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Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine

by Tom McWire on August 14, 2007

Table of Contents
intro: Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 1: The Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 2: The X Stage Rails and Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 3: X it Stage right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 4: The Y stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 5: Zee Z Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 6: Get it together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 7: What's it Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 8: Easy Mill the movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 9: Engraving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Customized Instructable T-shirts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

intro: Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine

Here is a way to make a computer controlled milling machine. That puts the real power of a computer control machining into the hands of the average human. Small
enough to set on the desk but scalable to any size. As inexpensive as possible without sacraficing accuracy (too much). All most all the parts can be purchased in local
retail stores. And above all CHEAP you can be up and running for well under $200. With it you can do 2 Dimentional engraving and PC board etching and 3D milling and
modeling in Foam, Wood, Plastic and other soft materials.
Also try watching the YouTube movie at the end (the last frame).
New information on the Motor Driver Circuit is HERE().

step 1: The Frame

The frame needs to be a flat base that you can mount everything on horizontally and a goose neck of some kind to hold the Z axis (the up and down part with the motor
tool)firmly in place. I used one inch pipe just for fun but as it turned out it was pretty handy too. When I needed to make adjustments I could just tap it with a hammer. As
you can see the post that holds the Z axis doesn't have to be in the center. It just needs to be firm and the water pipe does a good job of that. Later, after you are sure all
the pipe joints are in the right place, you can add a drop of thread sealer to the joints and it will be a good solid structure.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 2: The X Stage Rails and Motor

Next its time to add the rails for the X axis stage. These rails are 3/4 inch U chanel aluminum that you can get from the hardware store. Put a washer under each end to
space the rail off the pipe just a bit. Don't worry about the rails being perfectly parallel. You'll see why later. Now mount the stepper motor with a bracket like you see
here. Connect a length of 1/4 by 20 threaded rod to the motor shaft with a short piece of rubber hose (1/4 inch fuel line). Now your ready to set the movable part of the X
axis(the stage).

step 3: X it Stage right

Take a piece of plastic(I used Plexiglas) or metal, something strong and flat and mount a piece of the U channel to it. Now the tricky part. The round thing is a bearing.
You can get them out of motors or buy them at a hardware store. Mount it to a short piece of aluminum like so. Then take a 1/4 in. coupling nut(a long nut) and wrap it
with aluminum like so(see pic.) The bearing will hold the X stage to the X rail and the coupling nut will allow the motor to run the satge back and forth. It wouldn't hurt to
grease the skids a little and the nut too.
Here's a video on making the bearing fixture.

Video

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 4: The Y stage

The Y stage is just like the X stage but turned 90 degrees. Mount two rails and a motor on the X Stage and then take another piece of flat material and a U channel and
make the moving Y stage. Make the little bearing thing and a coupling nut for it too. When your done it should look like this.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 5: Zee Z Axis

Again we are going to reproduce the X and Y Stage to create the Z axis stage. Take a flat piece, here I used a piece of white Plexiglas. Mount some rails and a Motor to
it. Then make a moving stage piece with a u channel and a roller bearing. We'll do something a little different with the nut(see picture). The four posts you see on the
stage will hold the motor tool. Now since this stage is going to move up and down the weight of the motor tool will make it want to come off of the rails so lets add a few
more roller bearings to each side to keep it together.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 6: Get it together

Now we slap the motor tool into the Z stage. Then its time to mount the stage to the frame. And there you have it. This is the mechanical structure. From here we will
need to hook up the stepper motors to a controller and get some software running on the computer but I'm going to save that for future articals.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 7: What's it Do
If you were interested in this project it's likely you have already seen what can be done with an 3 axis(XYZ) computer controlled milling machine. What is suprising is what
kind of accuracy you can get out of this thing after you tinker with it a little bit. Make sure all the rails are held firm and straight. Tighten the roller bearings so the stage
doesn't shift.
I used it to make PC boards. It's real good for engraving name tags and signs. And it's pretty exciting to see it carve a 3D object out of a block of foam or plastic.
WARNING there's a lot to learn about the software. Some venders offer package deals of motors, drivers, and software. That makes it easier but you pay for it.
I'll add more to this later. Send me comments and questions.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 8: Easy Mill the movie

If the literal instructions are confusing try watching the YouTube movie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6drMZqmyXQc

Video

Also check out the follow up instructions on Stepper Motor Control: Easy Mill Stepper Motor Controller

step 9: Engraving
Now that I got the machine back together after making the instructable and I did some engraving and made a PC board.
Cutting plastic is no problem but doing the PC board the bit went a little too deep on the left side of the board and took out all the finer traces. This is when you start
tweeking on it. Just take some aluminum foil and put it under the rail of the Y axis. So as the stage travels left to right the height of the bit should stay the same.
Notice I'm just holding the material down with masking tape. What I like about this thing is, it's easy to fix these kinds of problems because it's all made from simple
elements.
Here's the new video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcdozYDpzjU

Video

Also check out the follow up instructions on Stepper Motor Control: Easy Mill Stepper Motor Controller

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment

view all 486 comments

Javier001 says:

Oct 1, 2008. 1:15 PM REPLY

Hello tom, i was very impress from your video and this was great, now i'm very interesting on making one my self, but this is the kicker, i want to make a
guitar body usualy guitar blocks are mesure by 13-3/4" x 20" x 1-3/4". now i want to make a machine big enough so a can start my proyect. can you help me
with this?
Thanks & Regards
J

creed4545 says:

Aug 3, 2008. 5:15 PM REPLY

Hey Tom, great project! I had a lot of fun building this and as soon as I can scavange a DB25 cable, i will be able to use it. Here are some of my pictures.
The table is 9"x11". I added a simple fish tank pump to blow off the dust. The plexiglass extenders allow the router to utilize the full 9" x11". I will be posting
pictures of my slightly modified circuit board.

Tightwad says:

Sep 30, 2008. 4:35 PM REPLY

Wouldn't the extenders flex and cause the table to move? Either up/down flex due to the weight of the Stepper, or torsional flex as the motor moves the
table?

creed4545 says:

Sep 30, 2008. 5:06 PM REPLY

the weight of the table itself, the anchoring provided by the x axis motor provide stability and prevent wobbling of it.

altomic says:

Sep 16, 2008. 4:10 AM REPLY

fish tank pump- sweet.

liny says:

Jun 23, 2008. 7:36 PM REPLY

what programs do you use to transfer the image from the computer to the actual product. Is it any type of CAD CAM program such as Techsoft or
Prodesktop or did you just calculate where you wanted it to drill.
Thanks, Cool project by the way - my school has two engravers and one laser cutter and i am impressed someone could actually make their engraver that
way.

snosheu says:
i use deskart to convert the pictures to gcode and then use ez cnc to carve in 3d it uses win 98 but it is easy to use

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

Sep 28, 2008. 5:55 PM REPLY

bluumax says:

Sep 24, 2008. 4:38 PM REPLY

Hi Tom.
I used a rail setup like this once, 100% stable.
Channel & Rod on channel.
Think this would work?

Tom McWire says:

Sep 24, 2008. 8:38 PM REPLY

That looks good. I imagine it would not add much to the cost either.

KraftyRhino says:

Sep 15, 2008. 9:20 PM REPLY

WoW thats all I can say! I have been gutting out 2D wood works for years now and the only reason we have not taken our product to the next level is the fact
that we could never keep up with large volumes of orders without the hire of a new woodworker. Something we just can not afford!! We have played with the
idea of an automated machine but the cost always made it nothing more then shop talk. " Man we need a machine to do this for use" After finding this in a
search I think our dreams are about to come true. I just have a few noobish questions.
In our shop I am sure we can build the rig but when I showed this to the shop guys they asked.
What kind of stepper motor and what are those? Threader robs or something?
Question 2 was how do we convert our paterns to something that this KCam program can use?
I am sure with the staff we have we can build this and the stepper controls in
http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-build-CNC-Mill-Stepper-Motor-and-Driver-ci/
Any help on teaching us old folks would be great!

Tom McWire says:

Sep 17, 2008. 8:12 PM REPLY

I'm afraid I haven't had the time to address many of the concerns of my readers but I'll do what I can. Many times other readers will give help. I think
that's great.
Even if you build this thing and later find out you need something more you haven't really invested a lot of money in it and the parts you have are still
usable. I think it's a great project to start learning CNC.
Tom

Randy Lahey says:

Sep 17, 2008. 6:33 PM REPLY

Maybe this machine might fit in a little better in a wood shop.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Three-Axis-CNC-Machine-Cheaply-and-/

marcwolf says:

Sep 17, 2008. 6:10 AM REPLY

Thats is truly brilliant

I like the way you held the tables on using ball wheels. And also using a piece of rubber to stop vibrations between the table and the motor is good too.
Looking forward to more of your examples
Dave

quadomatic says:

Sep 13, 2008. 7:48 PM REPLY

I saw this and I am very amazed! It look really great. Just wondering about 2 things (pretty n00bish questions actually).
1st, if you etch PCBs from copper clad boards with this, what do you do to get rid of the copper outside of the etched traces?
2nd, can anyone who built this tell me how much all the parts costs (stepper motor driver and mill, not including the cost of the dremel/drill tool)? I don't have
a whole lot of funds, but I think I'd be willing to save up.
Thanks

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

quadomatic says:

Sep 13, 2008. 9:54 PM REPLY

Also, would either of these rotary tools work fine? (my dad probably has others I could use, but I'd just like to know);
http://www.target.com/Durabuilt-Elect-Rotary-Tool-Accessories/dp/B000SU3YVO/sr=1-2/qid=1221367920/ref=sr_1_2/602-40287563597446?ie=UTF8&index=target&field-browse=3151061&rh=k%3Arotary%2Cp_36%3A%2425-%2449&page=1
http://www.target.com/Black-Decker-3-Speed-Rotary-Spring/dp/B0001GUDRI/sr=1-5/qid=1221367875/ref=sr_1_5/602-40287563597446?ie=UTF8&index=target&field-browse=3151061&rh=k%3Arotary&page=1

viacin says:

Sep 13, 2008. 5:34 AM REPLY

I like this design...simple, cheap, easy. I program and run cnc's for a living, and I'm very satisified with this little gem. If you're into PCB work, this sure beats
drilling 100-200 holes on a drill press.

Darkstar64 says:

Sep 11, 2008. 1:33 PM REPLY

srry for the double comment but I would really like to know if you are able to CNC a model just downloaded from the Internet from like free model site's etc
just because I know MasterCam X is no able to do it because its not made in a CAD program but in a Blender or 3DSMAX just because there are some
things ive been looking to cut but have been unable to do it and I have 4 CNC machines at my disposal plus this one 3 of them are not DIY but are store
bought and then the 4th is this one

Tom McWire says:

Sep 11, 2008. 8:01 PM REPLY

Moving from 2D to 3D can be tricky. Check out this site http://www.stlwork.com/ Your files need to be converted to stl format then a routing path can be
determined to cut the shape out of a solid chunk of material.
Tom

Darkstar64 says:

Sep 11, 2008. 1:29 PM REPLY

Hey tom I see you have done some 3D CNC ive been looking into that for awhile now is there a way to take a 3D model that you download and CNC it ? ive
tried but all I get is that there are no surfaces or solids so im not sure if that's what you did is just download the person or did you make it ? anyways if so can
you tell me how you went about doing it ?

recon506 says:

Sep 8, 2008. 6:43 PM REPLY

Hey Tom, you seem to know your stuff. I have been working lately on a Dyna 2100 CNC cutter/router. It's an ok machine, but my question to you is whether
you know of any compatible CAM software for it? I googled it, but didn't find anything. I need this CNC to be PC controlled to mill extra-precise parts for my
battlebot and your help would be much appreciated.

gus_452000 says:

Sep 8, 2008. 8:11 AM REPLY

Hi Tom, building another one here in UK, what is the biggest you have heard of your machine being built to?
I am after wanting a milling area of around A3 size (14 1/2" X 11 3/4") when finished and wonder if you had heard of one being built as large as that.
Still great fun Tom , and impresses everyone who sees the original in the garage.
regards
Gus

Tom McWire says:

Sep 8, 2008. 5:02 PM REPLY

Hi Gus:
Take a look at creed4545 a few comments down from here. He's got a pretty long travel both X and Y.
It's not hard to go long on the X axis but for the Y you end up having a long arm to hold your motor over the work.
Tom

hobknob says:

Sep 2, 2008. 10:23 AM REPLY

What software is required to watch the movie?

agent says:

Sep 8, 2008. 4:30 PM REPLY

Macromedia Flash. I'm not sure what version. Probably 8 or 9.

HankMcSpank says:

Aug 20, 2008. 12:07 PM REPLY

What are the dimensions of the bearings you nare using please? (ie inner hole diameter, overall bearing diameter & bearing width)....even better if you have
them in metric!

thatonekid says:
where do you get your stepping motors?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

Aug 6, 2008. 6:47 PM REPLY

creed4545 says:

Aug 9, 2008. 3:21 PM REPLY

jameco.com

daman07 says:

Aug 4, 2008. 9:32 AM REPLY

tell me about computer controlling of machine

nevf says:

Jul 26, 2008. 4:56 PM REPLY

Hi Tom.
Have just finished some tweaking of my mill. It's basically the same as yours except: Nylon cutting boards instead of plastic, Ocean Controls 'mini stepper kit'
for power and control. They are local (ie down here in Oz)and were helpful with initial problems. I'm running Mach 3 with it, using your design to learn about
cnc. Mach 3 is as simple or as complex as you want it to be.
Thanks for a great project. It got me started instead of just looking from the sidelines!
Nev

Haihai122 says:

Jul 23, 2008. 6:58 PM REPLY

Could you go along making another version but instead of moving the table this time, you move the drill/head. I would greatly appriciate it, because I am
having problems thinking of a way to move the frame for the drill. :\

smartroad says:

Jul 21, 2008. 8:34 AM REPLY

Hi! I am looking to make myself one of these but I was looking at the kcam software and have hit a slight snag. I am looking at engraving perspex with a
bitmap image I have converted into a vector using Corel Draw. However when CD exports to DXF it doesn't retain the fill information, only the overall outline.
It is a black and white image I want the black parts engraved. Any suggestions?

smartroad says:

Jul 22, 2008. 12:28 PM REPLY

Think I have solved this by having the software create a scan line image which the milling machine should be able to use it a little like a dot matrix printer.

macrumpton says:

Oct 17, 2007. 7:31 PM REPLY

If you made a little collar that went around the chuck that had a couple of fan blades attached it would blow the debris off the work whenever the chuck was
turning.
Great project!

wpflum says:

Oct 19, 2007. 11:53 AM REPLY

Not a bad idea. I was considering making a clear plexi box with a port for a shop vac that I could cover then entire thing with when I do 'dusty' stuff.
Another idea was to add a plywood bottom with latches to attach the upper plexi box to and then put a handle on the top of the plexi box. Make it nice
and easy to move around.

Lebanite says:

Jul 7, 2008. 8:33 PM REPLY

I like both of those ideas. If you made a case for it you could take tubing and place it near the cutting bit and put a fan on the other side that would
suck all the debris into a container of some sort that you could then clean out after making a bunch of cuts, therefor you wouldn't have to have your
shop-vac on the entire time.

tjuxed says:

Jun 25, 2008. 11:32 AM REPLY

Remember to cut away FROM your finger so you don't cut away the finger.

Austringer says:

Jun 26, 2008. 5:05 PM REPLY

So would you call pressing the start button, turning off the lights and going up stairs to take a shower "away"? I mean it's not close to you, but sometimes
it's going to be getting closer.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

Eshisa says:

Jun 26, 2008. 5:19 AM REPLY

Hi! This project is wonderful! I have 4 TEC stepping motors TYPE SPH-54AB-116; 2.1 V; COIL 1.4 Ohms; 1.8 Deg/Step. Anyone have any idea of how must
I addapt this circuit to the motors I have? Thanks!

gus_452000 says:

Jun 15, 2008. 10:51 AM REPLY

Hi Tom, still using the machine and always a proud father when I get visitors to the radio shack and show them my newest homebrew kit.
Tom wonder what your using for milling bits on the PCB materials etc, found the normal mini-tool bits etc not very useful at all and bend quite easily.
Think having shorter bits to be very useful but wonder what your doing?
regards
Gus (p.s. happy fathers day here in UK)

Tom McWire says:

Jun 15, 2008. 12:10 PM REPLY

Hi Gus: Happy Fathers day. I was just checking in and I see your question. Here's what I use to route PCBs
http://www.precisebits.com/products/carbidebits/scoreengrave.asp
Tom

learningmaster says:

Jun 10, 2008. 3:31 PM REPLY

awsometasticnesfull

sefi says:

Jun 6, 2008. 7:48 AM REPLY

hi tom, i too was inspired by your simple design, and actually guided a high school project based on your designe, the hope was that it will enable students to
make low cost pcb in school. after the project(wich was a bit diffrent from yours and didnt works all that well duo to my lack of technical skills and
experience(im 18) and other things) ended i decided to make a V2 wich is almost the same as yours, and it dose work well,i manged to see it do very presice
things with a pencil.
the problem is i cant find a right drill for making the pcb's,(im pretty sure thats it)
i got this 8 pcs kit from drill bit city but the drill that dose the routing dose not have a pointed tip in the very end and there for dosn't penetrate the circuit until
much pressure is applied but then it goes in way to deep, im guessing its the drill bit but id like to hear what you say, and maybe recommend me a drill or a
set from drill bit city or anywhere else(take in account i live in Israel ) my main goal is PCB's although i already did some name engraving and it came out
very well!
1 more thing... is there a way to use lazycam with kcam? and what do u think about mach3 it look way more complicated is it any better?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

codex says:

Jun 7, 2008. 1:11 PM REPLY

Regular Dremel engraving cutter (#105) works fine for me. It's 0.8mm wide and I use it for PCB Isolation Routing. You can find it in any hardware store
(Ace\Home-Center\Rosenfeld) here in Israel.

sefi says:

Jun 8, 2008. 8:12 AM REPLY

i tryed ace/homecenter with no luck, in tel aviv & hertzliya where exacly did you get it?
by the way lior, i sew you website - VERY NICE :) i want to talk with you if i could il email you from your forum.

Tom McWire says:

Jun 6, 2008. 4:25 PM REPLY

Congratulations. That's a good piece of work for a class project. I can give you some tips on PCB work. The motor tool can have a problem with
wobbling, that is the bit may be off center. It may have an aluminum collet that is just not very good. I was suprised to find the 3 jaw chuck replacement
worked better. May be because it has more mass. Also I found bits at this site:
http://www.precisebits.com/products/carbidebits/scoreengrave.asp
Good job.
I hope this works for you.
Tom

phantom92opera says:

Jun 8, 2008. 8:04 AM REPLY

hey i harvested some motors from printers scanners etc and they all have gears on the end. should i remove these by brute force before coupling with a lead
screw? i could not gently remove them and would like to know before i begin this project. thanks! matt

Roidy says:

Jun 8, 2008. 4:37 AM REPLY

Hi Tom your design is fantastic and so easy to make this is now the second one I`ve made, I work in a uPVC window factory and so I made mine out of
welded uPVC window frame. I got my stepper motors out of an old fruit machine of all places! Still needs a bit of tweaking but I`ve routed a few PCB`s and
everything works great.
Rob

rcamp004 says:

Jun 7, 2008. 6:27 PM REPLY

Hey Tom, are there any websites with tutorials on how to write the code to run the CNC? I'm thinking I can use a modded DVD burner Laser for the cutter.
I'm worried if I use any old code that things will go bad when I take it for a test cut.

codex says:

Jun 7, 2008. 1:00 PM REPLY

I have almost finished my machine. Build log, pictures and videos at http://lirtex.com/index.php/cnc
Thank you Tom for the brilliant design and this great Instructable!

yoghurtsniffer says:

Jun 6, 2008. 7:14 PM REPLY

hey nice instructable.

I travel around alot and therefore i was thinking of making a minature mill and putting it in like a brief case thing so that i could take it around with me.
But i was wondering about what microcontroller/ circuit board you use.
Also what type of interface do you use. And what program do you use to do your designs.
thanks

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/