Homebrew CNC

[Gadget]

I have been going through the process of building a home brew CNC table for routing and plasma cutting. I don't know all there is to know but I have learned a lot so far. I am more than happy to share what I have learned with anyone who is interested in exploring the option of building their own unit.
It is quite confusing at the start with all the different CAD/CAM packages out there. Some are extremely expensive for home use and others are free (I like free). Others are moderately priced making home use possible.
Anyone with any questions feel free to PM me or post your questions here. I will do my best to answer them.

Dan

[Mike94531]

Hi Dan,

What did you end up using for the table portion that the metal sits on to me cut?

I'd guess something inexpensive and easy to replace?

Are you going to do or build something to capture the smoke and dust it creates or do you just open some doors??

[Gadget]

Mike,
I have an open bottom with two angle iron cross members adjustable for width. I clamp the cross members then clamp the metal to them. It works on smaller items up to 12 to 15 inches. Larger the warpage can be an issue.
As for ventilation, I use a floor fan to blow the dust out the open garage door. Works pretty well for me. You can see some videos of my table in operation by searching Youtube for the user Gadget047. I had them linked here on the old forums but don't know offhand if they are still linked in the new forum.
Dan

[technomitch]

Gadget . . what are you using for the elctronics ?? Did you scround all parts or bought everything ?? I have a book of plans for different CNC tables and have looked at a few on CNCZone, but just don't know !!

[Gadget]

Hi Techno,
I used the board kit and motors from HobbyCNC.com. Get the biggest motors you can afford, the smaller ones cannot get the speed needed for practical use.
Dan

[technomitch]

Another question . . How important is the "Idle Current reduction" feature ??

[Gadget]

Another question . . How important is the "Idle Current reduction" feature ??

Idle current reduction reduces the power to the motors when idle saving energy and heat buildup. Some people run without it but most run with it.

Dan

[TyRex]

Is there a reason you chose the Hobby CNC package over a g540 setup?

[Gadget]

HobbyCNC was the most economical setup I could find. It included the board kit, motors, and cabling. The G450 drive alone was almost as much as the entire HCNC kit.

Dan

[technomitch]

Gadget . . I ordered the HobbyCNC Pro kit Monday. Look forward to putting it together. Another question, you've probably answered . . . I have TurboCAD, but if I read right I will need some "Control" software to drive the motors. If so what do you use ??

Thanks.