Cheap Drawer Slide CNC Machine

[pfredX1]

I see other folks put the CNC stuff they make up on this site, so here's mine. This is close to the cheapest build possible. Well, the cheapest that will actually work. I have seen cheaper, but I doubt they could do much.

I know this don't look like much, because it isn't much. But it works OK. Did I mention I built it for about $200?

That's everything. The router (I got it at a flea market for $20), the electronics, all of it. That even includes the total cost of the PC. Which I got for $5. OK the screen was another $5, mouse and keyboard were a buck a pop. I found the plywood I used on the side of the road. It came with that lovely shade of gray on it.

Ask me what the Z axis is made out of.

[tjroberts43]

How about you actually show people how you built it like this site used to be about instead of brag pictures and plans for sale.

[DIYer]

Thanks pfredX1! We've added your CNC Router to our CNC category,
as well as to your builder page: pfredX1's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

CNC Router by pfredX1

tags: CNC, router

[pfredX1]

Ah, because when I built it I did not take any pictures? Anyone capable of this build should be able to just look at the pictures I posted, and see the general design well enough to copy it.

But if anyone does happen to have specific questions about any detail I will try to answer their queries.

[Jon]

pfredX1 - as long as you have 1 sentence plus 1 photo, we want you to post your build, and you have more than that. $200 for this build is especially brag-worthy.

[Pa1963]

How about you actually show people how you built it like this site used to be about instead of brag pictures and plans for sale.

C'mon now, cool your jets, rocket boy!

[Pa1963]

Okay, I'll bite-what's the Z axis made of?

[Captainleeward]

Hi pfredX1, show us something you have made with your swap meet 2x4 cnc router looks real good. :O) looks real strong too.

[pfredX1]

Okay, I'll bite-what's the Z axis made of?

I melted down HDPE plastic jugs, and made it out of that. So the cost for that stock is $0. Well, it does take some time. A little electricity I suppose? As much as a toaster oven might use in a couple of hours.

[pfredX1]

Hi pfredX1, show us something you have made with your swap meet 2x4 cnc router looks real good. :O) looks real strong too.

Mostly I use it as a plotter. I am still getting the hang of the software I use to make G Code. Lately I have been trying to isolation route a circuit board with the machine, and I have done some test runs on hardboard. I still do not have the G Code file quite right yet. But here is one trial. http://i.imgur.com/47xFRPY.jpg That one score mark was in the hardboard already. It is just a piece of scrap. I don't think hardboard can hold detail very well. I need to actually try to cut some copper clad circuit board, and see how that goes.

Here's that file plotted with a pen http://i.imgur.com/rBM7NEG.jpg

Look at those tiny circles.