Book Image

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

By : Samer Najia
5 (1)
Book Image

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

5 (1)
By: Samer Najia

Overview of this book

Until recently, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines belonged to the realm of heavy industry, but as technology becomes cheaper and smaller, these machines now can be used in home workshops. It’s not easy to get started, though, but thanks to this guide, you’ll be ready to take on a variety of projects in no time. A Tinkerer’s Guide to CNC Basics contains everything you need to get set up at home with computer-controlled machining and fabrication. Sparing you the theory, this project-laden guide helps you learn by doing. Once you’ve got to grips with the principles of CNC and installed the 3018 Pro CNC machine, you’ll gradually move from simple projects such as basic engraving to more complex milling and machining techniques. You’ll even learn how to upgrade your machine to accomplish more sophisticated designs. The plethora of projects in this book will keep you busy and give you the practice you need to get started with your computerized workshop. By the end of the book, your computerized home workshop will be one step closer to realization, and your machining skills will be taken to the next level.
Table of Contents (15 chapters)
11
Chapter 11: Building a More Capable CNC Machine

Summary

So far, we’ve covered mostly mechanical upgrades to our 3018. There are more that we should cover, but they are very quickly becoming projects of their own. The first one we want to cover next is adding a laser and discuss what the impacts are on our operations when we do. The other project is to review how we can further improve our rotary axis. However, from our work in this chapter, we now have a machine that can home to the same place every time, a way to accurately zero our Z-axis, and a way to stop the machine in an emergency, and our machine can now double as a plotter and drag knife, albeit a slow one.

You will have noticed the utility of having access to a 3D printer due to my by-now multiple references to Thingiverse and similar sites. This is because there is a wealth of information there that you can lean on. I try very hard to not reinvent the wheel, especially with designs. I might modify a design, but if I can use it as is, so much the better. Definitely...