/r/diycnc
The home of building, modifying, and converting CNC machines of all shapes and sizes.
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/r/diycnc
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Confusion Regarding the Common use of RHS in Builds
Hello, I am currently designing my first milling machine. In watching videos of other people's builds, I've noticed that a lot of people use Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) as structural components, particularly as a column. They usually weld the RHS vertically onto a steel or aluminum plate, which they then mount onto the machine base (example). I'm curious as to how one would ensure that the RHS is square and perfectly perpendicular to the other axes. I could imagine that machining the mounting surfaces could work, but these people don't seem to be doing that. Does anyone have any insights as to how RHS could be effectively utilized as a structural component? Thank you for your responses.
19:01 UTC
Any interest in a slightly used G0704 and cnc kit?
I’m not sure if this goes against forum policy, apologize in advance. I wanted to put out a feeler and see if there would be any interest in a very slightly used g0704 mill, along with all the raw stock, fasteners, bearings and electronics and motors to convert into a cnc.
I turned on the machine maybe a few times and struggled with just not having enough time to learn how to use it. It’s just been sitting in the corner of my basement.
01:09 UTC
Looking for Some Advice on my First CNC Milling Machine Build
Hello, I'm currently designing my first CNC milling machine build, and I'm hoping for some advice on a few points. Due to one of the applications I want to use my machine for, I need about 5 feet of travel in the x axis, so I've opted for a traveling column machine design. This requires me to have an almost 6 foot long x axis, and so I'm trying to design a sturdy enough axis to support the moving column. I'm currently looking at cast aluminum tooling plate for the base plate of the axis as well as the rail mounts.
When looking for good sources of tooling plate, I came across the drop zone section of Yarde Metals (link). However, the cost is insanely low compared to other suppliers, such as McMaster Carr. Does anyone have any idea of why that is? I was under the impression that the plates were machined flat on both sides, but is this not the case? Are the dimensional tolerances going to be accurate enough? I can surface and square most of the components myself if needed, but this 6' axis is concerning me.
Also, as far as the design for the x axis goes, a lot of travelling column designs I've seen utilize 3 linear motion rails on the x axis as opposed to two. I presume this is for stability and load bearing purposes, and while my machine won't be near the size of most of the industrial mills I've looked at, would it be better to do 3 rails instead of 2?
Finally, does anyone have any suggestions on building a base for a machine this size? I was thinking of building a welded steel frame from square tubing and then filling it with concrete with rods to transfer vibration. However, That would be one massive block of concrete, and I worry about eventually having to get it out of my garage. I plan on machining unhardened high carbon steels (10 series) on this machine, so if anyone has any thoughts on how I could efficiently build a rigid machine, it would be much appreciated. Thank you for your feedback and assistance.
19:26 UTC
Spindle Selection Help
Hey yall, I know this topic has been discussed lots and lots on here and other sub reddits, but im trying to decide on a motor for a dremel cnc style build. I got this sovol printer the previous owner had been using as a dremel cnc, and I already have plans to take it apart and use the frame and steppers in a different configuration more like the original diy dremel cnc. I'm looking at options for a spindle to put on it, and it seems it would be worth skipping the dremel and going for a 500w spindle. I see there are brushed and brushless models available, and aside from the ability to program the spindle speed on the brushed versions, the biggest complaint seems to be the power supply. I'd like to hear personal experiences on spindles in this general price range and what's the best option that won't break the bank. Ill mostly be doing very light aluminum milling (cleaning up diameters on cast parts) and some pretty small wood projects. I'm not too concerned about how slow I'll have to go since everything is going be such small parts.
17:19 UTC
Stepper motors stalling
Hi everyone I really hope someone could help me with this as I don't want to start mindlessly replacing parts.
I built this machine a few months ago and it had been working fine until a few days ago. I now seem to get all my stepper motor stalls on all axis at any speed above 1000mm/min (previously they had been happy at 6000mm/min)
As all the motors went at the same time it would lead me to think this could be the power supply or control software.
Things I've done so far: Tried different contorl software Checked for possible loose conection. Checked voltage from power supply Swapped 1 drive as I had a spare
Machine Grbl on arduino uno Nema23 4.2a Dm552 drive 36v 16.6a power supply Running UGS DIY build
Any help would be amazing. Thank you.
20:53 UTC
Air turbine milling for high precision engraving
Hi, I was thinking about a tiny CNC for doing engravings of wristwratches and that sort of thing, and I wondered if it would make sense to use something like a dentists drill. The less weight you have on your gantry, the more precise it could be, and a dentist drill uses an air powered turbine to spin the chuck. Instead of having a relatively heavy electric motor, you would just have an airline.
Some googling did reveal some industrial machines with turbine mills, but it didn't look like they did it for weight savings.
Anyone ever thought about this or seen anything like it? Is there some fundamental flaw in the idea? I was specifically thinking of if it could work in a 5-axis cnc mill.
15:35 UTC
Modern grbl firmware
I have build a cnc router out of old parts and a arduino uno and cnc shield. It currently runs grbl 1.1 but I can see this has not been maintained in years, I am wondering if anyone here can suggest a new firmware to look at that I can still use with UGS
19:05 UTC
Looking to build a small CNC sand robot, need some advice
Hey!
So, I would like to build a sand robot, something like this, but square https://www.instructables.com/ESP32-Powered-Tabletop-Kinetic-Sand-Drawing-Robot/ . I therefore don't need much rigidity or precision, and only 2 axis.
I have a fair bit of experience with electronics and CAD, but little with mechanisms / movement, so I have a few questions about various things.
First off, I'm planning to use a couple of NEMA 17s for this, since I already have a main board with compatible drivers (old one from an Ender 3). I was hoping to use Marlin on it, that should work fine for just 2 dimensions right? As long as I provide correct gcode.
Now, onto the actual build. I'd like this to be quite small, roughly 30cm by 30cm working area. I know CoreXY would probably be the better option here, but I want simplicity, so I think separate belt driven axis is probably best. So, what I was thinking so far, is a 2040 aluminium extrusion for the y axis. It will have some 3d printed feet mounted with T slot nuts, and a NEMA 17 mounted to one end. I do have access to a water jet cutter which I was hoping to use to make the motor mounts. Something like this quick CAD model I made.
This is missing a belt tensioner at the other end which I would need too, but that should just be a small plate that I can slide in and out with a roller for the timing belts right? Basically, I copied this design from the y axis of the Ender 3, so I feel like it should work? For the actual movement I was just planning on some V-slot wheel carriages, since I don't think I need the benefits of linear rails, and they're a fair bit more expensive
Then, for the x axis, is where I have more questions. I'm probably going to use a 2020 extrusion with a similar setup to to above, much like the x axis of the ender 3. However, I'm not sure how best to mount it. As I see it, I have 3 options. One, what I believe is known as cantilevered. So, the motor to one side of the main extrusion, and the rest on the other side, like this diagram (shaded area represents motor).
Or, I could mount it more centrally, like this (again, shaded are motors).
Or the third option is two y axis, like this (apologies for the awful drawings).
My preference is for one of the first two options, to save a bit of money, especially since I don't need the extra stability from a second extrusion at the base. However, as mentioned, I have little experience with this stuff, would this work?
Then for the carriages that run along the extrusions, there are plenty of pre built ones I could buy, but I'm considering 3d printing (and/or water jet cutting) custom ones, to hold the aluminium extrusion for the x axis, and the magnet on the x axis. Does anyone have any experience with the prebuilt ones? Are they any good?
I think that's the main stuff I wanted to figure out, other than that, does anyone have any good resources for learning about different movement systems and all that? Would be very much appreciated!
Thanks!
18:46 UTC
DDCS - who’s using one?
I was planning on using a GRBL on my CNC build, but the additional faff of a computer and usb etc is making me wonder if the DDCS 3.1 or Expert units would be a better choice.
Any feedback on them greatly appreciated
08:06 UTC
First Time Building a CNC Machine, Looking for Advice on Design
Hello, I've decided to try building my own CNC milling machine due to the uncommon dimensions I require. I need a machine able to mill parts up to 50" in length and only a few inches wide. Parts would be normalized high carbon steel, primarily 10 series and 5160. Due to these odd requirements, I'm thinking of building a dual column machining center with a 5 foot long table and 5 feet of travel, so an over 10 foot long machine total. This design is definitely still in its rough stage, but I was hoping to get some feedback. The main concern is the massive size of the machine. Aside from the difficulties of getting everything square and making the rails for each axis coplanar, what feed system would be best for the gargantuan y-axis? Do they make ball screws and guide rails long and sturdy enough for this? Thank you for your insight and assistance.
01:32 UTC
Building first CNC, wanted to make sure my shopping list is accurate. **Electronics Newb.**
I'm sure you all get a lot of these posts, and I am sorry for adding another one. However, being savvy mechanically, I am really hindered electronically.
So, although the cnc I am building is the standard dvd drive into cnc toy. I wanted to practice and incorporate some of options that I will use later, with a big boy CNC (Looking at building PrintNC) Will be using GRBL. for all of this.
Shopping list, is as follows:
For Offline Controller: (I wanted to tinker with code and make my own splash screen and what not, but primarily control cnc offline)
ESP32 Board, Arduino Uno, 3.5" TFT with SD Card.
I feel as if I a missing something here.
For CNC:
Another Arduino Uno, 3.0 CNC Shield Extension Board, A4988 Stepper Motor Drive, PCB Prototype Boards, PCD terminal blocks for the cdrom stepper motors. ( so I don't need to solder the connection )
I don't know if I am missing anything, or don't need something on those two lists. Do I need to use arduino nano for the cnc instead of another arduino uno?
TIA for helping the newb out.
17:31 UTC
Starting My First Ever CNC Project
I was Wondering if these parts will be compatible with eachother and if u have any tips for me pls let me know!
https://www.amazon.nl/gp/product/B07CQF1Q4Z/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ABVRCUH7Y5NVN&psc=1
https://www.amazon.nl/gp/product/B08KXNQVQP/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=A3BN2T8LLIRB5S&psc=1
18:24 UTC
What is the difference between COM and V- ports on the below mach3 board ?
20:00 UTC
3018 => belt driven for laser
Hello there.
Is there a mod around for belt-driven 3018 or similar?
I have spare pieces around and I can build both a CNC and a laser from what I have.
I have both a 3D printer and a CNC I can use to build parts. CNC usage and 5mm acrylic would be ideal for me as I have both.
01:27 UTC
Smooth toolpath pic
Yeah so i couldnt add a picture to my post . This is more or less what i see. Sometimes there are many, sometimes one different shapes. Some large enough to see without zooming. I guess my concern was that something was loose but all 3 axis are rock solid. I probably need to grease my bearings. Apparently there is something you need to do to be able to get grease in them. I just crammed it in by hand lol. It wouldnt go in via the zerk. If anyone can unravel that so i dont have to read the directions 😀 Anyway...
03:05 UTC
Smooth toolpath.
Ok so im cutting stuff out and im watching toolpath in mach 4 and every now and again it does a teeny little random stray from the path and back again. It only seems to be on the display however it doesnt do it making straight x or y cuts. I dont think you would even know unless you were watching the toolpath display but its annoying nonetheless. Experiences? Ideas?
01:32 UTC
DIY cnc
Hello everyone hope everyone is well I do machining and engineering at a trade school currently in my senior year and I decided to start making a cnc. I am making a 1000mm by 1000mm frame for the cnc and I have the linear rails and ball screws for it as well. But I purchased everything through the school so I didn’t pay but I got 20x20 mm aluminum extrusions … hoping I can make it ridged enough was hoping for opinions. I was also hoping someone had recommendations for a controller I run 5axis haas umc750 and 500 I am looking for a controller that is “similar” to there controller as in a screen with axis selections feed overrides and a jog wheel. Sorry for the long post thankyou for your time.
19:57 UTC
Closed loop
Good evening, so. Ive been building a 5x10 router table and it going pretty well. I have eveything done and fine tuning now. I have come to the open loop/ closed loop switch. I had gotten the machine going in open loop but want it working in closed. Closed loop results in a LOT of noise and zero motion. Its been a long build and i took the easy way out and came here to seek the solution. 🙏
07:06 UTC
Help identifying spindle control board
Can anyone help me identify this control board? I know it’s a 1100w DC brushless spindle control board, but I can’t find any tech docs or if the boards a copy what it’s a copy of. They seem popular on eBay and Ali express but I can find any technical information
16:44 UTC
My Hobby CNC Build
Hey, I thought some of you might be interested in this CNC I built - it's only a humble little machine but has been an amazing intro to the hobby.
I started like many did watching the Nikodem Bartnik "DIY CNC" video series on YouTube where he makes a low cost CNC with 3D printed parts. I built it and had a couple of months playing around but soon reached its limitations and the 3D prints started to crack/split.
Still, I had a taste for all things CNC so I designed a new machine in Fusion 360 and as a final act of service, the original machine cut out the plywood parts for the new one, as you can see above. I then disassembled it and re-used the rails, lead screws and spindle to make the upgraded version. Plz ignore the bare flooring - I was renovating my house at the same time and decided that building a CNC was a higher priority...
I've had some great fun making different projects over the years with it - mostly little decorations and gifts.
This little machine has taught me so much and will continue to be a source of fun. However, I have recently upgraded again to a Shapeoko 5 so I can build bigger and better projects...
I love seeing what other people in this sub get up to so thought I should share a bit of stuff of my own rather than always lurking. Maybe someone will get some inspiration for their next build or project - let me know what you think!
21:01 UTC
Need help with finding a motor supplier in the UK
I'm working on a manual Lathe with a friend to give it a CNC conversion. We are making good progress on it but are a bit stuck in finding a suitable motor to run the chuck. We want to swap out the motor that is currently in it to a DC motor so we only need one connection to a wall socket.
We also want to be able to control the speed of the motor using an arduino or pi. So the motor would need to be controlled by some sort of motor driver which can interface with an arduino or pi.
After some calculations, we will need an output of 2.6Nm of torque and a speed of 2500 RPM (approx 700W). We plan to achieve this with the motor connecting to the chick via a gearbox, the ratio of which will be decide based on the motor we select.
The main issue we are having is finding a source for this motor. We have contacted many companies within the UK, but the response we get is that they only sell in bulk and we only need a single unit.
If someone knows a good place where we can search for motors like this or what sort of motors we could use, your insights would be greatly appreciated.
01:10 UTC
Do I need a Normally Closed or a Normally Open Emergency-Stop for this MKSDLC32 board? The pins are the ''Runback button interface'' and I don't know if passing a connection will stop the machine or blow it up...
18:39 UTC
Need some help on identifying this problem
Im having this issue after just moving my CNC out from the room to the garage. Had to dissamble the spindle controller and the power supply due to a broken 3D printed part holding it.
Now that when I tried fixing it back, I'm having issues with the 6A250V fuse keep blowing when I put the motor wires on.
My multimeter reads 310V on the motor connectors while the input supply is right at 220V. Im in the UK by the way.
Ive tried triubleshooting the fault using an AC supply back here as so I dont trip the circuit breaker and all it does is the same thing. It blows the fuse again and again.
Secondly, isolated the spindle and connect it direct to a DC supply to check on the spindle, seems to be working and spinning.
So Im dead on ideas on what is the problem if anyone could help me.
08:40 UTC
Could anyone tell me why my warning light is on (the green on is also on and after disconnecting the ENA pins it's still on)? Also i've installed the FluidNC software but that's doesn't move the motor one bit... i've checked all the wiring connections and they're fine, so is the voltage.
19:03 UTC
Controller advice
I'm planning an upgrade from a simple workbee to something a bit more beefy, I've chosen a kit that's effectively just a workbee with 40series extrusion, linear rails and 12.5mm ball screws from RAT RIG. With this kit I'm supplying my own steppers, spindle and controller. Steppers wise I'm going with a closed loop nema 23 kit from steppers online, spindle wise I'm using my old 1.5kw chinesium water cooled spindle with a simple VFD and an aftermarket ATC adapter.
The context to the home this machine is going into, I run a very small (me only for now) speaker design company that cuts the cabinets out of 4x4 18mm poplar pine sheets. The grbl machine it replaces mainly runs at 2500mm/s (it's top speed) with semi automatic tool changing (an atc but replacing by hand with a switched solenoid) running usually 2-3 tool changes a program.
Here are my current options for controllers (not interested in others unless someone has a suggestion for a pcless setup that sounds up my street from what I write about each)
- rootCNC (fluidNC)
- masso touch G3
- CNC drive AXBB-E (UCCNC/Mach3/Mach4)
My thoughts so far as a noob to CNC tinkering are:
RootCNC allows for more future tinkering with 2 axis spare for maybe a floating dust hood, an actual ATC, or other funky stuff. It's a grbl machine effectively so similar to what I have alot of experience running. Can't do looping or conditional Gcode which is a pain for manual writing code and making macros. Requires a PC to remote into it through IP to actually control but this could be a pi on the back of a touchscreen or something really simple. Documentation seems ok but setup seems a bit of a ball ache.
Masso Touch doesn't require a computer and is effectively a all in one continent (ISH) setup. I don't know if it can or can't run loops, conditional or variable g code. Seems to be very approachable for future potential employees to run and looks very sleek. Don't know how easy or difficult the setup will be. Is pretty expensive but not too bad when you factor in not buying a touch screen fan less PC to run the others.
CNC drive AXBB-E seems like UCCNC is the one to run, but I don't know much about Mach4. I know some people who use stepcraft machines so learning UCCNC would be alot easier as I have people to turn to. Seems to be very configurable and supports variables in Gcode, just not loops or conditional Gcode. This is what the kit usually uses so I'm sure it's pretty good for that CNC machine.
I'm looking for people who can either confirm, deny or add to those summeries of each and any personal experience or reasons not to use each
09:23 UTC