Revolutionize Your Workshop: Build Your Own CNC Machine and Unlock Endless Possibilities!

In this instructable, we'll be exploring how to build your own CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine from scratch. With a CNC machine, you can automate the process of cutting, drilling, and carving various materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal, with high precision and repeatability.

We'll go over the basic components and tools you'll need to build a CNC machine, including stepper motors, linear rails, ball screws, and a control board. We'll also provide a detailed step-by-step guide on how to assemble and wire up these components, as well as tips and tricks to troubleshoot common issues you might encounter during the build.

(You can also watch the process of compilation in video format on the attached video.)

By the end of this instructable, you'll have a fully functional CNC machine that you can use to bring your DIY projects to the next level. Whether you're a maker, artist, or hobbyist, a DIY CNC machine can be a powerful tool to unleash your creativity and imagination.

So, let's get started and build a CNC machine together!

To construct a CNC machine, you will require various components; however, I will delve into the specifics later.

I made bunch of pictures during the building process, so they can be very informative.

To begin with, we require a robust frame that can support the entire machine. I opted for a 60 mm x 40 mm x 2 mm closed section, which, in my opinion, can be secured effectively with welding.

I applied paint to the frame to safeguard it from rust.

I used 6 mm x 15 mm screws to attach the sliding rails to the frame. I used a SBR20 type linear rail.

To connect the Screw thread to the frame you can use bearing block house.

I welded a metal frame to secure the particle board tabletop, which helps to keep the table stable. I made eight metal brackets for it with oval-shaped holes, allowing for precise adjustment of the height of the tabletop. I ended up painting this as well.

I created spacers using a 3D printer to secure the bearings for the X axis, which I attached to the frame with M3 screws. The Y axis bearings connected with metal parts which contains oval holes to allow me find the proper position of the axis.

I have chosen Nema 23 stepper motors with DM542 drivers. And they are fixed with consoles in the right position.

The limit switch holders are designed in Tinkercad and printed by a 3D printer. As the GRBL documentation suggests, I used Normally-Closed (NC) wiring for limit switches.

The pictures depict the assembly of the Z-axis component. For the components of the Z axis, I utilized an aluminum plate with a thickness of 3 mm.

As a rotary tool, I used an 800 watt motor, which can be smoothly controlled between 0-30,000 RPM using a potentiometer and a control circuit.

The clamping jaw of the vise has an internal diameter of 3.6, 8mm and is of type ER16. The milling bit was a version with a 3mm diameter.

I have got an emergency stop button to stop the milling process in case on any unpredictable situation, but it has not been built in yet.

The electronic components necessary for control were placed in an old empty computer case. I used 0.5 mm2 twisted copper wires to connect the electrical components. In order to prevent the wires from breaking due to a lot of movement, I have threaded them into an energy chain.

4 channel optocoupler with PC8917. This is used against false-positive limit switch alarms.

To control the motors through G-code, I use a program called GRBL uploaded onto an Arduino Uno board. The Arduino controls the stepper motors via DM542 breakout boards.

I use a 3 mm plywood for processing the image designed as an SVG vector graphic, which can be converted into machine-readable G-code using the OpenBuilds CONTROL program. OpenBuilds CONTROL is an application for connecting to, and controlling, your CNC, Laser, Plasma or Dragknife machine.

In this section you can see the first attempts with my brand new CNC milling machine. One of my first works was machining a simple heart shape from 3 mm plywood. Then I made a bird feeder from several pieces, which has been happily serving hungry birds in my garden since. Additionally, with the help of the machine, I also created a two-piece tulip made of plywood.

The next attempt was to engrave a brick, for which I used a tungsten-carbide milling cutter and, as can be seen in the picture, it turned out surprisingly well.

I am planning to improve this base machine and try it with several materials.

(so, there will probably be a sequel in the future...)

If you have any question, please feel free to ask,

thanks for watching.

And finally, like it if you liked it :-)