Comment

Comment by Shane Sylvester on May 19, 2014 at 1:25am

thats cleaver the top and bottom roller wheels nic work. is that the email contact for the plans below,as I would love to build one.

Comment by Mark Lindsay on May 18, 2014 at 5:13am

The designer (Dave Gatton) designed this build to use this 4-axis kit from Xylotex.

http://xylotex.netfirms.com/OSCommerce/catalog/product_info.php?pro...

Since this is my first venture into the world of CNC, I'm going to go with his recommendations and get some experience with building and running it before branching out on my own. The Xylotex kit is pretty simple (plug and play) and right now that's right up my alley. If I need to add accessories, I can get a break out board for this controller for $10, so that's not a problem.

Comment by Mark Lindsay on May 18, 2014 at 4:52am

Thanks Bob!

I'll be using the same. Mach 3 for the controller and Vcarve Pro for the CAM. I'm also looking at Cut 3D, but don't really know if I need to go that far in the beginning. Still, if I can get a package deal for Vcarve Pro and Cut 3D at the same time, it would make sense to go for it. It's pretty pricey, but it should be a one-time purchase.

I was surprised at how simple this build really is. Yeah, it's a lot of work - there are several pieces to cut out, and you do have to pay attention to detail so that parts and pieces fit together properly, but overall it's been a fun experience. I've done this whole thing in my driveway, under an EZ-Up, on a folding table, a miter saw stand, and a couple of saw horses, using a benchtop table saw, band saw, miter saw, drill press, and disk/belt sander. If I can do this, anybody can.