Well, not rather 10,000, but it feels like it. Constructing a CNC from scratch is the project that keeps going and going and going … like that bunny, however the end is in sight. In fact I'm extremely near to having all of the mechanical parts of the machine done, with mostly electrical left to do.
See part 4 of the construct here:
In this installment, I get the Z axis parts made, construct a crude stand for the brand-new CNC and get the machine moved onto it. The gantry was taken off, taken apart and painted a stunning red colour than not just brightens my presence, but likewise protects the wooden parts from the coolant that the device will use while running. To increase the structural rigidity of the gantry, I included 1/4" thick aluminum plates to the top and bottom of the gantry beam and got it returned on the machine.
Concerning the "quality" of this machine and the compromises I made with the end usage in mind, I want to point out a simple reality: there isn't any such thing as a "perfect" maker – they will all make tradeoffs. Those tradeoffs are to get the maker constructed within a reasonable budget plan so that it can do the work it's expected to do. There's extremely little point costs 3 times as much as it would cost to purchase an all set made machine. Besides, I find it challenging to attempt to push the limits of what's possible instead of choosing what's been proven to work. For instance, naturally high quality ball screws and nuts are better than threaded rod and 3D printed nuts – that's apparent – but my goal is to discover whether that much less costly option is actually a practical one. Will it work? How well will it work? How long will it last? For me these are the intriguing aspects when I'm designing and constructing something.
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Well, not quite 10,000, but it feels like it. Building a CNC from scratch is the project that keeps going and going and going… like that bunny, but the end is in sight. In fact I’m very close to having all of the mechanical parts of the machine done, with mostly electrical left to do.
Watch part 4 of the build here: https://youtu.be/Y60NYveXV1w
In this installment, I get the Z axis parts made, build a crude stand for the new CNC and get the machine moved onto it. The gantry was taken off, taken apart and painted a beautiful red colour than not only brightens my existence, but also protects the wooden parts from the coolant that the machine will use while operating. To increase the structural rigidity of the gantry, I added 1/4″ thick aluminum plates to the top and bottom of the gantry beam and got it put back on the machine.
Regarding the “quality” of this machine and the compromises I made with the end usage in mind, I want to point out a simple truth: there isn’t any such thing as a “perfect” machine – they will all make tradeoffs. Those tradeoffs are to get the machine built within a reasonable budget so that it can do the work it’s supposed to do. There’s very little point spending 3 times as much as it would cost to buy a ready made machine. Besides, I find it challenging to try to push the limits of what’s possible rather than going with what’s been proven to work. For example, of course high quality ball screws and nuts are better than threaded rod and 3D printed nuts – that’s obvious – but my goal is to find out whether that much less expensive option is actually a viable one. Will it work? How well will it work? How long will it last? For me these are the interesting aspects when I’m designing and building something.
it’s coming along nicely!
I was one of the guys that talked about accuracy and all of that… and I had also built a couple of DIY CNCs for fun. In case it felt that I was critizicing your work, let me clarify this now: this is amazing, a gold mine of tips and smart decision making with very clear reasoning and awareness on constraints. Looking forward to seeing the rest, I’m loving every minute of it! 🎉
I bet he gets hungry every time he taps a hole 🥓
love this series! this is coming out amazing
Thanks for the great video. Emile from CT.
A pleasure to watch you create John, enjoyed very much!
Top notch work.
When you build your next CNC 😉: build it in a way that the stepper motor bearings aren’t the main axial load bearings. Two bearings near the ends of the lead screw (on the “outside” end) with a lock collar would transfer all the load directly into the frame. That way the stepper motor doesn’t see any axial load. This setup also allows you to tension the lead screw, which removes any axial play and wobble of the lead screw (because it sags/isn’t 100% straight).
The three pillars of machining, RIGIDITY, RIGIDITY, RIGIDITY! Not something always associated with Wood work hahah nice work John
Ball screws !!
John you never cease to surprise and frankly, amaze me. I strive to be on your level one day. 👏🏼 🔥
Another incredible build John! Can’t wait to see how it works! 👍👍
John, I continue to be amazed at your dedication and professionalism in not only this project, but all your builds over the years!
You are killing it John! Excellent work as usual!
yet it will work absolutely fine without the over design you suggested. (and added cost)
I can’t be the only viewer concerned about your cholesterol after watching this build series.
I came for the CNC content, stayed for the bacon. 😂 But seriously, I’m loving the CNC build series. 🍻
I’ve really been enjoying this series. As a retired manufacturing engineer and CNC machinist, I really appreciate your attention to detail and design capability. Since time and money aren’t unlimited, it’s always a balancing act. The only thing I might consider changing/adding, is the upper and possibly lower X axis gantry stiffener. Considering the span, even as an add on, L shaped material would add significant strength to resist Z axis deflection and resist harmonic movement. Keep up the great work.
Nice work, I am really enjoying this build. Bacon grease as a cutting lubricant, waste not want not.
It’s looking fantastic, John! Red suits it very well! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Looking great John, look forward to seeing your next installment.