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Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine

by Tom McWire on August 14, 2007

Table of Contents
License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 1: The Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 2: The X Stage Rails and Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 3: X it Stage right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 4: The Y stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 5: Zee Z Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 6: Get it together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 7: What's it Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 8: Easy Mill the movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

step 9: Engraving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)

Intro: Easy to Build Desk Top 3 Axis CNC Milling Machine
Here is a way to make a computer controlled milling machine. That puts the real power of a computer control machining into the hands of the average human. Small
enough to set on the desk but scalable to any size. As inexpensive as possible without sacraficing accuracy (too much). All most all the parts can be purchased in local
retail stores. And above all CHEAP you can be up and running for well under $200. With it you can do 2 Dimentional engraving and PC board etching and 3D milling and
modeling in Foam, Wood, Plastic and other soft materials.
Also try watching the YouTube movie at the end (the last frame).
New information on the Motor Driver Circuit is (HERE).

step 1: The Frame

The frame needs to be a flat base that you can mount everything on horizontally and a goose neck of some kind to hold the Z axis (the up and down part with the motor
tool)firmly in place. I used one inch pipe just for fun but as it turned out it was pretty handy too. When I needed to make adjustments I could just tap it with a hammer. As
you can see the post that holds the Z axis doesn't have to be in the center. It just needs to be firm and the water pipe does a good job of that. Later, after you are sure all
the pipe joints are in the right place, you can add a drop of thread sealer to the joints and it will be a good solid structure.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 2: The X Stage Rails and Motor

Next its time to add the rails for the X axis stage. These rails are 3/4 inch U chanel aluminum that you can get from the hardware store. Put a washer under each end to
space the rail off the pipe just a bit. Don't worry about the rails being perfectly parallel. You'll see why later. Now mount the stepper motor with a bracket like you see
here. Connect a length of 1/4 by 20 threaded rod to the motor shaft with a short piece of rubber hose (1/4 inch fuel line). Now your ready to set the movable part of the X
axis(the stage).

step 3: X it Stage right

Take a piece of plastic(I used Plexiglas) or metal, something strong and flat and mount a piece of the U channel to it. Now the tricky part. The round thing is a bearing.
You can get them out of motors or buy them at a hardware store. Mount it to a short piece of aluminum like so. Then take a 1/4 in. coupling nut(a long nut) and wrap it
with aluminum like so(see pic.) The bearing will hold the X stage to the X rail and the coupling nut will allow the motor to run the satge back and forth. It wouldn't hurt to
grease the skids a little and the nut too.
Here's a video on making the bearing fixture.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 4: The Y stage

The Y stage is just like the X stage but turned 90 degrees. Mount two rails and a motor on the X Stage and then take another piece of flat material and a U channel and
make the moving Y stage. Make the little bearing thing and a coupling nut for it too. When your done it should look like this.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 5: Zee Z Axis

Again we are going to reproduce the X and Y Stage to create the Z axis stage. Take a flat piece, here I used a piece of white Plexiglas. Mount some rails and a Motor to
it. Then make a moving stage piece with a u channel and a roller bearing. We'll do something a little different with the nut(see picture). The four posts you see on the
stage will hold the motor tool. Now since this stage is going to move up and down the weight of the motor tool will make it want to come off of the rails so lets add a few
more roller bearings to each side to keep it together.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 6: Get it together

Now we slap the motor tool into the Z stage. Then its time to mount the stage to the frame. And there you have it. This is the mechanical structure. From here we will
need to hook up the stepper motors to a controller and get some software running on the computer but I'm going to save that for future articals.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 7: What's it Do
If you were interested in this project it's likely you have already seen what can be done with an 3 axis(XYZ) computer controlled milling machine. What is suprising is what
kind of accuracy you can get out of this thing after you tinker with it a little bit. Make sure all the rails are held firm and straight. Tighten the roller bearings so the stage
doesn't shift.
I used it to make PC boards. It's real good for engraving name tags and signs. And it's pretty exciting to see it carve a 3D object out of a block of foam or plastic.
WARNING there's a lot to learn about the software. Some venders offer package deals of motors, drivers, and software. That makes it easier but you pay for it.
I'll add more to this later. Send me comments and questions.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

step 8: Easy Mill the movie

If the literal instructions are confusing try watching the YouTube movie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6drMZqmyXQc

Also check out the follow up instructions on Stepper Motor Control: Easy Mill Stepper Motor Controller

step 9: Engraving
Now that I got the machine back together after making the instructable and I did some engraving and made a PC board.
Cutting plastic is no problem but doing the PC board the bit went a little too deep on the left side of the board and took out all the finer traces. This is when you start
tweeking on it. Just take some aluminum foil and put it under the rail of the Y axis. So as the stage travels left to right the height of the bit should stay the same.
Notice I'm just holding the material down with masking tape. What I like about this thing is, it's easy to fix these kinds of problems because it's all made from simple
elements.
Here's the new video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcdozYDpzjU

Also check out the follow up instructions on Stepper Motor Control: Easy Mill Stepper Motor Controller

Related Instructables

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Make your own

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DIY CNC (guide)

by Instructables
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Mostly selfHow to use a

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http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment

view all 842 comments

dogtown01 says:

Jul 7, 2010. 9:12 AM REPLY

can we get a little mor detail for this stage

QuietStorm81 says:

Jun 15, 2010. 11:07 AM REPLY

Firstly, your youtube video for this project is right on. Kudos! Secondly, am I correct in assuming that you can set the length of the axis rails and threaded
bars to whatever drilliable area you need? I ask because I would like to make a 8.5 foot square CNC for making full size Grid Beam spars and building the
frame to support the mechanism doesn't seem all that difficult. But I need a minimum of 8 feet square of drilliable area to do the hole grid correctly. Any
advice?

rbneville says:

Jun 22, 2010. 2:12 PM REPLY

Hopefully no one will mind me posting this but for a larger cnc check out the site www.buildyourcnc.com

jcskyhawk09 says:

Jun 15, 2010. 11:02 AM REPLY

Where can i buy a step motor at.

Orista says:

Aug 28, 2009. 12:11 PM REPLY

I have been looking at making this thing for some time but due to the fact that it cant use USB and I dont feel like going out to buy a new computer just for a
Parellel port i searched around the internet and found this http://www.cncdudez.co.uk/ they have a free DIY project to create a USB-Parallel Interface with
firmware and software to run the cnc machine on USB so now anyone without a parellel port can use this.

LoTriMouS says:

Jun 8, 2010. 10:19 PM REPLY

You can get a PCI parallel port card. Try Newegg.

Orista says:

Aug 28, 2009. 1:10 PM REPLY

Also found this one now http://rc.cis.si/projects/cnc_motion/ not sure wich one is the better choice but there might be other usb software programs just
havent found them yet or you might be able to program the yourself.

heroseac says:

Jun 8, 2010. 10:59 AM REPLY

hi Tom, thanks for posting this amazing project, i m gonna start building it , i understood almost everything but, i was wondering , the pipe sizes? so i can
start the project ,i hope you can get back to me a soon as possible i just cant wait to start the project. thanks again.

yosoytamez2 says:

Mar 6, 2010. 10:28 AM REPLY

Donde puedo conseguir el cuello de ganzo? con que otro nombre lo encuentro?

blade z51 says:

May 28, 2010. 5:00 PM REPLY

Todas son partes de tuberia. El cuello de ganzo es nada mas que una "L" de 90 y un "nipple" (parece de 3" de largo). La piecza con los 4 huecos se
llama "flange" y tanbien es pieza de tuberia. Todas las piezas del marco son partes de tuberia de fierro estandard.

Motta says:

May 28, 2010. 4:18 PM REPLY

Can you do PCB (nice ones) with this CNC?

sandipgarg1912 says:

Feb 13, 2009. 10:36 AM REPLY

can i make the basic structure out of steel plates, and the slides out of aluminium block in place of pyro glass, as i plan to put the machine to production use.
Also what should be the wattage of servo motor sory if i am being over entusiastic, but it is my first shot at trying to construct cnc

Tom McWire says:

Feb 13, 2009. 9:41 PM REPLY

I used the plastic primarily because you can see through it. It also seems to slide on the aluminum rails pretty good. Metal will work if its smooth and put
plenty of grease on it. As far as motors I'm not that familiar with the different types. these are out of hard drives and printers. I should have use slightly
larger ones. I'm glad your are excited about the project. It's a great adventure. Tom

rootdiga says:
On Version 1.2.1 the Vertical Base has 4 notches 2 per side what are they For, and the Vertical base off center?
Richard ( rootdiga )

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

May 24, 2010. 9:01 AM REPLY

Peter.Steele says:

May 23, 2010. 5:59 PM REPLY

What is the name of the flange at the top of the goose neck? I'm sourcing my parts right now, and I can't seem to find one of those at Lowe's or at Home
Depot ... I have a feeling I'm just not looking for the right product name ...

falling_rain says:

May 19, 2010. 7:04 PM REPLY

does anybody know the specs of my motor?

i cant seem to find it in the internet. here is whats written on the motor.
astrosyn stepper
type 20LM-C355-P8W
number T8726
minebea co. ltd

shaadmahmud says:

May 17, 2010. 5:55 AM REPLY

here is my cnc driver same as Tom mcwire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSCpg1Hybnw

despx says:

May 16, 2010. 5:16 PM REPLY

Hi, derived from your project I present you my CNC:

http://i711.photobucket.com/albums/ww113/xdespx/cnc_01.jpg
Thanks for your great idea!

daniel.barney says:

May 13, 2010. 6:39 PM REPLY

Do you use a Microcontroler to move the steps motors? Which one? When you turn on the machine, do you send it to cero?
Thank you!

ydeardorff says:

Nov 30, 2007. 9:02 PM REPLY

is there a way to increase the range of the machines abilities in all axis? To say 36 cubed? Im looking for the ability to make costume props and armor
pieces for professional costuming. I love this, if only it were bigger with a longer reach.

Zombie666 says:

May 5, 2010. 5:06 PM REPLY

FYI the motor model numer is '23L9306S-LW8'.

Zombie666 says:

May 5, 2010. 5:01 PM REPLY

I have constructed a 1 metre in each plane of this from 3 of 5 steppermotors from a scrapped A0 printer, the moters were nice at they are 300oz.in and
0.9 degree. The main problem was they weigh over 3lb each, so I hade to build my machine on a 3 axis inclined plane. The swines also draw 3Amps
each, so I had to make a slight modification to the driver circuit. The next update is to add a 4th & 5th axis to my CNC so I can tip the motor to gain
access to the sides of my workpeice. So to answer your question, YES mine will cut to 34" Z, 33" Y, & 30" X. if this isn't big enough all you need is longer
threaded bar. also be aware smaller thred size will increase the accuracy of the device.

la3bna says:

Dec 4, 2007. 4:52 AM REPLY

Well if you make it bigger with longer screw-rods and maybe make some sort of telescopic rods and place the stepper for vertical axes behind the motor
it self and make it screw itself up. Im thinking about this myself..

ydeardorff says:

Dec 5, 2007. 4:44 AM REPLY

Im curious, how does the machine know its range? is this part of the initial set up? Say if the machines design was for 12 inches in length but I build it
to have a 24 inch length. How does the machine know its location and overall bed size? Does it just remember each step the motor takes kind of like
a bean counter or something?

papa_lazerous says:

Jan 9, 2008. 8:31 PM REPLY

Its not a true CNC it doesnt know where it is. A CNC has feedback loops in place to monitor what the servos are doing in this case steppers,
there is a scale that runs the length of the axis for the control to read from so it knows where it is in real time instead of knowing just where it
should be. In this case your software outputs to the driver boards and the driver just makes the steppers run and counts the turns till its done. it
doesnt know where it is, its just running the stepper...till the amount of turns is finished. So you want it double the size then it doesnt matter

woodspinner says:

May 3, 2010. 7:05 PM REPLY

it is a true cnc, the computer keeps track of its location

fjr122 says:
For what kind of process? Vacuum forming or Casting or just straight cutting things out?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

Nov 30, 2007. 10:47 PM REPLY

ydeardorff says:

Dec 2, 2007. 12:27 PM REPLY

Im trying to gain the ability of 3d scaning something, say a toy, edit it and change what I want to on it. Then have the mill carve it out. then I will vac
form it. for the finished piece. Most of the objects Im interested in will be about 24 inches or less in size.

ydeardorff says:

Dec 2, 2007. 2:25 PM REPLY

sorry for the double post here, but Id say a depth of no more than8 to 10 inches on avg

gus_452000 says:

Dec 1, 2007. 4:34 AM REPLY

What size table and what depth of cut would you be wanting from the machine? regards Gus

ydeardorff says:

Dec 2, 2007. 12:25 PM REPLY

Im looking at carving out things like armor parts, sectioned helmets, body and chest armor for star wars costumes, andFor halo costumes, as well
as any future projects like say motorcycle fairings. I dont mind sectioning some things to get the overall piece than epoxy it together, but Im
wanting to be able to most of my armor pieces at least on halves. Which would require a depth of Id say 8 to 10 inches, and a reach side to side
and for and aft of possibly 18 inches. Also what would it cost me to have someone make me the circuit card, and I just buy it from them? Id be
willing to do so. by Feb 08. Just to give someone the time to get all ther stuff and put it together. Let me know please! Thanks

bird 07 says:

Dec 22, 2007. 11:52 AM REPLY

Does anybody know where to get stepper motors (CHEAP) ?

woodspinner says:

May 3, 2010. 7:10 PM REPLY

you could take some out of 5.25" floppy drives for starters

fjr122 says:

Dec 22, 2007. 7:15 PM REPLY

I got 6 used ones on ebay for $15 (and $15 shipping), there were no other bidders. They were listed as unknown condition, I still havent fully hooked
them up to see if they spin yet. :P

Whackmaster says:

Apr 23, 2010. 2:15 PM REPLY

This looks VERY nice! Is there any chance you are going to post a bill of materials and any useful drilling and cutting patterns you might have?

carabac says:

Apr 5, 2010. 10:10 PM REPLY

This is my version of Tom's CNC. It uses the stepper motor 3 Axis CNC Driver Kit from chromationsystems.com (Jeff from Chromation Systems was a ton of
help and his instructable is here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Parallel-Port-3-Axis-CNC-Driver-Opto-Isolated/) and I am using KCAM for the software. I
named my machine CNCme. You can also watch the Youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzli11WJeo4. Thanks Tom, Jeff and Instructables.

sharbin says:

Apr 14, 2010. 8:59 PM REPLY

Nice Carabac! Where did you get the slides that you used?

carabac says:

Apr 14, 2010. 9:10 PM REPLY

The slides are off a network hardware cabinet. I purchased them from a local surplus store. They are very nice because they run on ball bearings.

FABBER says:

Mar 12, 2009. 8:24 PM REPLY

Hi Tom: This is my first posting and I know you have recieved many questions, sometimes repeatedly. I could use a helping hand from you or anyone who
has built this PCB. I have attached an image of the PCB which I have populated with the components and pin out information. There are two items I'm not
100% positive of and they are shown in the box fields outside of the PCB. Please take a moment and check my thinking I really would appreciate it.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

Tom McWire says:

Mar 13, 2009. 8:37 AM REPLY

Hey that's a nice picture. The 3 pin device is an optional voltage regulator. The resistor and zener diode that you have shown on there actually works
better. The other 2 pin connection is for a spindle relay which can be used to turn the router motor on and off. I used it one time when I had a project that
was going to run a long time but it is not necessary. Good Job. Thanks for the nice documentation. Tom

FABBER says:

Mar 13, 2009. 4:50 PM REPLY

Hi Tom: Thank you for helping me out. I've corrected the image as I left out the 1N4004 Diodes (I was in a hurry to post my message) I have now
also shown orintation of the IC's. You have sparked my building bug with this little gem. Best to you

salmansheikh says:

Apr 12, 2010. 7:26 PM REPLY

could you send a larger version of this drawing to me?

paintballerf12p says:

Sep 28, 2009. 3:19 PM REPLY

A quick Question. I'm connecting the pins to the parallel port and I have been using your drawing (its very helpful, thank you for posting it) you
say that pin 16 and 17 go to "m code" what is that? Also pins 11-13 go to "home switch" is that a sensor? or what? Thanks a lot, Jason

tomtortoise says:

Apr 2, 2010. 9:35 AM REPLY

do you think this would be easy and cheap enough for a 15 yr old to build? also i have one of the stepper motors but it doesn't look like yours but it has 4
wires will it still work?

bluumax says:

Apr 10, 2010. 4:02 PM REPLY

You need 5-8 wire motors for this, or get a bipolar motor drive for 4 wire motors.
This depends on the 15 yr old. If mechanically inclined, no problem.
Gotta start somewhere.
Shawn.
bluumax CNC

kumarr_amitt says:

Apr 9, 2010. 3:46 AM REPLY

no i am sorry this is not going to work .. you need unipolar stepper motors to get the desired result. this have 6 wires not four..
also a 15 year old can also build the machine only if he is a genius..

iklln6 says:

Apr 9, 2010. 1:42 AM REPLY

tap the screw with a hammer before getting it with the screwdriver to keep it from sliding around. tapping it will make a slight indentation that will hold the
screw in place before the self-tapping edges catch and start digging through the aluminum

tjuxed says:
Remember to cut away FROM your finger so you don't cut away the finger.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/

Jun 25, 2008. 11:32 AM REPLY

bobbval says:

Apr 5, 2010. 7:25 AM REPLY

I would take it a step further and suggest investing in a cheap vice so you can hold the tool with two hands and maintain proper control. rotary tools can
"jump" from the part you are working on and cause some major damage to the hand which is holding the part (I say this from experience!)

Austringer says:

Jun 26, 2008. 5:05 PM REPLY

So would you call pressing the start button, turning off the lights and going up stairs to take a shower "away"? I mean it's not close to you, but sometimes
it's going to be getting closer.

view all 842 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/