How I built a desktop DIY CNC machine (CNC router) that mills steel | Sturdy | Precise

curiosity-creates
curiosity-creates
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Published 2024-05-07
Although there are many options to buy a desktop CNC routers or milling machines, none of them seem to fit my requirements. I wanted it to be able to mill steel and be precise and cheap!

So I decided to design and build my own desktop DIY CNC machine (or CNC router) and document the process along the way to share it with you all. I used epoxy granite to dampen vibrations and make the machine sturdy. I hope you like the video. Your thoughts, comments or suggestions are welcome.

00:00 Intro
00:31 Requirements
00:58 Design
02:01 Build and Assembly
13:29 Spindle wiring
16:02 Alignment
18:28 Testing and machine

Links to VFD and spindle wiring videos
   • How to add a Spindle to your CNC  
   • Spindle VFD setup part 2.0 - External...  

Linear stages for X and Z axis (unaffiliated):
www.amazon.com/dp/B07T89VFNP/ref=twister_B07YGLNCV…

#cnc #diycnc #diycncmachine #cncrouter #cncmachining #cncmilling
All Comments (9)
  • @danviz1876
    Very interesting project, I would recommend to use the strongest stepper motor for the x axis as it moves more mass and has to vercome more forces than the z axis motor.
  • @jackygrush
    Nice work mate, would love to see how it goes once the metal bracket is on. Would definitely recommend you 3d print or waterjet cut and bend some way covers for those rails though!
  • @rkneills
    What were the linear stages that you used for the x and z axis?
  • @KingZeusCLE
    Why only one cart per rail? Especially for the Y axis. Picture where your center of gravity is, consider how much mass is there, and think of the forces on those linear bearings just as it sits. Now imagine it milling and the forces that produces. Yes, you lose a little bit of travel but the carts are cheap and you should be running two per rail. EGW rails have shortened carts too btw.
  • @SuperNHak
    Very nice work, enjoyed watching, BUT pls don't clamp work like that, that's the root cause of this chattering and your piece is actually moving being pushed by mill, its not clamped strong enough. So either use some good vise, or clamp by the edges on sides so it can't move, not on top of it like that.