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](https://www.geckodrive.com/g203v-digital-step-drive.html)

Breakout Board

AXBB-E Ethernet Motion Controller and Breakout Board Combined

- Not American-made but not Chinese junk - [CNC Drive](http://www.cncdrive.com/products.html)

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.