Introduction:
For the past few weeks I have been thinking of building a CNC machine. Before that, I was somehow intimidated by all the seemingly impossible to comprehend complexities that I saw in other builds. I have never attempted to take on a task of such magnitude. For that reason, I hope you will move with me and along the way also point out some inaccuracies or bugs. I am sure it will be quite a learning experience for me and for others alike. Of course I have done enough research to help me understand what a CNC is and how to build one, but again, learning is an ongoing process, and we learn through doing.Background first:
The inspiration came from a guy who built a CNC from a few CD-ROM players. You can find the instructables here.
The instructions were precise and it seemed to require only a few easy to find components. I set out to copy exactly what he had done. And then I though, all along I have wanted a PCB milling machine. Why don't I build one with the exact procedures and components but only change the spindle.
Well, things did not go quite as I expected. I spent too much time fantasizing and watching videos that my whole plan changed. I trashed the idea of using CD-ROM players and instead opted to build a proper machine. The inspiration for that came from this guy here.
I do not know why, but for some reason I am only attracted to the easy driver bipolar stepper motor drivers. Yeah, just as the name suggests, I am convinced they are easy to use. Speaking about easy driver, as of now December 11, 2014 7:14pm, my order is still in China. (Always go for the cheapest stuff on ebay, at least I have never been disappointed). Perhaps the biggest mistake I made was to purchase the 28-BYJ48 Unipolar stepper motor without adequate research. Not only is it geared down, (bad idea for an arduino based CNC) but also suffers on the side of torque. I needed something that would work seamlessly and be easy to microstep. I have the three units I purchased lying around. I hope to find use for them because I did not spend my precious dollars for nothing.
I got proper CNC stepper motors which you can check out below.
In any case, as of now, that is where I stand.
Components and Materials:
I will update this list as soon as I have all the materials.
