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

Plotter

The biggest reason I like this machine’s architecture is its versatility. The same mechanical platform can be used for your plotter. There are plenty of designs on Thingiverse and YouTube that detail plotters of various capabilities that use the same cantilevered system we have here, but the biggest difference between them will be the toolhead. For the plotter, you can fabricate exactly the same machine or modify the same machine as previously to have a different mount for the toolhead. The plotter toolhead will need a small servo motor to raise the pen up and down as it draws on a sheet of paper. If you are feeling creative, you can create a mount for both toolheads. In preparing for this chapter, I actually made two machines and 3D printed the toolhead for the plotter from a design I found on Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5149959. I determined that you could easily hand-cut the same toolhead out of a piece of 3 mm plywood or MDF. If you do go down...