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Looking for Dremel CNC Base

603 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Jim55, Apr 23, 2022

Jim55

Discussion Starter · Apr 22, 2022 (Edited by Moderator)

Howdy Ya'll, Nothernug Jr.

So I have a Dremel 4000, I would like to use it to make a small CNC machine, to make small cutting boards and maybe do some inlay work.

Honestly talk to me Like an I am an idiot because I have done some research on these, I know I want one, But it is very confusing to me. I have some experience with a mill, but never touched a CNC

I do not have a 3D printer. I know a lot of people build tables like that.

Also If there is a better and or cheaper way to go about this I am all ears.

Appreciate any info, Thanks

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LumberJockMan

· #2 · Apr 22, 2022

I would not use a dremel as the cutter. If you want something really small/light /inexpensive, at least step up to a small palm router. A dremel is not designed to be used as a router, I imagine the runnout would eventually effect your work, plus the jobs would run painfully slow due to lack of power of the dremel.

MAn, there is so much to say about CNC, it would take days to type it all out.. If you have any other questions, go ahead and ask.

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Lazyman

· #3 · Apr 23, 2022

I have seen a DIY CNC that uses a Dremel on instructables.com (here is one) but it would probably only be able to do engraving. If light engraving is all you want to do, you would probably be better off buying a cheap engraving machine like one of these. If you are just looking for a challenge to make one, then go for one that uses a trim router. Just be aware that building your own requires you to incorporate the electronics yourself. You can find kits for that but it will still require a learning curve.

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Jim55

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 23, 2022

I would not use a dremel as the cutter. If you want something really small/light /inexpensive, at least step up to a small palm router. A dremel is not designed to be used as a router, I imagine the runnout would eventually effect your work, plus the jobs would run painfully slow due to lack of power of the dremel.

MAn, there is so much to say about CNC, it would take days to type it all out.. If you have any other questions, go ahead and ask.

- LumberJockMan

What would you suggest to be a good palm router? And table.

Also what do you think is the best software.

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Jim55

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 23, 2022

I have seen a DIY CNC that uses a Dremel on instructables.com (here is one) but it would probably only be able to do engraving. If light engraving is all you want to do, you would probably be better off buying a cheap engraving machine like one of these. If you are just looking for a challenge to make one, then go for one that uses a trim router. Just be aware that building your own requires you to incorporate the electronics yourself. You can find kits for that but it will still require a learning curve.

- Lazyman

I am not really up to making my own was hoping to more or less just find the main components and put it together.

Dremel aside what would you suggest.

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Lazyman

· #6 · Apr 23, 2022

It will depend upon what you want to do with it. Plan to spend at least $1000 for entry level hobbyist machines that are capable of doing more than just light engraving. The size of the machine drives the price up. A few entry level brands to consider are Millright, Shapeoko and X-Carve. For a kit machine, you might check out Open Builds bundles but by the time you get all of the components, you can probably come close to the price to buy one of the other turn-key options.

Bosch and Dewalt trim routers are what you most often see for the entry level hobbyist machines.

The software for design and g-code creation runs from free to expensive. Fusion 360 is free for hobbyist use but has a fairly steep learning curve if you are not already familiar with it. Shapeoko offers their basic software (Carbide Create) for free too but may only handle basic 2D stuff? Vectric offers a several different tiers of design and gcode creation so it will depend upon what you plan to do to determine which one is appropriate. Their V-Carve software is what came with my machine and can be used for 2D and 3D projects, though to do a full 3D design, you would need their Aspire package. Most of these you can try for free and only play when you decide which tier is necessary for what you want to do

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northwoodsman

· #7 · Apr 23, 2022

You can buy small CNC mills for around $200-$300. You could be up in running in about an hour or less. A dremel is not only heavy, but it's top heavy with a cord that is forever going to be in the way. You are also going to be somewhat limited in cutters and chucking your cutters properly without removing the Dremel to do so.

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Jim55

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 23, 2022

It will depend upon what you want to do with it. Plan to spend at least $1000 for entry level hobbyist machines that are capable of doing more than just light engraving. The size of the machine drives the price up. A few entry level brands to consider are Millright, Shapeoko and X-Carve. For a kit machine, you might check out Open Builds bundles but by the time you get all of the components, you can probably come close to the price to buy one of the other turn-key options.

Bosch and Dewalt trim routers are what you most often see for the entry level hobbyist machines.

The software for design and g-code creation runs from free to expensive. Fusion 360 is free for hobbyist use but has a fairly steep learning curve if you are not already familiar with it. Shapeoko offers their basic software (Carbide Create) for free too but may only handle basic 2D stuff? Vectric offers a several different tiers of design and gcode creation so it will depend upon what you plan to do to determine which one is appropriate. Their V-Carve software is what came with my machine and can be used for 2D and 3D projects, though to do a full 3D design, you would need their Aspire package. Most of these you can try for free and only play when you decide which tier is necessary for what you want to do

- Lazyman

Honestly I don't need to have 3D capabilities right now, 2D is enough.

I like what I am seeing offered by Shapeoko, little pricy though.

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Jim55

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 23, 2022 (Edited by Moderator)

You can buy small CNC mills for around $200-$300. You could be up in running in about an hour or less. A dremel is not only heavy, but it s top heavy with a cord that is forever going to be in the way. You are also going to be somewhat limited in cutters and chucking your cutters properly without removing the Dremel to do so.

- northwoodsman

Any brands you would recommend.

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Jim55

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 23, 2022

Mill rights are definitely a little more affordable.

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northwoodsman

· #11 · Apr 23, 2022

You can buy small CNC mills for around $200-$300. You could be up in running in about an hour or less. A dremel is not only heavy, but it s top heavy with a cord that is forever going to be in the way. You are also going to be somewhat limited in cutters and chucking your cutters properly without removing the Dremel to do so.

- northwoodsman

Any brands you would recommend.

- Jim55

I looked at many but I just couldn't see spending my money on something I knew I would quickly outgrow. There was one that was slightly better than others based on the spindle, the size, and the lead screws. It cost 2x as much but seem to be 4x better. I honestly can't recall which one it was, but if you spend enough time looking you will see what I'm talking about. It's a brand you will keep seeing over and over. It was one that offered several different options and upgrades. I'm sorry but I can't recall the brand.

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Jim55

Discussion Starter · #12 · Apr 23, 2022

No foul, I guess I'll do more research and save more money.

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