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

Laser cutter/engraver

The frame we are going to be building is based on carriages that use V-wheels. These are commonly available online from a variety of sources. Let’s begin with a brief discussion of the general design. Like the plotter, the laser cutter uses a cantilever arm for the Y axis on which the toolhead moves. The entire arm moves in the X axis and the toolhead can be any desired laser head you desire. You can use exactly the same type of board you have on your 3018 as the motherboard for this machine and you can flash GRBL on it, just like the 3018. In addition, you can also attach an LCD controller to operate it offline (i.e., without a computer). You can also attach some other commonly available boards such as the MKS DLC 2.0, for which you can acquire a TFT controller flashed with firmware specific to laser cutter operations.

Here’s a bill of materials for the laser cutter frame:

Item Description...