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DIY CNC Machines

Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, is a machine that is used to make cuts and to fabricate parts using a machine tool. The machine tool is controlled by computer software to move and adjust the position of a material such as wood or plastic. You can build your own bench mounted CNC machine to make cuts by attaching a Dremel rotary tool.

Things You'll Need

1-inch metal tubing
Welder
Aluminum U-channel
Tape measure
Chop saw
Power drill
Washer
Screws
1/4-inch threaded bolts
1/4-inch nuts
1/4-inch bearings
Metal clamp
Metal bracket
Plastic strips
Plexiglass
1-inch metal plate
Stepper motors
CNC control board

Instructions

- 1
  Create a U-shaped frame from one 16-inch piece and two 12-inch pieces of 1-inch metal tubing. Solder the pieces of metal together using the welder. Place the completed frame flat on the ground.
- 2
  Measure the aluminum U-channel to 24 inches with the tape measure. Cut two pieces of the aluminum U-channel to this length with the chop saw.
- 3
  Set the two pieces of cut aluminum U-channel so one end is flush with the right side of the frame. Drill a hole through the U-channel and the metal tubing with the power drill. Place a washer over the threads of four screws. Insert a screw into each hole and secure them in place.
- 4
  Insert one end of a 1/4-inch threaded rod into a 1/4-inch bearing. Repeat this step with a second rod and bearing. Place the opposite ends of the threaded rods together and secure with a metal clamp.
- 5
  Set the threaded rods between the two aluminum U-channels on the metal frame. Attach the threaded rods to the metal frame with a metal bracket or use strips of plastic. Drill holes into the metal frame and secure with screws.
- 6
  Measure and cut two lengths of Aluminum U-Channel to 18 inches. Place these cut pieces on the frame so they are against the outside edge of the two 24-inch U-channel pieces. Set the 18-inch pieces so they are facing down with the flat side up. Weld these pieces onto the metal frame.
- 7
  Insert two bearings onto each end of a third threaded rod. Place the metal rod at the center of the frame and attach with metal brackets or strips of plastic.
- 8
  Fabricate a table for the CNC from the aluminum U-channel and a piece of Plexiglass. Attach the table onto the threaded rods, as these are used to move the table.
- 9
  Attach a stepper motor onto one end of the threaded rods by fabricating a mount from the 1-inch metal plate. Drill holes into the plate and the side of the metal frame and secure with bolts.
- 10
  Fabricate a vertical mounting support for your Dremel tool. Weld the vertical mounting support onto the back side of the metal frame.
- 11
  Plug the connectors for the stepper motors into your CNC control board. Attach the connector cable for the control board to your computer.

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