181 replies to this topic

[lgalzerano]

The Shape OKO CNC milling machine kit is now available for pre-order. I am not involved in their project but have been looking for an affordable way to cut out copter parts. Here's a link if anyone else is interested.

https://www.inventab...l-kits-shapeoko

LG

[metRo_]

I'm going to buy one
For something like 350$ we can have a CNC to make our quad parts

[Hayvosh]

That actually was cheap, let's say there is like 3-4 OP users that lives in the same town they could split the cost and then offer the service. That would be cheap.

[jes1111]

I wouldn't rush ahead with a machine like this - toothed-belt drive and only 8"x8" cutting area. Resolution, accuracy, repeatability and backlash (all important factors, trust me) are not going to be good - and they don't even quote on their site what these performance figures are. If you hunt around there are machines for "not that much more" which have proper screw drives, much more substantial/rigid build, bigger working area and use something a bit more meaty than a Dremel for the spindle.

If your budget is absolutely limited to this level, then fair enough - but if you're expecting to cut beautifully accurate parts "just like the professionals" then I think you need to spend a bit more. Also, don't underestimate the learning curve involved

[metRo_]

I wouldn't rush ahead with a machine like this - toothed-belt drive and only 8"x8" cutting area. Resolution, accuracy, repeatability and backlash (all important factors, trust me) are not going to be good - and they don't even quote on their site what these performance figures are. If you hunt around there are machines for "not that much more" which have proper screw drives, much more substantial/rigid build, bigger working area and use something a bit more meaty than a Dremel for the spindle.

If your budget is absolutely limited to this level, then fair enough - but if you're expecting to cut beautifully accurate parts "just like the professionals" then I think you need to spend a bit more. Also, don't underestimate the learning curve involved

In mailing list:

I have tried to measure it with my dial indicator. I was getting good
repeatability as in right in the ±.001 inch, but I have some issue
with backlash of up to -.015, I will try to figure out if I can reduce
these, I believe it is the slack I have on the belt. These are only on
the X and Y axis, I have not measured those values for the Z-axis.

I might be able to post some videos as I try some more codes with the
Grbl homing.

Just because it is really cheap doesn't mean it is bad. The person who built it started a research for a cheap solution some years ago and the big thing here is the Makerslide that reduces the high costs of linear motions, rails and realted stuff, this way you change the mechanical costs from 250/300€ to 50€.
The big thing is that is open-source so you can scale it up: http://www.shapeoko.com/archives/512

[PT_Dreamer]

An important part of a machine like this is the spindle and it is often forgotten. You can have the best linear motion system but if the spindle which is the last point of connection to the tool is garbage your accuracy will never be good.
A good spindle is about the same price of the entire machine referred in this thread.

[metRo_]

An important part of a machine like this is the spindle and it is often forgotten. You can have the best linear motion system but if the spindle which is the last point of connection to the tool is garbage your accuracy will never be good.
A good spindle is about the same price of the entire machine referred in this thread.

Indeed!

[ANV]

I wouldn't rush ahead with a machine like this - toothed-belt drive and only 8"x8" cutting area. Resolution, accuracy, repeatability and backlash (all important factors, trust me) are not going to be good - and they don't even quote on their site what these performance figures are. If you hunt around there are machines for "not that much more" which have proper screw drives, much more substantial/rigid build, bigger working area and use something a bit more meaty than a Dremel for the spindle.

If your budget is absolutely limited to this level, then fair enough - but if you're expecting to cut beautifully accurate parts "just like the professionals" then I think you need to spend a bit more. Also, don't underestimate the learning curve involved

Do you know any other "user friendly" kits in the same price category?
I mean something that requires only assembly, instead of buying parts from different places and trying to put them together

[KillaX]

Heh i always could, had the stuff i need for over a year, just never got to it. Already have 3 NEMA steppers and drivers, program and all too. All i needed was just the frame and rails and i would be shooting out cnc stuff. Just never got around to it. Simple to do...just not much want..

[flitelab]

This is the closest to an "entry level" cnc I have found:
http://www.probotix....cnc_router_kit/

Your looking at around $1400 with all the motors, controllers, etc plus you still need a PC, spindle,and router bits. And even this is a bit on the low end side made from MDF.

[SeismicCWave]

It would be too bad if they get away from the Dremel tool cutter. The Dremel tool has pretty bad bearings that will not survive the side load. A better spindle is necessary.

[KillaX]

Yeah... You can get a decent one going for under a few hundred easily if you have a computer already.

Steppers, your looking at 60 dollars for 3, because for plastic/woods/light metals, you just gear them. Plenty of power.
Drivers, for 3 i spent $45
A router / bits (No idea on cost)
A frame - Around 100 if you want a fancy metal one at like 50" x 50" table..
Some base table (wood)
Computer (i had a junker, but $50 or so at thrift shop, windows 95, 98, or XP works for MACH-3 CNC) DOS systems are fine for TURBO-CNC or LINCNC
Basic 24V power supply, maybe 30 dollars.
X-Y-Z worm-scews for motion

I mean, ive seen people make full cnc machines for under $200 that could make any shape (2D) in plastic sheets, or mill wood...

My long-drawn-cnc project is costing me $110 right now. All i need is 3 worm screws and metal frame, and its done. Id say maybe $100 max to go. I got a free computer (windows 95) with a flat-screen touch-screen monitor, which will run MACH-3. Mach-3 is actually made to run on touch, so win-win!!

http://i.imgur.com/2LJX1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WEvQL.jpg

Just need to find a proper keyboard and install MACH-3

Edited by KillaX, 02 April 2012 - 07:18 PM.

[jes1111]

I'm in Europe so I know nothing of US sources. This side of the pond the best "non-brand" I found was: http://www.cnc1.eu/e...s-h-300-komplet but I finally pulled the trigger on this: http://www.cnc-step....reis-guenstiger

You should also reckon on spending a significant amount of money on cutting bits, workholding accessories, a good vacuum for dust extraction, a very solid table for it, etc. As with all things: you get what you pay for (even if you're buying components to build your own)

Agree 100% on the spindle - mine has a Kress 1kW (not "the best" but very good for the money). But since the CNC machine has a 43mm Euroneck mount I have an upgrade path later.

This http://www.prototool...&cat=523&page=1 is the most useful accessory I bought - worth every cent when you want to move beyond cutting flat sheets of GF/CF.

[KillaX]

All true Im using 2 x 2" extruded AL for my table. I just happen to know a place where I can get a lot for nearly free I just preffer a project, 100% DIY instead of taking a full 'kit' or assembled mini-cnc...

Edited by KillaX, 02 April 2012 - 08:29 PM.

[jes1111]

I have tried to measure it with my dial indicator. I was getting good
repeatability as in right in the ±.001 inch, but I have some issue
with backlash of up to -.015, I will try to figure out if I can reduce
these, I believe it is the slack I have on the belt. These are only on

the X and Y axis, I have not measured those values for the Z-axis.

Repeatability: 0.0254mm
Backlash: 0.381mm

Not good!

Getting the right belt tension might help - but you'll never eliminate that (terrible) backlash completely with a belt drive. You can "kinda" compensate in software but it's ugly.

[PT_Dreamer]

Yeh, after seeing those numbers in a proper unit of measure it's becomes obvious they aren't bad they are horrible. I'm sure it can get a lot better with software compensation and tunning.

[K Wells]

Time to chime in...My Pal JoeCNC...An active member here and has built many frames and CC housings and other parts for our friends at OP......

Designs CNC kit machines for Hobbists


http://joescnc.com/index.php Top Quality Proven Performance Fair Price


This is my Desktop CNC...it is at Joe's house at the moment making parts

[Adverse Effects]

search ebay

cnc 6040

about $1700 on your door step and you just add a computer

i am just setting mine at the moment

[EDIT] i payed $1549 but i did a deal with the guy

Edited by Adverse Effects, 03 April 2012 - 02:47 AM.

[scottevil]

i want one now, but i don't know if i want this one.. ill have to research before i buy anything

[Adverse Effects]

this is the one i got

works well

to see the ebay listing click the pic

Edited by Adverse Effects, 03 April 2012 - 03:27 AM.