What I need to build a CNC router?

In my laboratory, I've always cutted wood with and handsaw, but now I need something faster, a laser cutter is too expensive, so I want to build a CNC router!

I'm working on the design on adobe illustrator, the dimensions of the work area are about 1,5x1 meters (4.92x3.28 ft)...

My only problem is that I don't know what kind of stepper motors, drivers and psu I need... How much nM?

I don't have a lot of money...

and what I shuld use for driving the machine? a laptop, a raspberryPi, an arduino, or something like what ben uses in his video when he build a portable cnc machine?

Any suggestions?

Former Member over 12 years ago

I too am working on the design of a CNC machine, I've looked a lot to find the pieces that would work. So I'm posting this info to share my plan but it's not tested, so I want some feed back from other users too.

I'm doing a smaller one 2x3 ft and I think those stepper motors could be fine fore mine : https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10846
For the work of parsing the GCode, I've thougth about using the printrboard. Since it as 4 good stepper drivers and the software is ready for routing, On the plus side it should enable the CNC Router to be modded into a 3D printer by replacing the router by an extruder.

I don't know yet what will be the router, but it's gona be a big one, those with the handle on the side.. So I'm worried only by the Z-axis for now...

There is stronger stepper but I think I can reduce speed if it's not strong enough. Something like that : http://0.tqn.com/d/woodworking/1/6/a/4/-/-/Bosch1617_Gallery.jpg

So this is my start. I hope this might help.
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colecago over 12 years ago

Look into ShapeOko. Pretty good design, expandable, different control options, different spindle options, open source, etc.

I know some people have used the ShapeOko to cut aluminum using a Dewalt cutout tool so it can be strong.
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benheck over 12 years ago

DIY CNC was popular long before the 3D printing craze, which means there are plenty of designs and tutorials already on the internet.

Make it solid, study, and get the best steppers and drivers you can afford.
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gez over 12 years ago

A while ago I looked at quit a few designs, and I realy like this from what a can gather from the details he has used basic square steel tubing for the liner rails instead of expensive t-slot aluminium.
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