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DIY CNC Lathe for Harbor Freight

You can make a Harbor Freight inspired computer numerical control (CNC) lathe by converting a manual milling machine to a CNC machine. CNC requires the use of computer software that will control the actions of the machine. This means that you will need to attach electrical motors and components onto the mill.

Things You'll Need

Allen wrench
CNC conversion kit
Screws
Screwdriver
Motor drive
Power supply
Serial cable
Computer

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the X-axis handle that is on the manual milling machine. Set a lead screw pulley from the CNC conversion kit on the handle and secure it with the Allen wrench. Attach a second lead screw pulley onto the Y-axis handle on the milling machine.
- 2
  Place a stepper motor near the X-axis handle and the Y-axis handle on the milling machine. Secure the stepper motors to the milling machine with screws by using a screwdriver.
- 3
  Set a motor pulley from the CNC conversion kit onto the stepper motors. Secure the motor pulleys onto the stepper motors with a set screw using the Allen wench.
- 4
  Attach one of the drive belts from the CNC conversion kit on the motor pulley that is attached to the X-axis. Place the other end of the drive belt onto the lead screw pulley attached to the X-axis. Repeat this step to attach the remaining drive belt onto the Y-axis.
- 5
  Run the electrical wires from each stepper motor to the screw terminals on the motor drive. Secure the wires to the screw terminals with the screwdriver. Run the lead wires on the motor drive to your power supply.
- 6
  Connect one end of the serial cable to the connector on the motor drive. Connect the other end of the cable to a serial port on your computer.

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