Just got the new Woodsmith magazine and it had the first of a two-part article on building your own CNC. Only skimmed it so far, but it looks as if the bed and frame are made out of plywood, with the bed made as a torsion box. Second part will cover building the working parts.
Interesting article for sure. Looks like a high level of detail and what a better way to understand how a tool actually works. I wonder how it stands up to ready made? Looks like a Stumpy Nubs type project.....
Interesting, the guide rails for the Y axis are made from plywood and they are guiding metal V bearings. I wonder how long it will be before the rails fail!
The plans call for the plywood rails to be capped on both edges with aluminum angle to provide a long-wearing surface for the V-bearings. I don't think I would build one, but with an estimated cost of $1,300 for all materials and parts (not including the cost of software), it might be a way for someone to get into CNC work. The 24" x 48" bed area is also an attractive feature.
In the "Sawdust" editor's note at the front of the magazine, Vince notes that Chris, the designer, built the prototype 4 years ago and has used it ever since in his personal shop. Seems like it it's robust enough to last quite a while.
Tom , I can’t find the article, but
this is a Joes cnc , and to keep costs down Joe uses metal angle iron for the V bearings to ride on.
The V bearing also need to be continually adjusted as the angle iron wears. I was going to build this version myself,as to me it’s the best bang for the buck , but I’m really wanting use linear bearings now .
At 10:30 you can see how the carriage works on the rails
Hi all,
I am almost complete on the Woodsmith CNC router build. See my blog in Lumberjocks for details.
lumberjocks.com - topics - 303929
I can assure you the rails are very robust and I am convinced they will last a long time. It's a great build but room for improvement. The pics below are quite old, I'll get some new ones up.
Feel free to contact me if anyone wants to discuss the build.
In a Woodsmith Friday VLOG posted a few months ago, Chris Fitch, the CNC's designer, noted that his prototype has been in heavy production use in their shop for a couple of years and still works well. Good testimony to its durability .
I built the CNC from Woodsmith and posted a blog of the build to me website here. https://brucemacdonald.wixsite.com/macteam/cnc-router
Feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to chat about the unit.
Totally a two thumbs up project. Changed my life!
Bruce
I built the CNC from Woodsmith and posted a blog of the build to me website here. https://brucemacdonald.wixsite.com/macteam/cnc-router Feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to chat about the unit.
Totally a two thumbs up project. Changed my life!
Bruce
Welcome to the forum, Ed! Add your first name to your profile to clear the N/a in the side panel, head over to the introduction area and tell us a little about yourself.
I removed your personal email address so you don't get hit by spammers. Use the PM to get in touch with Bruce and y'all can swap email addresses that way.
As a testimony for the robustness of the build, Chis Fitch, the designer, noted not long ago that his original prototype has been in use in his shops at home and at the magazine/TV show for a couple of years now.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Router Forums
747K posts
128.2K members
Since 2004
A forum community dedicated to router and woodworking professionals and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about different types of routing and routers, shop safety, finishing, woodworking related topics, styles, tools, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!