Making a Modular CNC Mill Spindle (MyDIYCNC Build log #4)

NOTE: My blog has now moved.  Please visit my new blog where I write about audio apps, diy synthesizers, and CNCs.

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When I left off in my ongoing My DIY CNC build log I had a few problems remaining. The spindle was not up to the task of really any quality milling, and some axis still had issues with not being parallel. After some thought for the future I decided to divide and conquer the issues. I dealt with the parallel axis issues on their own (mostly just taking apart, realigning, and putting back together).

For the spindle, though, I went back to the drawing board.

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My DIY CNC Build Log #3: Build Problems, & G-Code tutorial

NOTE: My blog has now moved.  Please visit my new blog where I write about audio apps, diy synthesizers, and CNCs.

Let's learn some G-Code.

I got tired holding down the manual control buttons in KCad to move my CNC about, so I was pleased to learn the G01 G-code command.  In KCad you have a dropdown menu of 10 commands you can edit as you please to set up homing or re-tool commands.

As I do not want to re-invent the documentation for the wheel, I looked for premade g-code cheat sheets.  Naturally there is a CNCZone thread for G-code cheat sheets.  From there I found This G & M Code booklet to be the most complete as it contains examples for most of the commands.

Click to read more about more common DIY CNC build problems and solutions.


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My DIY CNC Build Log Part 2, Software, Tuning

NOTE: My blog has now moved.  Please visit my new blog where I write about audio apps, diy synthesizers, and CNCs.

This is Part 2 of the build log for my MyDIYCNC kit.  I took part in the Kickstarter for around $400 and received a complete 3axis CNC kit.  I plan to use it for modular synth milled circuit boards and aluminum frontpanels.  You can read Part 1 here.

I finished the electronics without a hitch.  For now I'm using KCam in Windows.  The software is usable and relatively simple so while it's good to start with, I plan on switching to ECM2 in Linux before long.  Using KCam with Windows 7 if the parallel port has problems changing bits and you see no CNC motion, close the program and run as administrator.  It's now running as a new user so you have to re-set up your port and table settings.

Click to read more about Inkscape->DXF importing to KCam, and using CAMBAM to generate a flat table bed.


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My DIY CNC Build Log: Part 1, Assembly

This is Part 1 of the build log for my MyDIYCNC kit.  I took part in the Kickstarter for around $400 and received a complete CNC kit.  I plan to use it for modular synth milled circuit boards and aluminum frontpanels.  You can read Part 2 here.

Day 1

I picked up my kit last night and started.  I got this far: http://yfrog.com/h6bfjnwj (image)

So far it's going quite well!  To clarify one thing in the step-by-step instructions, when assembling the frame be sure that the top frame pieces have their side holes positioned pointing towards the outside, and they should be oriented such that the holes are closer to the "back" of the frame rather than the "front" in order to match the finished CNC images.  I got lost in the wording that is on that page now, hopefully that explains it better.. not sure :)

Other than that to get the rods into the rubber grommets I found the easiest thing to do was slightly twist them as forcing them into place.  Not a lot of twist as I didn't want to slice the rubber, but it got them in without creating any new problems.

Click to read more about the DIY CNC construction and problems encountered.

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