DIY CNC MILLING MACHINE

DIY CNC MACHINE

In 2005 I decided to make a CNC machine that would allow high accuracy,  faster R&D and production time.   At the time I wanted to build a machine, the internet didn't have any how to guides, DVD's, etc..  With the help of a friend and alot of reading, I was able to complete the project with no problems.

Part List

- Harbor Freight X1 Milling Machine

- Hobby CNC package (3 or 4 axis)

- CNC Fusion motor mounts ( X1 CNC the works)

- 24 VAC 10A Triad Transformer

- Plastic enclosure (to house all electronics)

- Designing computer (read recommendations for software)

- Controller computer (you don't need state of the art here, just something to control the machine)

 For Mac Users click Here

You'll also need

Hardware

- Tooling (end mills, chamfer, drills, engraving bits, etc..)

- Collet Tool Holders

- Larger X & Y Tables (shipping is a little expensive on these)

- Parallels Kit (this is a kit)

- Vise

- Clamping Kit

- Caliper 

This is a great buy and wish they had this when I bought mine.

http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=3491&category=

*** Note these parts, links & prices have changed over the years, read what the sites say to buy***

Buy, Use, Build at your own risk!!! 

Software (you will need 3 types of software to complete the workflow CAD, CAM, Controller)

CAD Software

- Emachine Shop (free)

- TurboCad

- Alibre

CAM Software

- Cambam

- SheetCam

Controller Software

- Turbo CNC (free)

- Mach 3

Simulator (I'll also recommend a simulator to view your Cam output files to prevent crashes)

- Auto Edit NC (free)

- CNC Simulator (free)

There's more software that can be found, but these are some of the ones I used and know.