Hi all, just joined today. im looking to make a small (like 8x8 or 12x12) CNC router. being able to mill aluminum would be nice, but wood and acrylic are my primary media. i have the electrical and software skills (i can RTFM , but im not sure where to start with parts. i would like to use as many off-the-shelf parts as possible. i have a couple of 3d printers so i can fabricate plastic parts. Is it even possible to build a machine of this size for $200 to $400? i have a spare dremel i could use, but i see most people go with a dewalt 611. a guide would be great if anyone knows of it. thanks!
While the best solution would be the C-Beam Machine Mechanical Bundle it is a bit outside your budget and there is really no way to scale it down to meet your budget. A couple of suggestions would include the Mostly Printed CNC and the Apple Crate CNC As for spindles, the Dremel will probably be a bit of disappointment. If you need something more budget conscious than the Dewalt 611, consider the Dewalt 660 or the Harbor Freight Trim Router.
