Jun
22
CNC Router Table Initiative Completion
By karlw
I’m happy to announce that the CNC router table is now complete. We’re one step closer to having rapid prototyping capability. The router table can be used to cut a variety of materials under computer numerical control (CNC). Objects are designed using CAD (computer aided design) software and then exported to a CAM (computer aided manufacturing) file format. CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space as well as curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) objects. I’m in the process of sorting out the software and have had success using MACH3 to run the machine. Mach3 has a lot of flexibility for tuning the stepper motors of each axis and also includes a 3 dimensional rendering of the G-code to verify that the tool path is correct. Click through for more info…
Here is a condensed history of the router build since my last DIY CNC blog post.
Designed and built the electronics: 3 stepper controller boards, a parallel port break-out board, front and back panels. Used 3 power supplies – 1 per axis.
Used the Taig CNC milling machine to cut out mounting holes for the DB-9 connectors on the back panel and for the light emitting diodes on the front panels.
Everything is mounted in a computer case and each axis has its’ own power supply and on/off switch. The LEDs on the front panel display the stepping sequence which is useful for debugging (and looks cool when the machine is cutting).
Desinged the Y-axis using a CAD program and then printed out the full sized parts, glued them to MDF and then cut them out.
A hole saw was used to cut half way through the MDF to hold the side conduit structure pieces in place.
Electrical conduit was used as the rigid side pieces. Threaded rods running through the conduit and frame pieces were used to hold the frame together.
The router cutting tool is attached to the Z-axis. This axis determines the depth of cut as the tool moves along the X and Y axis.
The Robots are coming.
Karl Williams
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Looks fantastic! Did you keep notes during the build so that the CNC machine can be replicated?
What kind of precision can you achieve with it? Enough to mill surface mount PCBs?
Hi Jeff,
I did keep detailed notes and hope to write it up when I get some time. I haven’t done much testing yet but I don’t think it’ll have the precision to mill tiny surface mount PCBs. It’ll probably be better for larger things.
Dude! That is **AWESOME!** You completely rocked that project. Love your build pics. Nobody takes better build pics than you, sir.
@jeff-o: I went on a blitz last weekend reconfiguring my mill and tuning it, and I’m now getting a consistent and clean 0.24mm cut in FR4. I’ll bring in for TON a few of the boards I’ve cut in the last couple of days. I got the stamp of approval from James yesterday, so I know I’m almost done.
DW
Hey, that’s not too shabby!
Well, I’m looking forward to seeing more details as you guys have time.
This is so interesting – congrats on completing it!
A few questions on usage
- what the maximum dimensions that can be milled?
- Are the different bits (tools) coded in or do you have to manually tweak for each bit
- Do you have to manually align this CNC machine to the workpiece each time? (x/y position of the work and z-zero) or is there feedback from the motor to detect loads such that the milling software can sense when contact with the piece has been made (self calibrating)
[magic future thinking... between this and the PCB router where he had been pre-milling the working surface, how hard would it be to build a standard laser distance measuring device to automatically identify and re-calibrate for each piece or raw material... which could allow milling of non-flat, especially unique surfaces]
thank
Fantastic project. Love that you used a CNC to make the CNC router.
My question is, what CNC controller program on the PC did you use or did you write your own?
Keep up the excellent projects.