DIY:CNC wood Router
1
Sketch out the basic design for your CNC router. Doing this beforehand will give you a basic frame of reference as you go about creating your router. You may need to look at the design of other do-it-yourselfers to get a feel for what you want to do. There is no one particular way to put one of these machines together, but you should be aware of the most important components before you begin: router head, x axis, y axis, z axis and the computer controls that run the router.
2
Build the base for your router. There are a number of different ways that you can actually go about doing this, but one of the simplest ways is to simply construct a wooden box in which the entire machine can sit. Use solid 2-by-6 lumber to construct the sides of the box. Nail these together using galvanized steel nails. Place a 1/2-inch piece of plywood on the box and nail it in place to serve as the bottom of the router assembly.
3
Install the x axis for the router by attaching it to the base. The x axis is the carriage that the machine will travel on as it is making its way from one end of the router to the other. To create an axis that the router assembly can travel on, attach two steel rods that correspond to the length of your box to the top of the two longest box sides. The rods should sit up off the box somewhat. Screw an eye bolt with a hole large enough to accommodate the steel rod into each end of the box.
4
Construct the y axis for the router. This may prove to be one of the more difficult parts of the project. You will need to construct side arms that attach the router to the x axis and that can slide along the axis while the y axis also moves to accommodate commands that you enter to program the router. You will also need to place a lead screw through the bottom center of the y axis so that the screw runs parallel to the rails of the x axis. Attach the screw by drilling holes in the end of the base box and using a c-clamp on both ends to keep it in place.
5
Design the z-axis assembly. This assembly is the piece that will move vertically as it also moves along the y axis. It consists of a plunge arm that holds the router in place, raising it and lowering it as needed. As with the entire project, there is no one particular way to design this part of the assembly. Instead, you have to base your decision on considerations such as the parts you have available to you and your overall budget for the project.
6
Connect the motors and wiring used to control the router. You can purchase the motors from a manufacturer that specializes in CNC motor design. Install the motor according to the manufacturer's instructions and then wire the motor to the computer interface that you will use to control the router. Install the router software to begin programming your router.
