So after carefull searching, and shopping for a cnc mill i decided to build my own. I have been designing the components since October in Solid Works. I converted two machines to cnc before, and i feel with my machining experience i can construct a Mill more precise, and rigid for less than $5000.00. I will be documenting every part of the build with Hd photos and videos.
I work for my dad, and our shop shuts down for over a week during these holidays. I will have complete axis to our Hardinge Vmc, and Harding Cobra Cnc Lathe. So i am on a short time frame to construct this, other wise i'll be staying after everyday... tearing a job out, setting up my mill parts, working a couple hours, then setting the job back up before the next working day(pain in the ass).
What i have so far
8-22" nsk linear guides
3-6"W x 24"H x1"D precision ground 1018 steel plates
2-4"W x 24"H x 1"D Precision ground 1018 steel plates
6-6"W x 6"H x 2"D Mill finish 1018 square blocks
1-Sherline spindle(Just will be temporary use until i can build my own atc spindle) all the grinding work involved won't be a project i can complete in 2 weeks).
3- Rolled ball screws, and mounts
1- Dmm tech 900w 3 axis servo kit(this bumped the budget up a little but i figure it will be worth it in the long run)
1- 1hp Dc brushless motor(assuming my dad bought it for me for Christmas)
plus
all the appropriate screws, drill, and taps
Total so far about $3100.00(if i designed it right and im careful this should be all my expenses with exception to the spindle i haven't designed yet, and enclosure.)
The idea behind my design is as little machining as possible, mainly drill and tapping. the only milling required is for the x, y, z, table carriage.
Also everything is modular and can be unbolted and arranged in different configuration. Like rotating the head and using it as a gang style lathe,
or removing the Y axis bolting on just a vise, or a rotary table.
eventually this will be a 5 axis mill, just with the budget i have now i can't accomplish this.
here is a picture of the above items(except the servo kit it is supposed to ship tomorrow Fingers crossed)
All i have now are the attached folder and this quick solid works video of my design. I haven't put the counterweight pulley on or the spindle pulley but you get the idea of what im going for. The steel carriage's actually ride on gibs on the precision ground base along with the linear guides, this should help rigidity and vibration. everything will be surface ground and once fitted dowel pinned to allow me to disassemble and assemble without a mass amount of indicating.
the counter weight is using your standard "weight lifting plates" i did this because i will be adding more weight, and didn't like the idea of shocks of any kind i would rather have a little less weight ridding on a linear rail to insure there will be no spring or shock failure. 2 cables will attach to the weight block run over two pulleys on top of the column and allow for about 10 to 15 lbs of down weight on the z axis(for backlash if any) All items on the mill are steel.