Homemade CNC Router

I love CNC zone! They are great there.

This looks great.. can’t wait to see what you make with it.

-- Lis - Michigan - http://www.missmooseart.com - https://www.etsy.com/people/lisbokt

You’ve inspired me. I’ve been toying with the idea of building one for quite a while. I’ll check out the CNC zone site.

How much did it cost to make? This definitely has caught my attention.

Looks really interesting, I’d love to hear more about the build and how you control it. Will it work from cad files (.dxf or similar?).

Now, over to cnczone (hadn’t come accross it before..)

Thanks for posting.

-- John

nice build.
Thanks for posting.

-- Safety first because someone needs you.

Impressive! Good for you.
Cost? Accuracy?

-- Chris http://thelightheartedwoodworker.com/

Nice job, is that built from the JGRO plans?

Do you have an air filter in that nice looking electronics box? If not, you should. I use a square type automotive air filter in mine. The smallest FRAM I saw at the store, about $5.

Also, if anyone has any CNC questions, feel free to ask. I’m a moderator at CNC Zone, and my day job is programming CNC routers.

-- Gerry, http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/index.html http://www.jointcam.com

Yes, this is a JGRO router. I built it almost to the plans with the exception of the lead screws (and associated hardware), anti backlash nuts, and a few extra supports.
I never kept track of the total cost but it’s somewhere in the area of $800. That doesn’t include the router, computer, and software. I am surprised at how accurate it is.

I don’t have an air filter on the fan but it’s a great idea. Thanks!

You can control it in several ways. All of them end up with G-Code that gives the router the commands it needs to move. A typical project could start with a design in Auto CAD. After that you save your work in the form of a .dxf file. Next, you import that file in a CAM application like V Carve PRO. This application creates the tool paths that the router needs. You select the bit(s) you are using and the material you are cutting. In the end you get G Code. The last step is to import the G Code in a milling application like Mach3. Mach 3 is responsible for reading the G Code and sending signals to the controller to move the stepper motors.

It was definitely an interesting build and is considered a hobby in itself.

Now that would be an awsome addition to a workshop!

-- Wayne,Saint John,NB

Chuck, I’m adding this to my favorites. I plan on building one in the future. After pricing the kits on line, I was curious about the cost. Did you build most of it on your own? From what I read, about $1000 and up is the going cost for a entry level full CNC.

-- so much wood, so little time. Bradford. Wood-a-holics unanimous president

If you follow the JGRO plan you build everything yourself. It’s a project that is very enjoyable but something that takes time. Do it slowly and have fun. I’d be happy to answer any questions or assist in any way that I could. Just ask here or send a pm/email.

Outstanding work.Can you send me link where I can see it and eventualy make it for myself.This thing usually costs some 1500-2000 USD.How much you spent for that?Thanks for comment on drawer bed.
Ivan

-- Ivan, Croatia, Wooddicted

Thanks Ivan. Here’s a link on cnczone.com that focuses on this design.
http://cnczone.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=300

I never kept track of the total cost but it’s somewhere in the area of $800. That doesn’t include the router, computer, and software.