Well I've been thinking about this for quite some time. I eventually decided I would just get a pcnc 1100 from tormach. However financial needs (too expensive) have lead me right back to where I had started.
Building one myself... I think one would feel a great amount of pride in accomplishing such a feat.
I am now certain this is the only way to go for various reasons. Now I'm left to find the parts I need to make this dream a reality. Had several ideas on where to begin but non really made sense. Read thread after thread, looked at auction after auction and still had no idea where to begin, till this evening.
The main purpose of this build is to machine metals. I imagine the hardest material will be mild steel or alloys in that range of hardness. So basically I need to build a machine that will handle the forces needed to accomplish such a task. I am going to use steel cut with a jigsaw for a frame. since that is all i have available it will have to do. I know its not ideal and it will be time consuming but this is where i must start unless i get a good deal on a plasma cutter soon. It does not have to be super fast or even pretty but accuracy and overall quality are a must.
I found this thread on a forum that others may find useful in deciding motor size.
What size stepper motor do I-need. - MYCNCUK - The UK diy cnc machinists community.
This leads me to believe I will be OK with a motor size nema 34 or greater if I can afford all associative costs.
Since I want a solid machine I was thinking of using lead screws for all axes. I would like to build a 5 axis machine but i have read to start small so I will build a 3 axis machine first and see if I can succeed there.
So far my research has led me to these questions:
1. What will it be used for?
2. What is my budget?
3. What frame design is going to be used?
4. Do I have the skills to assemble and setup?
5. Can I design this thing in CAD?
I believe I have an encouraging answer for all questions above so its time to get serious about this build and put efforts into getting started.
I know the answer for question one. If anyone has any additional input it will sure be appreciated.
As it stands for this first build nema 34 step motors seems like the best way to go. Or at least something in the 1600 (oz/in) range +/- 100 oz/in holding torque. I read servo motors were more expensive and harder setup so for my first build I chose step motors.
Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Building one myself... I think one would feel a great amount of pride in accomplishing such a feat.
I am now certain this is the only way to go for various reasons. Now I'm left to find the parts I need to make this dream a reality. Had several ideas on where to begin but non really made sense. Read thread after thread, looked at auction after auction and still had no idea where to begin, till this evening.
The main purpose of this build is to machine metals. I imagine the hardest material will be mild steel or alloys in that range of hardness. So basically I need to build a machine that will handle the forces needed to accomplish such a task. I am going to use steel cut with a jigsaw for a frame. since that is all i have available it will have to do. I know its not ideal and it will be time consuming but this is where i must start unless i get a good deal on a plasma cutter soon. It does not have to be super fast or even pretty but accuracy and overall quality are a must.
I found this thread on a forum that others may find useful in deciding motor size.
What size stepper motor do I-need. - MYCNCUK - The UK diy cnc machinists community.
This leads me to believe I will be OK with a motor size nema 34 or greater if I can afford all associative costs.
Since I want a solid machine I was thinking of using lead screws for all axes. I would like to build a 5 axis machine but i have read to start small so I will build a 3 axis machine first and see if I can succeed there.
So far my research has led me to these questions:
1. What will it be used for?
2. What is my budget?
3. What frame design is going to be used?
4. Do I have the skills to assemble and setup?
5. Can I design this thing in CAD?
I believe I have an encouraging answer for all questions above so its time to get serious about this build and put efforts into getting started.
I know the answer for question one. If anyone has any additional input it will sure be appreciated.
As it stands for this first build nema 34 step motors seems like the best way to go. Or at least something in the 1600 (oz/in) range +/- 100 oz/in holding torque. I read servo motors were more expensive and harder setup so for my first build I chose step motors.
Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks.