Introduction

 

Home made CNC machine

I am starting this blog to document my attempt to build my own CNC machine for cutting wood plastic etc. controlled by a computer.
The above photo is a general photo from the web to give some idea of what the final machine will look like (hopefully).
A CNC (computer numeric control) machine uses some sort of cutting tool (probably a Dremel in my case) with the work piece able to be moved in X and Y directions to allow shapes to be cut. The Z axis is the up and down movement of the cutting tool to control the depth of cut and up and down movement start stop cut etc. The movement of each of the 3 axes are controlled by stepper motors which are connected to the computer via its USB or parallel ports.
I am building this machine as it combines several of my hobbies. I have worked most of my life as a software engineer but trained initially as an electrical engineer and I am a keen DIYer. It appeals to me to be able to use software to control something externally to produce useful items at the end of it.


I will record each step with photos (and possibly videos) and give as much info concerning dimensions, materials and building methods so anyone can use the ideas - I would welcome any comments, criticism, advice etc. as I go along.