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00:00 Intro
00:45 Expectations
02:29 Hardware
14:48 Pillar Drill
15:53 Parts List

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Expectations
Moving forward, I want to establish clear expectations for this machine. I have every confidence that it will be a valuable addition to my workshop. However, it's important to note that I'm not suggesting this machine will surpass or even equal the performance of an industry-standard machine with equivalent specifications. I'm under no illusions; since I'll be constructing this machine manually, there will inevitably be some margin for human error. What I am conveying is that by building it myself, I can achieve performance that comes remarkably close to industry standards at a fraction of the cost.

DIY CNC Build Specification:
-Machine Footprint (L x W x H): 1200mm x 930mm x 620mm
-Frame: Solid Aluminium Plate (Bolted Together)
-Working Area (L x W x H): 935mm x 620mm x 115mm
-HGH20CA Linear Rails
-SFU1605 Ball Screws (BK / BF12 End Supports)
-4 x NEMA 23 Closed Loop Motors
-2.2kW 24000rpm Spindle (Water Cooled)
-36V 800W Power Supply (Powers NEMA motors)
-24V 125W Power Supply (Isolated Electronics)
-8 x 'NPN NO' Proximity Switch.
-M5, M6 & M8 Marine Grade Stainless Steel Bolts.
-Mach 3 Breakout Board (For inital testing, may change).

Machine Frame Material
I grappled with the choice of materials to use for constructing the frame for quite some time. I aimed to select a material that offered solidity and could be easily machined using cost-effective tools. Affordability was a pivotal factor in this decision-making process, as I sought to keep expenses in check.

Initially, I leaned toward 304 Stainless Steel due to its commendable mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion. However, its price tag left much to be desired. Ultimately, considering the substantial influence of cost on this project, I found myself torn between EN3B Bright Mild Steel and Aluminium 6082T6.

In conclusion, the choice of material ultimately hinges on individual preferences and the nature of work to be performed on the machine. EN3B Mild Steel proves advantageous if there's a possibility of machining both aluminium and mild steel in the future. However, it's worth noting that it's notably heavier and more challenging to machine manually. Additionally, it is susceptible to corrosion, necessitating the application of a high-quality paint like Hammerite. There is also the posibility that a steel gantry would require higher power NEMA motors. There's also the potential requirement for more powerful NEMA motors when using a steel gantry.

Now, onto the big question: What will it cost to build this machine? As of the time of writing this blog post, the total cost stands at £2,330.54, encompassing all expenses. I was initially hesitant to divulge the list of materials at such an early stage because my intention was to construct the machine first, ensure its functionality, and then share the list. However, I've come to the decision that there's no harm in releasing it earlier, with the understanding that this list may undergo changes. It's possible that I may have overlooked something during the design phase, and any necessary adjustments might surface during the construction process. Consequently, I cannot assume responsibility if you choose to order an item that ends up not being used or replaced later in the project. Additionally, it's essential to take full responsibility for completing the build on your own, as I won't be providing comprehensive, step-by-step instructions. Instead, I plan to create update videos at various project milestones to assist you along the way.

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▶▶ Watch the whole series of videos:

▶ Part 1:    • DIY CNC 001 -  Introduction  
▶ Part 2:    • DIY CNC 002 - Specification & Hardware  
▶ Part 3:    • DIY CNC 003 - Tools for Machining Alu...  
▶ Part 4:    • DIY CNC 004 - Drilling, Counterboring...  
▶ Part 5:    • DIY CNC 005 - Y-Axis Frame Assembly  
▶ Part 6:    • DIY CNC 006 - Gantry Assembly and Bra...  
▶ Part 7:    • DIY CNC 007 - Z-Axis Assembly  
▶ Part 8:    • DIY CNC 008 -  Linear Rail Installation  
▶ Part 9:    • DIY CNC 009 - Surface Board, Spindle ...  
▶ Part 10:    • DIY CNC 010 - Closed Loop NEMA Wiring...  
▶ Part 11:    • DIY CNC 011 - VFD and Spindle Test  
▶ Part 12:    • DIY CNC 012 - Electrical Control Box  
▶ Part 13:    • DIY CNC 013 - Configuration & Basic T...  
▶ Part 14:    • DIY CNC 014 - Motor Tuning, Squarenes...  

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