Different Skills, Different Options

A number of builders have said this is the first time they have undertaken a project of this sort, and they appreciate any extra guidance.

Other builders have a lifetime of hands-on experience and only want dimensioned directions.

These plans were written with the perspective that it is better to share too much information, rather than too little.
An earnest effort has been made to address virtually every question that has come this way over the years.

These plans attempt to be as clear and straightforward as possible.

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Some will be able to build the machines by looking at the images and dimensions. Others will find the additional text helpful.

Plan Books

Multiple plans for a variety of options.

The plans were created to help as many Do-It-Yourself builders as possible. These range from the novice with a minimum of tools, to the shop that wants to add CNC, but lacks the budget or desire to buy a commercially produced machine. All of the plans include written step by step descriptions with images of the parts and the building process.
The 13x13 plans manual is over 40 pages with step by step instructions that include black and white photographs and dimensioned drawings. This machine was designed to be as inexpensive and simple as possible.
The 10x9 plans are only available as a digital download PDF file. This manual contains hundreds of images including color photos, dimensioned drawings and templates. The machine is a more solid version of the 13x13 and costs slightly more to build.
The plans for the 25x25 machine are over 90 pages with hundreds of black and white images. These include perspective drawings, dimensioned drawings and templates.
The plans were written for those who have limited experience with this type of project, and only have a minimum of tools. This machine has a low price for a large cutting area.
The 18x24 plans are only available as a PDF download. The 100 page manual has hundreds of images including dimensioned drawings, templates and color photos. This solid machine uses V bearings with aluminum components. A drill press and carbide toothed miter saw are recommended for its construction.
The 24x48 Rack/Leadscrew plans are for those who have a modest shop, and are familiar with their tools. These plans are over 140 pages with hundreds of black and white perspective and dimensioned drawings as well as templates.
The hard copy manuals are professionally printed in black and white by a commercial printing shop. The photos have been optimized to accommodate the limitations of short run printings.

The plans are comb bound, so they can lie flat when placed on a workbench, and the pages are arranged in the building sequence.

The digital versions are PDF files that have been compressed to speed the download times. The images have been edited as needed to accommodate the compression process.

 



These plans do not include directions for the software and electronics. This information is covered by the recommended software and stepper suppliers.

These plans do address the Step per Inch values needed to configure the software.

The machines work well with stepper and drive systems such as those from Geckodrive, Xylotex and HobbyCNC. The recommended software is Mach3 or TurboCNC. Other software and motor suppliers can be used.

The above vendors work with the Do It Yourself market, and supply documentation and help forums for their products.

 

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