CNC version 2

Been working for a while now on redesigning and improving on the first 5’x5′ CNC machine that was built back when we started working on the Google Maps “Explore Your World” project.  Wanted to completely rebuild a new bigger version that could handle full 4′ x 8′ stock material as well as be able to do some metal milling.  Essentially only reusing the electronics and motors from version 1.

The build has been going for a few months now, starting with a new torsion box tabletop that is the foundation of the entire machine.  The torsion box was built from 3/4″ birch ply and measures just over 5′ x 9′.  Future versions may utilize a steel table framework to enable either a plasma cutter or a 4th and 5th axis for cutting foam forms.

Here’s a little video of the first test of the Y axis and a single motor on the X axis.  The X axis will soon have two motors installed, one on each side of the gantry to eliminate racking and provide more torque.  Hopefully within a week the Z-axis will be built and work can begin on modifying the router for more precise speed control via computer.