I ordered linear rails for a project, turns out all the holes are pre-tapped M5 (the rest of my project is all M6). I've gone down the rabbit hole trying to make it work, but am finally at the point I think I'd be better off just ordering replacement rails pre-sized to M6.

When I look at options on my favorite overseas website, they rarely show all the measures, and I haven't found any that specify the size of the tapped holes.

Is there anything in the part "number" (e.g. 4HGW20CC) that would tell me what size the holes are?

I have

3 - 23HS84 Motors 3 - TB6600 Driver 1 - USB Mach3 Card also have an arduino And plenty of aluminum extrusion.

I was considering buying two sets of 600mm linear guide rails HGR 15/20 with Ball-screw.

Extra stuff like limit switches and stop button.

Any advice is greatly appreciated

Just been exploring the limits of my current build in progress. What are reasonable speeds and acceleration rates for a grbl mill? I can get 3200mm/s on all axis as the max speed, which on a 150mm travel machine seems fine - you run out of travel in 0.05s... So I think acceleration is more important, given the moves are going to be small getting to top speed is unlikely before you have to slow down. All axis are happy at 1000mm/s^2. I ran out of time to play, but should it be higher? That's still 3 seconds to get to top speed, so it's never going to get there.

My last mill was no where near this quick, so I'm a bit lost as too a sensible limit. Any advice?

Yee yee

Hello, I'm attempting to design my first CNC machine, but I'm still trying to figure everything out. I'm currently designing the linear motion systems for the axes, and I found this guide (link). It talks about calculating the stactic and dynamic loading forces on each bearing block, and I'm wondering if anyone can point me to resources for better understanding these concepts. I'm particularly concerned about how the geometry and distribution of mass of various components will affect the loading forces, and how to ensure that I select linear motion systems with the proper specifications. Thank you for your assistance and guidance.

I'm building my first milling machine and I'm looking for recommendation on where to get parts, particularly for the linear motion systems. I've heard that some people use AliExpress, if I go with an import item on a site like that, is there anything I need to watch out for? Or would it be best to look somewhere more reputable like McMaster Carr? I don't have much money, but I want to build something that does the job. I plan on mostly machining unhardened high carbon steels and aluminum. Thank you for your recommendations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

https://preview.redd.it/z9ywoxzx9rvd1.png?width=1602&format=png&auto=webp&s=d462d062cbd5cc67802e26c02e963e83ad44ca29

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).

https://preview.redd.it/yyc47e08crvd1.png?width=1308&format=png&auto=webp&s=8a1afd90a46dec5021de17ed4ab8e06c3bae3a3d

Or, I could mount it more centrally, like this (again, shaded are motors).

https://preview.redd.it/743qatshcrvd1.png?width=1368&format=png&auto=webp&s=5d68ddb7edaf63ebcf2b8f053af4f1f3c7e8b6f9

Or the third option is two y axis, like this (apologies for the awful drawings).

https://preview.redd.it/9m6j1iqlcrvd1.png?width=1468&format=png&auto=webp&s=f6d0b437a74caca1317c0b165190175871db14a0

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!

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

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.

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.

https://preview.redd.it/lt33qxdf3lsd1.png?width=632&format=png&auto=webp&s=15b43832780ae0a01b3b2a9e4537abb4c7f27991

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

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.

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...

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?

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.

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. 🙏

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