MY cnc router build status and current developments

Overview

Learning CNC for home shop is my mission. I decided to get involved in CNC controlled machines 10 years ago. I chose to build my own CNC router using the Mechmate blueprint.

Parts

Motors

- Anaheim Automation 34Y006S-LW8 Single Shaft NEMA 34 Stepper Motor
- Purchased from Amazon for $37.71
- Factory site price: $150

Drivers

- 203V DIGITAL STEP DRIVE
- Bulletproof, good value
- Gecko Drive

Breakout Board

- AXBB-E Ethernet Motion Controller and Breakout Board Combined
- Not American-made but not Chinese junk
- CNC Drive

Software

- Win10
- UCCNC

Steps

1. Design using a CAD program like V-Carve.
2. Save design using a conversion post processor for UCCNC.
3. Connect computer to breakout board running UCCNC.
4. Turn on machine and select run.

Notes

- The build does not have encoders, and the drivers and control board do not have encoder inputs.
- The design and systems used are basic: cut steel frame, create rails from angle, purchase rollers, rack and pinion, and laser-cut steel for the carriage.
- Motors do not know their position; they follow step instructions.
- Y-axis uses two motors running the main gantry, easily locked together in software.

Problem

Running dual servos with encoders and a Dynomotion KFLOP controller was attempted but found to be nearly impossible to master/slave effectively.

Solution

Switched to stepper motors and a more straightforward setup.

Summary

The Mechmate build is a basic stepper setup. It does not have encoders, and the motors follow step instructions. The design is simple and uses readily available components.

Key Points

- The build uses American-made components except for the spindle (POS) and controller (European).
- The software setup is with Win10 and UCCNC.
- The motors are NEMA 34 steppers from Anaheim Automation.
- The driver is the 203V DIGITAL STEP DRIVE from Gecko Drive.
- The breakout board is the AXBB-E from CNC Drive.
- The setup is basic and intended for learning and production.