Re: How to Make a Simple CNC Machine

Hi Dan,
The plastic I used is extremely common. Look under plastic in
your yellow pages. I also recomend buying scrap pieces. The stuff is
really neat. Unlike plexiglass, PVC can be cut with a hobby scrollsaw.
Plexiglass starts to melt and then it traps the blade. I built my
machine using a drill press, scroll saw and belt sander. You can tap
PVC without snaping the tap. Plexiglass can be tapped but not like
PVC. I have only seen the 1/4" PVC in the color grey. Hobby shops sell
thiner sheets of the plastic. The rails are 3/8" rod from the hardware
store. The bearings are 5/8" with a 1/4" bore. These are also very
common. I got the motors from HobbyCNC. The screws are from the
hardware store. You can use 2-56 or 4-40. I like 2-56 screws myself.
In my first design I used old floppy drive steppers. I put one on each
end of the Leadscrew. With this design I did not need a bearing. The
Leadscrew has a 1/4-20 nut on each side of the bearing. The nuts are
tightened against the hub of the bearing. Like I said this unit is
very simple! I expected comments about the design not popup ads and
the cost. I make my living as a writer...I know I am not that good!
But I am only charging what I think is fair. I live in New Jersey and
$20 is nothing here. Just going to the post office here is a trip!!!


John








John



--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@egroups.com, "Dan Eaton" <dan.eaton@c...>
wrote:

> Hi John,
> interesting design and I wouldn't mind building one but I do have

one

> question. Where do you get the 1/4" Grey PVC plastic used in the
> frame construction?
>
> I know you mentioned the hardware store but I can't remember seeing
> any of this in my last visit to Home Depot. I'm always leary when
> someone says readily available, even Gingery does this, because it
> never seems to be readily available in my area.
>
> Thanks,