Build a home made CNC machine (JGRO router)

Submitted by guitar-list on Mon, 2007-06-18 11:26

Steps for HOWTO Build a home made CNC machine (JGRO router)

Step 1Choose your CNC machine and get some plans
Step 2Make the bearings and pipe supports
Step 3Anti-backlash nuts and leadscrew
Step 4Leadscrew bearings
Step 5Make the Z axis
Step 6Choose a stepper motor and lead screw
Step 7Make the gantry
Step 8Stepper motors and couplers
Step 9Make a control box
Step 10Make the base
Step 11Fit limit and home switches
Step 12Cut something out
JGRO.JPG

This project describes how to make a CNC (computer numerical control) machine that could be used to make guitar parts. CNC may not always be the most efficient way to make guitar parts (a band saw and pin router is often the most sensible way to do guitar woodwork) but they are a flexible way to convert complicated 3D computer designs into reality. A good discussion about the role of CNC in guitar making was posted over at project guitar .
As well as the machine you will need a computer with CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software as well as a program to drive the CNC machine. This project is in progress and I will post the steps as I go along.

For any questions or research about DIY CNC machines go to the DIY woodworking machines forum at www.cnczone.com