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Thread: 3D cnc plans/kits

  1. #1

    3D cnc plans/kits

    I'm curious if anyone knows of any plans for a diy 3D cnc or a cheap kit. I'm thinking I could use a 2'x4'.

  2. #2
    The Shapeoko qualifies as both a kit and plans.

    Kits (partial or full) are available from Inventables.

    The plans are available on Github: https://github.com/shapeoko/Shapeoko_2
    B.O.M.: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/BOM
    Additional details on parts: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Parts

    and the assembly instructions are here: http://docs.shapeoko.com/

    The machine can be upgraded --- size is quite easy, just longer rails, supports where needed and longer belts: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Scaling_Up

    Let me know if you have any questions (I did the assembly instructions in exchange for a free machine).

  3. #3
    Thank you!

  4. #4
    Tried to answer your question on the Inventables page, but it's not accepting them for some reason.

    Inventables has a 1Mx1M upgrade: https://www.inventables.com/projects...ko-upgrade-kit

    and you'd just need to purchase some additional wire, drag chain and longer MakerSlide and more side supports to extend the Y-axis to the size you'd need. I'd suggest going for 2M, which would allow you to just purchase a second wasteboard.

    At this size you'll also need to make a table or bed which will need to be as square and level and rigid as you can manage.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Deep South
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    3,970
    2 by 4 feet is a fairly large work area in the hobby CNC router world. The larger the work area, the more difficult it is to create a gantry rigid enough to do precision cutting. I suggest you consider reducing your capacity requirements or increase your budget a little beyond a "cheap kit". I finally decided on a commercially grade unit from Camaster but I looked long and hard at the small kits from a company located here:

    http://www.cncrouterparts.com/index.php

    They also have good quality components and sub-assemblies in case you want to source your parts individually.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Kerrville, TX
    Posts
    70
    You have probably received all the ideas you need but just in case try searching instructables, several DIY there.
    john

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Hayes, Virginia
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    14,760
    Quote Originally Posted by Justin Edmonds View Post
    I'm curious if anyone knows of any plans for a diy 3D cnc or a cheap kit. I'm thinking I could use a 2'x4'.
    Justin,

    Sorry but there are is no such thing as Unicorns or cheap CNC Machines. This is one of those situations where you will cry once purchasing a quality machine designed to do the job you need to do or you can cry every time you turn on your cheap machine.
    .

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Iowa USA
    Posts
    4,441
    I am going with Keith. I usually hang out over on the Engravers Forum and at one point I was going to Build a laser engraver. Had a lot of the stuff ordered and started to do the math.... again, and time estimate. Ended up with a Chinese laser, a decent quality for about $1,000 less than my build cost.

    At one time I owned a CNC router, a 12 x 24 from IM Service located in Michigan. It was really pretty good quality and it was about $2,200. You can also find small CNC routers on Craigslist or other sites listed for about 50% of what they cost new. Been in yours shoes many times, built it and sold it for a big loss as no one wants a homemade machine.
    Retired Guy- Central Iowa.HVAC/R , Cloudray Galvo Fiber , -Windows 10

  9. #9
    The word "cheap" is relative. $20,000 is considered cheap for someone who has a $200,000 machine. What's cheap?
    Equipment: IS400, IS6000, VLS 6.60, LS100, HP4550, Ricoh GX e3300n, Hotronix STX20
    Software: Adobe Suite & Gravostyle 5
    Business: Trophy, Awards and Engraving

  10. #10
    If a machine claims to do for $20,000 what would usually be expected from a $200,000 then that would be cheap.....however as my late Father tended to warn me..."Buy cheap, buy twice"

    1st law of economics, "you cannot pay a little and get a lot"

    cheers

    Dave
    You did what !

  11. #11
    I was hoping to get the components to build one for around $1000. I'm not really interested in selling it. This is just for personal projects. If I were going into business, I could see spending $3000+ for a machine the size I'm needing. It's different when you're just wanting something to play with.

  12. #12
    In My world "Cheap" is a Level of quality not a price.

  13. #13
    There's a thread on a redesign of a ShapeOko:

    shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3835#p28813

    It discusses the capabilities of the current machine and one vision of an improved version (prototype being fashioned of acrylic) final version to be 1/4" aluminum alloys.

    Goal is a ~$1,000 parts cost.

    It also mentions the availability of polycarbonate wheels: http://openbuildspartstore.com/openb...-xtreme-wheel/ which unfortunately don't work w/ Makerslide.
    Last edited by Bruce Page; 07-19-2014 at 12:42 PM. Reason: Removed active forum link per the TOS

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