Hi all.
I, like so many others, am considering building a CNC cutter for thin wood (balsa and lite ply) and foam sheet. I've read lots of threads here and am sure I need a machine. Besides, I like to build stuff also. Looks like my weak spot will be writing the code. I've built vacuum formers before so adding vacuum to the table shouldn't be too difficult if required.
I dont want to buy one of those pre-fabed hobby CNC machines.. I need something a little larger and more versatile.
I'm considering the following hardware and would appreciate comments or suggestions.
Most of the guides and associated hardware will be purchased from Mcmaster:
1. 1/2" stainless steel pre-drilled shafts, 48" and 24" for X & Y axis.
2. Full length aluminum supports for above.
3. 1/2" I.D. steel open bearings with pillow blocks to support the platforms riding on the stainless steel shafts.
4. 32 degree pitch rack and pinions for motion on X, Y & Z axis.
5. Ceramic coated aluminum 1/2" shafts will full length aluminum supports for Z axis. (not stainless because easy for me to cut to required length). Will use open bearings also.
Since the material being cut is thin... I'm planning on using a pin router or something similar.
The big question is E-bays' steppers or servos... accuracy is important because I'm cutting kit components that have to fit together.
Any thoughts or suggestions greatly appreciated. I think I'll be in this forum for a while.