DIY Dremel CNC #3 electronics, software and firmware (Arduino, aluminium profiles, 3D printed parts)

Time to add Arduino and some other electronic components to the DIY Dremel CNC machine! We will also upload code to the Arduino (GRBL) and take a look at software to control your machine (GRBL controller and CNCjs). At the end, we will run the first tests on the machine to see how it works :)
Dremel CNC parts list: bit.ly/2Hmlbcw
Support my projects on Patreon → / nikodembartnik
Or through PayPal: www.paypal.me/nikodembartnik
Watch the previous parts:
First part: • DIY Dremel CNC #1 desi...
Second part: • DIY Dremel CNC #2 fram...
Everything CNC related: • DIY Dremel CNC #1 desi...
I am extremely happy with how this machine works! It's super quiet and works extremely smoothly. Construction is very rigid and 3D-printed parts are okay. The first drawings are also great all lines are sharp and the dimensions are good.
What we will need, the amount in ():
-Dremel tool: amzn.to/3Fyzmsb
-Aluminum Profiles 20x20x600mm (5): amzn.to/3FGlH2d
-12mm rod (about 2 meters): amzn.to/45TJ0Aq
-500mm long trapezoidal lead screw 8mm (2): amzn.to/49eINdV
-300mm long trapezoidal lead screw 8mm (2): amzn.to/49eINdV
-12mm linear bearing (12): amzn.to/493uqZU
-5 to 8mm coupler (5): amzn.to/3FCQptj
-T nut (50): amzn.to/40eb3JG
-Screws: amzn.to/3s8wnnc
-Arduino+CNC shield+stepper drivers: amzn.to/3Sl2tXB
-Power supply: amzn.to/499eOUN
-Stepper motors (4): amzn.to/49eODfB
Here are some of the tools:
-3D printer: amzn.to/49aAD6i
-Thread tap: amzn.to/45T36L4
-Cordless drill: amzn.to/45PtWDK
STL files: www.thingiverse.com/thing:300...
GRBL: github.com/grbl/grbl
CNCjs: cnc.js.org/
GRBL Controller: zapmaker.org/projects/grbl-co...
I always wanted to have one of those fancy CNC machines that can mill metals. It's cool and it gives you so many possibilities for your next projects! I already have a few ideas for projects with a CNC machine :)

[@nikodembartnik]

Support my projects on Patreon → www.patreon.com/nikodembartnik

[@ernestoferrandis399]

Congratulations for your work! I was just surfing the net and discovered your youtube channel on thingverse, and I have to admit that I'm really impressed with what you have achived (the CNC milling machine, your channel and the rest of your videos, which I'm anxious to watch). Carry on with your projects and thank you for sharing them with us! Greetings from Argentina!

[@nikodembartnik]

Thank you very much!!! Greetings from Poland :)

[@joetke]

This device is not only beautiful but it does the job awesomely! Your videos gain in quality and substance Nikodem! That represents a big amount of work and time summed up in less than 8 minutes, a real achievement and an achievement. Can't wait the first test with the dremel. Thanks for sharing all!

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks for another positive comment! Really appreciate every good word​ about my projects!

[@joetke]

Glad that you fix the wobble. This project is really among the awesome ones about building a CNC from scratch. Bet that a lot of people will build your device.

[@nikodembartnik]

I wish that :)

[@joerecio7647]

Thank you for all your videos, very well done! My grandson and I are learning as well as enjoying our times together.

[@nikodembartnik]

Thank you! I am happy that you like my videos!

[@chbonnici]

First class project. Good of you to share. Well done. Keep it up. You are inspiration to others. Many thanks

[@nikodembartnik]

Thank you :)

[@jimmy2drinks]

Thanks very much for sharing this Nikodem. I plan to suggest this as a project to mechanical and electrical engineering students at the college where I work.

[@nikodembartnik]

Cool! Thanks for the positive feedback, remember to credit my work! It's nice when your project is recommended to college students when I am still in high school :)

[@forgotrafe]

Great work. Look forward to seeing Dremmel in action.

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks! Yessss, me too :D

[@iconjohn82]

This is amazing the way the video made was very informative and properly edited since view angle of camera is one of the best diy tutorial i've seen. Keep it up buddy and let me know your next project...looking forward for DIY laser cutter of engraver with 3d printer all in one if possible. More power!!!

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks! I am happy that you like my project!

[@doctorohmed]

I appreciate your dedication of the CNC router

[@erikksagala2423]

This is what I'm waiting for, greetings from Indonesia

[@nikodembartnik]

Greetings​ from Poland!

[@williamtate6268]

If some plastic parts crack when you drill them I have solution. Instead of chucking a bit in a drill hold bit with vice-grips and heat tip with torch till glowing and push through . I ran an Elumatic cnc at work a few years ago and always wanted one since . I appreciate your video.

[@Odonnol]

Excellent video shooting and editing skills! Respect.

[@amigodesigns]

Great job, I would love to see a bigger one for a future project!

[@nikodembartnik]

I would love to see it, but firstly I have to find some workspace bigger than my 7 square meter bedroom :) I already started learning to weld to build stronger machines!

[@davidwhitt3299]

Can't wait for next video

[@nikodembartnik]

Me too!

[@haydenc2742]

Awesome! Getting closer to cutting some stuff...very cool! Never heard of cnc.js, man that looks really nice...and it runs on RPi..nice!

[@nikodembartnik]

it's great piece of software

[@joetke]

agree

[@gitaramaker101]

Hi Nikodem, great vid! What is the exact power supply settings you use for the stepper drivers? Power supply is 12v 30a how low have you reduced the ampere?

[@michelbonnet3787]

Hi ! And thanks for your project that I'm on the way to build. Just a question : It seems that the slots for Arduino on the printed plate are just inverted. You don't have a corrected version ? Regards.

[@Dan-qp1el]

YOUNG MAN, WELL DONE.

[@alanalvarez7811]

Amazing...keep up the great work :)

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks!

[@johnstavrakis7412]

Grate job Thanks You. From Greece with love. Keep working.

[@evertonbarreto6651]

Thanks for share your work. Congratulations!

[@nikodembartnik]

Thank you :)

[@wpavelski]

Nice project. Hugs from Brazil.

[@jasdall]

Dear Nik really well done. Great job. Just subscribed to your profile. Though I can’t understand how and where to install the end stops. I’ve seen the 3 of your video clips but cannot locate or find where you mentioned the end stops. Anyway very well done. Most probably will start printing the parts until I wait for the other parts.

[@Mateusz_AstroLife]

Szanuję :)

[@nikodembartnik]

Dziękuję :)

[@nestorangeles3107]

How it is done to be 1

[@davecook2297]

Hello ! And thank you ! I'm looking for a power supply similar to the one in your video, but the link you have no longer works. Any recommendations ? Thanks !

[@stevenalex9439]

Thanks for the video and your work!

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks for the comment!

[@SumitDIY]

Awesome work

[@SarycanPL]

nie ukrywam, że z chęcią bym taką frezarkę odkupił :)

[@ambroribo6079]

very good project and description. I will like to know if there is a possibility to by the printed parts since I do not have the capability to do that. Where and how much do they cost just to have an idea for the whole project. Thanks for helping. Bye

[@polarfactory]

That's really great man

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks man!

[@sgicorporation7161]

Grate job Thanks a lot Keep uploading.. Keep educating.. Keep growing.....

[@JordanMiller1117]

What size bearings did you use for the end opposite the motors for the lead screws? I didn't see it in the description so I'm just curious. Also, what gauge wire were you using from the PSU to the CNC shield?

[@nikodembartnik]

that's 608 bearing popular in skateboards

[@andreadebiasi5617]

Hi, what infill % did you use for print the parts? And the layer height?

[@mememaster147]

Have you checked the concentricity of the spindle and chuck on the Dremel? I've had one where they were misaligned so that the tool axis was at an angle to the axis that the spindle was rotating on. Proxxon tools have much better spindle concentricity and alignment but they're twice as expensive.

[@crystalmediavisual]

Nice machine. Good work

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks!

[@sttm1283]

"if there is no smoke it should be fine" haha thats a good rule

[@xxportalxx.]

Electrical engineering 101: keeping the smoke INSIDE the electronics.

[@tvideo1189]

Will this mill in 3d or is it 2.5d? Can't tell from the tests you show. Thanks.

[@thomazzzzi]

great great build. I want to build one and wonder if i can make one which has a longer Z axis. How do i do this?

[@Perspectologist]

Looking good. I’m looking forward to seeing it cut. I should look into that software you mentioned. I’ve only use Easel with my X-Carve. It works OK, but it is nice to have multiple options. I don’t entirely love the web based dependency of Easel.

[@nikodembartnik]

CNCjs looks awesome, I am not sure how it will work with X-Carve, Easel can be better because it's made just for this machine. But maybe you will find it work better for you. That's true, sometimes web based is not the best solution.

[@victorsi1992]

Вітаю, дуже гарна ідея. Я взяв собі до уваги ваші намагання покращення. Дякую

[@SkyscrapersConstructionSerbia]

I have a problem, one of my cnc shields is smoking. I took a 12v 10a power supply and 1.9 amp motors.

[@ervisqose6964]

Awsome project .Can i use Ramps 1.4 for CNC? its GRBL compatibl with Ramps 1.4 .I try with Marlin firmware and looks fine expect Z axis. Thanks

[@mkexotics1]

Awesome! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@user-pi7yv2fx4c]

Oh nice work!! How did you connect the line? Can you explain it more exactly to me? 5:28

[@kentthomas1045]

What parts are specifically for the Z axis? I'm looking to build just an X and Y axis model.

[@sebastianszolc8606]

Cześć, fajnie że mamy takich lub przyszłych kreatywnych inżynierów. Nikodem dwa pytania? Jakie dokladnie silniki krokowe użyłeś? A drugie to masz dwg? Wymiary platformy roboczej z tej sklejki?. Nie znalazlem w żadnym z Twoich udostępnionych plików. POLISH POWER. ! PROJEKT SWIETNY.

[@ahmedtouma8231]

I'm using a4988 red one for nema 17 1.7A how can i adjust theme ? I do not have any knowledge of electronics.

[@dizer.]

Круто! Ждём реальных тестов)

[@nikodembartnik]

Subscribe to don't miss them!

[@joelsanchezmartinez294]

Like for the video and for the music. Thanks for sharing

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks!

[@stephenyonkoski9712]

Thank you for showing. I invented something and I'm thinking about takking course on on 3D printing and on how it works and the materials possible that you can use with it. My invention is all plastic and if I master that then I get one step closer to creatting a new product, many hurdlles or like patens to keep any budy from stealing my design and concept. It is q family oreint product. Long process I been working on since 2007. I have put it on back burner for some time now. It makes me nerves for I know it is a big task to acomplish, but as my mother saids nothing worth have never comes easy. have a blessed day 😎 and thanks again.

[@stefanoguitarplayer]

Bravo ottimo lavoro, pulito e funzionale

[@nikodembartnik]

grazie!

[@user-ii4su2sn2w]

Хорошая работа. Спасибо за модели

[@barrymctrustery5715]

Hi Nik have you by any chance got a design for the printed part that is fixed to the power supply to hold the Arduino and other electronics . I am half way through building CNC i am going to try fixing Makita Palm router to cnc . Carry on with the designs

[@inf3953]

Can we use cpu PSU directly to this machine? I had bunch of em laying around.

[@Brazylizsek]

Was there really need for the second motor in the longest axis?

[@JuanSanchez-rb4qu]

Great design Nikodem, though is it scallable? like just use longer aluminum parts right?

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks! Yes it is, longer rods, lead screws and profiles. 3D printed parts are the same

[@wolfvierbergen1417]

It is very scalable but the bigger you go you may lose precision and quality. If you continue working with threaded rods, whipping may start to be a problem, this is because no rod is totally straight. An advise for longer linear motion are gear racks, check this link out: www.cncrouterparts.com/standard-rack-and-pinion-parts-c-46_39.html But then Nikodem's 3d printed parts are no longer useful, begin with something small, like he did.

[@stephaniegarnicatrujillo3895]

Hi, thanks for sharing such a nice project! I know this design is intended for dremel cutting purposes, but i would like to use your design for drawing just like you did in this video for testing, if so, is there any way I could increase the speed, so the pen would move faster? If yes, where I can do this change?

[@nikodembartnik]

Sure you just have to change this in grbl settings

[@oteeceaserokae]

if you increase the speed it might affect the pen and may not write properly if the pen aint ok

[@johnbrevard5966]

My god are you and this Amazing!!...WoW...

[@arturofuentesgarcia6882]

Hi! Good project. If you think use it like milling machine for a different hard material, you should replace the flexible couplings for a rigid ones. anyway that's a great.

[@nikodembartnik]

I already did that in my next videos :) I just 3D printed them

[@Puddertoget]

Awesome build Nikodem! I am very much considering to build it myself. Have you tested it with the dremel yet?

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks! Not yet, I have to buy some more bearings to make it more rigid

[@DennisMurphey]

I ordered the 10A Power Supply because my dremel is powered on it own AC cord and I did not think I needed 20A to run the three Axis, Did i mess up or will 10 A run the three motors. I am powering one Z, One X and One Y (not 2 Y). Appreciate your input. I posted My adaptor for this Dremel Drill Press conversion to CNC, I know its light weight but my work is small light metal model trains, Thank You, Dennis Update Nov 27 2023 I have completed the conversion of my Dremel Drill Press with Micro Mark Mini X Y Table into a version of your DIY CNC Mini Milling Machine. So far I used the Dremel Carriage with a unique Adaptor to the Dremel Drill Press Stand. All your recommended Digital stuff. I have only the Z axis operational and yesterday I machined a test part to verify the manual job of Z would work with manual operation of the X Y Tables. It was evident I need to continue to convert the mini XY table to CNC ASAP. I have ordered the Couplers and the CNC Shield of course has the Sockets and I also have the required A4988 drivers. I want to share the CNC Shield is a marvelous tool for us. Spindle control is a little messy but boy does this Shield Save a Bunch of time. I was so happy to see the Stepper motor take on in my first test. Now we are thinking about a load unload robot and some other tools we can use on our train layout. Thank You So much young man. Dennis in Virginia

[@bigsscore8378]

Very good, thank you.

[@videosaboutnothing8147]

Where did you get those jumpers? Can you provide a link

[@coreyhastings454]

I have been looking at the Arduino kit you linked, and I noticed that it specifically says there are X, Y, Z, and A axes, so I assume you are using the A axis as a second Y axis. Do you know if that will also work for making the A axis a second Z axis? I ask because I have a dead 3D printer (control board fried) that I want to repurpose as a CNC, and if I can prevent having to buy anything except the control board, that would be awesome! :) Thanks!

[@nikodembartnik]

Yes, there are some connectors on the side, you can mirror one of the axes​ (X, Y or Z) to the A axis. I talked about that in this video. It could work fine as for the control board because a frame of the 3D printer is not super rigid so keep that in mind.

[@coreyhastings454]

Ahh. I thought you were only talking about the Y axis, as most other boards specifically have a Y1 and Y2. Thanks for the quick reply! Agreed, most frames are not super rigid, however I had implemented a Z-axis mod on mine that make it ridiculously rigid haha. I am looking forward to trying this out!! Thanks again! :)

[@guitar98xD]

Would it work with estlcam ? Greetings

[@huizhang6614]

Did you make any changes to the grbl marlin codes? You need to configure two motors for X-axis, right?

[@sanjivnasik]

2 motors for y axis

[@PlayZilla.Studio]

So where's the final result, is it able to drawings only?

[@das250250]

For aluminium I wondered why you didn't use dual 12mm guides for X axis ,long axis , just to keep it stiff. If it can cut aluminium it would be worth cutting and replacing the 3d printed parts even if you have to layer the parts out of thinner aluminium sheet and screw them together with screws to make one solid unit . I'm not sure if you could ten braze the sheets with special low temp rods and a gas torch . Even if this process is slow it will offer a more rigid design possibly stiff enough to make small brackets and assemblies. Speed may need to be slower to reduce the stresses but it is a budget machine after all. I was contemplating designing 3d moulds to make a similar system partially from cement parts in order to stiffen the machine but this might entail stronger machines or gearing.

[@thebestnigga174]

Can you tell me what was the software that you use to draw

[@juanpabloibarra2078]

You haven't used the limit switches right?

[@TheSmith2409]

can you put the link of the aluminium profiles please?? Thanks!

[@Guilherme-uu8ql]

Nikodem, 12V and 5A is enought to power supply this cnc? I saw you used 12V 30A. Tks

[@nikodembartnik]

Sure, check out video number 5 of this series I replaced this big power supply with something way smaller that works too

[@Tjup]

what software u use for making the CNC files?

[@omarhosni89]

hello, would you please tell me what is the online software you used to convert the sag to gcode ?

[@dakadaka7455]

Would be possible to run NEMA 23 with your setup? Same drivers/arduino and everything else

[@rpm-zr4fh]

I know that this video is a little old now, did you ever get an error when putting the code onto your arduino? Like the file was too big?

[@wahidshirdel1119]

Hi whats up? i was woundering about how microcontroler(arduino ) undrestand g-code which sent to it from pc . For example when i press the top arrow of my keybord in computer it goes one step toward and vice versa

[@orl1635]

GENIUS...!!!

[@Guilherme-uu8ql]

Thank you!

[@nikodembartnik]

Thank YOU!

[@tomgray7049]

Great job....😀

[@thaershaheen2946]

Hi dear friend, please, i cant catch your explain, it was hard to install grbl in arduino uno library , honestly, i cant understand

[@foxterfox7120]

Could you please make a video similar to this, but, for a homemade 3d Printer using Marlin?

[@2299alexander]

Do not lose steps with 1/16 micropasses?

[@pako6571]

Good job! Can I have the electrical scheme of the machine?

[@ihave200ksubscriber6]

Am building my own CNC , using nikodem video . It's awesome 😍 . I want to know why did he put the jumper on all the CNC shield ? For X y z and A . Anyone?

[@TomasTrejo]

Great men!

[@nikodembartnik]

thanks!

[@nirgore100]

What is the KEYES 5V Relay Module for? and why you don't use it?

[@daylightnight7129]

i think it is prepared for swithing drill machine

[@prodeous]

Like most, I"m eager to see this dremel through it's first board. Still based on the pen work, the lines seem a tad uneven, most likely due to the pen being loose so I expect dremel to produce more strait lines.

[@nikodembartnik]

lines are not that bad, maybe on camera,​ it doesn't look so good.

[@fffmpeg]

Gdzie kupiłeś te profile aluminiowe? Ja mam z tme i te nakrętki nie wchodzą od góry, tylko muszę je wkładać bokiem

[@nikodembartnik]

Abc-rc.pl

[@ultraidtech8250]

nice work.

[@nikodembartnik]

Thanks!

[@rafaeldejulio5912]

Hi! how do you tell the software the build plate volume mine just keeps on hitting against the rails

[@ericnickel3280]

How do you connect dremel to the board and power supply? I don't see instruction in vid #4

[@dangdut.audiophile]

how to set dimension x,y,z axis on firmware? are we can change dimension or expand it . thanks,,

[@schonermatik8256]

Hola amigo gran trabajo ....

[@ahmedmansuor3715]

thanks i love that

[@MegaSoyaMan]

Good job !!!

[@MegaSoyaMan]

And thanks for sharing

[@KamiKaZe07]

Wich vref did you used on the A4988 driver?

[@nirgore100]

How do i download the GRBL Controller? the download link is broken.

[@daancoenen7443]

How big is the cutting surface HxLxB