CNC Rev 2

I started this project near the end of 2020 and it has a long way to go. The goal is to build a bigger and faster CNC machine than my old MDF monster CNC Rev 1.

  • Yes, the motor bracket is too weak. It’s a surrogate plastic part for layout eval.
  • Quick-Grip clamps will not be in final design.
Status as of 1/10/21. Testing out frame concepts.

Basic Requirements

I’d prioritize these all as “musts”:

  • less than $1000
  • work envelope of 18″ x 24″ x 5″
  • no more wood construction
  • palm router and ability to use 1/4″ shank bits
  • built-in dust collection
  • cuts wood and plastic, maybe aluminum
  • modern tools like UGS and grbl
  • no liquid cooling system
  • fits in space previously covered by both my old CNC and its PC

Inspiration

I’ve been looking at a lot of designs for inspiration, including:

Design Concept

I’m not building any of these exactly, but I settled on a basic concept of:

  • X and Y axes are belt driven
  • heavy reinforced belts – HTD-5M, 20 mm width
  • NEMA23 stepper motors
  • Z axis is a leadscrew drive
  • COTS stepper drivers, 24VDC capable
  • Makita 1-1/4 HP trim router
  • Anodized aluminum extrusion structure – 2020, 8020, etc.
  • Low cost linear rails from China (MGN12) – no rubber wheels running in V-grooves!
  • Old PC or a Raspberry Pi running UGS
  • Uno running grbl
  • lots of parts coming on the slow boat to keep costs down

Priority Assigned. Back Burner

Lots more to do, but won’t be a priority for a while though.