for the simply fact I think it could save me a ton of time. I just need CNC on a budget lol broke college student. If the saves in time and labor is justified by a similar build on here then I can see the pros of getting one; selling my plaques and Taxidermy work is a the way I pay for school. Also thanks for the reply.
You should be able to knock out an Ox derivative fairly reasonably. Working mainly in wood and not expecting a high production machine, belt drive should be more than sufficient which saves a fair amount over using screws. Would probably go 750mm x 750mm on the base size and use a C-beam section for the X-axis. You'll find the majority of the money spent on a system goes into the wheels and the plates so this is where you need to put the most focus on economizing. Optimize the number of wheels to the greatest extent possible and hand cut your own plates if you can. It's time to put that value engineering course to good use. Good luck with the build.
Hello, Jknight, Here's an overview checklist for you; Mechanical: Machine Frame Drive System Guide system Router mount Dust shoe(optional) and a place to put it all Electrical: Control board to communicate between drivers and control software Motor Drivers (or combination control/driver package) Stepper motors Limit switches Computer Spindle or a router Vacuum (optional recommended) Software: CAD software to design stuff CAM software to create toolpaths for control software Machine control software to talk to and send code to control board Joe Edit: There might be an excel spreadsheet floating around here somewhere too.
Great info! Just a question. With the above machine description how hard would it be to modified and upgrade the machine later?
You would have to reconsider the belts and rails. You may have to rethink the gantry depending on how much longer you make it.
Depends on what you mean by upgrade. If you're wanting more cutting area (say 1000x1000) do the upgrade now as the cost difference is nominal. But the ox is kind of the perfect end result, it's not really designed to be upgraded. It provides a good balance between economy and usefulness. If you seek something more substantial in the long run, you need to start with something more substantial to begin with (which means more money up front).
As far as upgrades, I was referring to going from a belt system (please excuse me, I'm still learning the terms) to a acme screw. Correct me if I am wrong but an acme is more precise, right? I understand I need to have the size determine in the beginning; which I believe 1000mm x 1000mm will be plenty big. One upgrade I was wondering about or maybe it can be part of the machine; maybe it's not possible. Being able to change out a laser or router with the same setup. Would upgrading to a laser be possible later?
I want to thank everyone for all the info! It's been truly helpful. Just understanding all the terms etc.
Screws are a bit of a trade off. While you get a machine that moves in smaller increments you also get a considerably slower machine. Which is better is really a function of what you use the machine for. For wood (unless you are doing micro precision inlay work) and for laser cutting/image burning stick to belts. Screw level resolution is really only useful for metals and micro work like precision inlay and scribing circuit boards. While screws do offer additional power due to mechanical advantage, if you let the tool do the work it's generally not a problem moving through wood with belts. Just take care with your feeds and speeds. And yes, laser conversion is possible. There are a couple of examples in the build section of systems with conversion mounts.
If you do want to do a screw conversion at a later date, this project offers suggestions as to how to get there economically OX-Metal CNC Router Mill
