DIY CNC Machines
Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, is a machine that is used to make cuts and to fabricate parts using a machine tool. The machine tool is controlled by computer software to move and adjust the position of a material such as wood or plastic. You can build your own bench mounted CNC machine to make cuts by attaching a Dremel rotary tool.
Things You'll Need
- 1-inch metal tubing
- Welder
- Aluminum U-channel
- Tape measure
- Chop saw
- Power drill
- Washer
- Screws
- 1/4-inch threaded bolts
- 1/4-inch nuts
- 1/4-inch bearings
- Metal clamp
- Metal bracket
- Plastic strips
- Plexiglass
- 1-inch metal plate
- Stepper motors
- CNC control board
Instructions
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1
Create a U-shaped frame from one 16-inch piece and two 12-inch pieces of 1-inch metal tubing. Solder the pieces of metal together using the welder. Place the completed frame flat on the ground.
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2
Measure the aluminum U-channel to 24 inches with the tape measure. Cut two pieces of the aluminum U-channel to this length with the chop saw.
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3
Set the two pieces of cut aluminum U-channel so one end is flush with the right side of the frame. Drill a hole through the U-channel and the metal tubing with the power drill. Place a washer over the threads of four screws. Insert a screw into each hole and secure them in place.
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4
Insert one end of a 1/4-inch threaded rod into a 1/4-inch bearing. Repeat this step with a second rod and bearing. Place the opposite ends of the threaded rods together and secure with a metal clamp.
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5
Set the threaded rods between the two aluminum U-channels on the metal frame. Attach the threaded rods to the metal frame with a metal bracket or use strips of plastic. Drill holes into the metal frame and secure with screws.
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6
Measure and cut two lengths of Aluminum U-Channel to 18 inches. Place these cut pieces on the frame so they are against the outside edge of the two 24-inch U-channel pieces. Set the 18-inch pieces so they are facing down with the flat side up. Weld these pieces onto the metal frame.
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7
Insert two bearings onto each end of a third threaded rod. Place the metal rod at the center of the frame and attach with metal brackets or strips of plastic.
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8
Fabricate a table for the CNC from the aluminum U-channel and a piece of Plexiglass. Attach the table onto the threaded rods, as these are used to move the table.
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9
Attach a stepper motor onto one end of the threaded rods by fabricating a mount from the 1-inch metal plate. Drill holes into the plate and the side of the metal frame and secure with bolts.
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10
Fabricate a vertical mounting support for your Dremel tool. Weld the vertical mounting support onto the back side of the metal frame.
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11
Plug the connectors for the stepper motors into your CNC control board. Attach the connector cable for the control board to your computer.
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