a DIY CNC machine

[Bas Horneman]

Who's first?

[tomtom]

there are forums and sites dedicates just to this topic.
I was just about to make one but i change my priority list.

There are open source blueprints in CAD - but usually u need another cnc to make it.

It is not that difficult.

[MikeHunt79]

http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/29/h...achine-part-1/

[gurley123]

...and this one came up

http://buildyourcnc.com/cnckitintro.aspx

This is "talking outta my butt" territory but, is MDF ridgid enough to make repeatable, accurate cuts? It looks pretty well braced though. I guess my prejudices are showing here.

[Bas Horneman]

but, is MDF ridgid enough to make repeatable, accurate cuts?

I guess as long as it is braced properly it would do for a while.

[Secips]

Here is some links

One of the better DIY CNC's available.

http://www.solsylva.com/cnc/1aplanshome.html

Here's were you can get the motors.

http://www.hobbycnc.com/hcncpropkg.php


You can't do anything metal. Not unless you can wait a day or two.


Group Buy?

[Secips]

Here's a starter kit.

http://www.rockcliffmachine.com/index.htm

[Claus]

There is a forum at
cnczone
with a lot af free plans and stuff

Claus

[Conrad Hoffman]

I dunno. It's a big project, and you should already have a shop if you're serious about it. IMO, if your time is worth a nickel an hour, you should just go and buy one of the various mini-CNC machines that are sprouting up all over. I'd have a look at the Tormach (Google is your friend) because it looks like a serious machine you could do a lot with for way under $10k. The very similar Smithy is also worth a look. If you just stick to smaller parts, you can outfit the Sherline machines with NC control. Ten years ago I thought about a diy NC, but it makes a lot less sense today.

[Gerrit Boers]

Ten years ago I thought about a diy NC, but it makes a lot less sense today.

Exactly my idea.
The Tormach you mentioned looks like a nice mill if you need to work with steel. Would be great for making field coil drivers

For working with wood, brass, aluminum and such the CNC-Step looks very attractive (starting at 2250 euros).