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3 Axis CNC Milling
Machine...Fixed Gantry Design Introduction |
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CNC Sub Navigation
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I have been captivated by
the world of CNC for a long time and now it has finally
reached a price point that I could actually consider it
for home use. I still try
to race a few hours each week and in doing so I have
come to the point of "needing" to make some more mods to
my Sim. |
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All of that has lead to me
needing to CNC some parts and I no longer have access to
the PCB mill that I had at my previous career. As with
all things I started with research, and lots of it. The
main source has been
www.cnczone.com , this is the best source for all
things CNC and is a very good message board for just
about any aspect of small scale manufacturing. |
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So What is CNC Anyways?
CNC stands for computer numerical control. In simple
terms it is controlling a machine through software that
turns drawings into a series of machine codes. These
codes are then sent to a hardware controller that
converts them to electrical signals to the corresponding
stepper motors that control particular axis. CNC is used
for precision and dexterity instead of the labor of a
human turning knobs and cranks to position the cutting
tool. |
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So if you are still with
me take a look at the CNC Specific Navigation and It
will take you to all the separate pages details all the
aspects of the build and hopefully some photos and text
of it's usage in various projects. |
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A few random
notes: |
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As far as the CNC machine
goes I have rebuilt and fine tuned things and have
entered an entirely new level of precision and speed. I
will be updating the site on the next few weeks and I
will send you a link. Also you need to see it run in
person! |
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I am using a Hobby CNC
controller :
http://www.hobbycnc.com/products/hobbycnc-ez-driver-board-kit/ |
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I am using just the cheap
Chinese stepper motors you can buy from eBay or other
supply shops |
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I am controlling it with
Mach 3:
http://www.machsupport.com/ |
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I am using a Mach3 Screen
set that is made for my kind of machine ( faster to buy
than build):
http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodworker/2010.html
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I am using Vetric Cut 2D
to generate the machine code:
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/cut2D/c2d_index.htm
I am using Altium ( Protel ) and SolidWorks to do my
designs…but any tool that will generate a DXF or DWG
will work. |
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I am using a Bosch Colt
for the spindle motor:
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=PR10E
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I control the speed and
power of the spindle with a SuperPID:
http://www.vhipe.com/product-private/SuperPID.htm
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I pretty much find out all
I need to know from:
www.CNCZone.com
Hope that helps! |
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