Build a home made CNC machine (JGRO router)

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

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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

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2 Comments

Just started my JGRO build this week.

Hi,

I just started my JGRO build this week and was very happy to have found your site. The expierence and insight will surley be a big help. I visit CNCzone often and am currently weighing the "upgrades". Can you post some cuts you've completed? and what is the finished capacity of the machine?

Thanks,

Sabo from Toms River, NJ USA

JGRO upgrades

Hi Sabo

CNCzone is the definitely the place to go for the best advice. I upgraded/changed various parts, mostly to try to stiffen up the machine.  I probably could have persevered with the skateboard bearings carefully adjusting them, but I got some cheap linear bearings for the Y and Z axes so I just changed to those. If you look at step 13 of this how-to project, the second generation gantry was all cut out by the machine. If you can get ACME or trapezoidal threaded rod I would definitely go with that instead of the quarter inch all-threaded rod for the lead screw. But the basic desgin is sound, and will work without modifications: its a good way to learn the basics of CNC

Nathan