Making a DIY CNC machine with limited tools

In this video, I'll show you how I built this awesome CNC router without having access to high end tools, and what it's capable of. I decided to keep the video relatively short, but will be happy to answer any questions in the comments below.
Follow up video: • DIY CNC: Your Question...
Check out the Github page for the files and schematics:
github.com/BenMakesEverything...
Where I got the parts:
6060 extrusion: ebay
Ball screws: ebay
Linear rails: ebay
Makita RT0701C router (refurbished): ebay
Z-axis assembly: ebay
3/8" (10mm) aluminum plate: sourced locally
1/2" (12.7mm) aluminum plate: xometry.com
Hardware (all metric): Amazon
Arduino Uno: Amazon
Limit switches: Amazon
Motor shaft connectors: Amazon
Router bits: Amazon
1/4"-thread threaded inserts: Amazon
Drag/cable chains: Amazon
T-Slot M6 nuts: Amazon
Stepper motor kit (motors, drivers, PSU): Stepperonline.com
Shielded wire: local electronic store
Old DVD player: local electronic store
4-pin control box plugs: local electronic store
LED strip: local electronic store
MDF board: Home Depot
Acrylic, wood & screws for enclosure: Home Depot
Background music:
Lifelike - AlexiAction, Abstract World - AlexiAction
via Pixabay.com

[@benmakeseverything]

Please see my follow up video for answers to questions and more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ26iZyimrqGmLc If you want the 3D files and wiring diagrams, check here: github.com/BenMakesEverything/Ben_CNC_v1

[@dieSpinnt]

Thanks for sharing your experience and showing this project, Ben!:) Just a sidenode: Next time you plug in a mains-line power cord, don't move on, just wait for some seconds and think about it: What would happen, if the male contacts where swapped with the female jacks .......... Right! We would all be dead by now. Now look what you have designed/done with your motor power connectors (btw. connectors are a good idea). They literally invite disaster[1]:) [1] Here the danger is not so much for the well-being of us humans (although it is never a good idea to have current-providing and potentially live contacts fully out in the open, flapping in the breeze), but for the well-being of the machine. Sh.. can happen in this configuration and it WILL happen! Especially in a place with metal shavings and dirt all around like a workshop. Just swap it around, so that the female part of the connector is the "power-providing"-side. Good machining!:)

[@DETHTWUKTAUR]

Hey Ben - good stuff. I'm also thinking of making a Router CNC table like this (>'.')^

[@uproarink]

@@dieSpinnt I don't fully understand your comment. Can you elaborate since I'm planning a similar build.

[@richardskull5279]

I am a very well experienced machinist of 25 years. I am impressed. You took on a huge project and came out successful. Great job!

[@LouisKleiman]

Not an engineer!?!? You may not be formally trained, but you are absolutely an engineer. Great job!

[@amorton94]

Unfortunately for him and people like him (me), that's not how that works in the real world.

[@6022]

@@amorton94 Honestly, I've known plenty of engineering jobs where they'd take a documented design and build of something like this as adequate proof of qualification. Lots of engineering jobs are very pragmatic. If you can make something work, and as a bonus, you have an understanding of the importance of keeping costs down, that is what you really need.

[@DespaceMan]

@@6022 Engineers today are usually a person who specialized in one particular field or section of engineering, I've come across many engineers some I know personally & yes 95% of them do know everything about how a combustion engines works but to fix or build one they can't do. If you doing stuff for yourself you got no one to prof to but if you want a land a job you require a white piece of paper to prove that you jumped through hoops & passed a test.

[@6022]

@@DespaceMan I know successful engineers who never got a degree. It depends on the company. Some places are smart enough to know that degrees aren't everything.

[@Handlebrake2]

@@DespaceMan yeah fixing and maintaining stuff is what technicians and mechanics do. Engineering is more theoretical and design.

[@blaschii]

My jaw dropped when you showed what your machine is capable of (although the build process itself was already hella impressive). Kudos to you and your skills!

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

seriously. I've settled on a masuter pro from fox alien with the 300 w spindle and... it is not doing the job on 1mm thick aluminum :(

[@yobekorb]

😊

[@oliverer3]

It wasn't until you said that this was your first project with a CAD tool I truly realized just how much of an enormous task this must have been for you, truly impressed.

[@beppe_c60]

This is what I mean for a REAL Tutorial. A design, main measures, components list. A great help to understand what to do. Really good job, Ben. Not for the object only, but for the excellent way You followed to present it.

[@mattivirta]

but need be "tutorial" better, this not tell how softwares install, lot problem if use raspberry pi or linux computer install good shit GRBL or linuxcnc software, cam soft what can use linux, limit switch has many builder problem need tell how make, what size spindle and spindle speed controller problems, only good has use aluminium frame and big 60x60 profile, expensive lot, and ballscrews super expensive use, windows OS not must use because not have safety realtime OS, need use linuxcnc OS because have lot better and true realtime controll, and this safety lot more. cad program need if want build good frame all dimension come right before cutting parts. and drill holes right,accurate. need know all roeque powers how and were need frame strong etc,beam need lot more strong support not twist.z-rail need be supported rails not only worst rod, lot torque power go to z axis and not accurate and weak lot if not strong. this some little point for my vkill i has build hobby users and small factory many 100 cnc and know what need know.

[@szymonszewcjr]

Algorithm has spoken! Hello from Poland! 😃

[@PiefacePete46]

Algorithm is alive and well... Hello from New Zealand! 👍

[@kevinldaniel]

Same lol

[@robertkaminski1781]

Me to

[@user-yy7nt1jy2x]

Hello from 🇷🇺 Russia. F❤🎉ing poland

[@robertkaminski1781]

@@user-yy7nt1jy2x Russia should be cut off from internet. You have mental like KRLD. Brains washed from hundred years....

[@SuperSadom]

I just finished building the handrail on my deck kzbin.infoUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z and used this great little router to clean up the top rail before the final sanding and stain. It was light weight but packed lots of power. Either size battery didn't seem to make it top heavy and I'm a 64 yr old women so I really appreciated how easy it was to use...................... CORDLESS only way to go !!

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Just going down the rabbit hole of KZbin videos on building your own CNC. Nice job on your build!

[@PiefacePete46]

@ @TomsDreamshop Worx : Ahhh, the wonders of "The University of KZbin"! How quickly we (Oldies!) have forgotten the hours spent wading through the shelves at our libraries, or eagerly waiting for next month's edition of our favourite magazine! Have fun!

[@Bu5H84]

Hahahaha i too have been down this Rabbit hole, i miss my CNC machine

[@Ding_Bat]

A word of advice: Get going on 3D design while doing your research (if you don’t have it nailed down already). This will go a long way is helping you design your CNC. If you cannot design, you cannot CNC. Garbage in = garbage out. 😉😉 Good luck!!

[@winulff7082]

Have you hit the goldmine of New Yorkshire Workshop and his homemade 4x8 cnc? 5 hours worth of pure building videos. Super high precision. Sadly he doesnt speak a word, but its a nice look at what goes into building large scale cnc, and the steps (and mistakes) taken to achieve precision. highly recommend watching.

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

​@@PiefacePete46cant even imagine that. Us young generation take for granted all the information available to us in a split second. If everything I've learned online had to be re-learned through books and physical paper, I would probably be at like 2% total of everything I've learned with a computer

[@JPToto]

Sir, this is EXCEPTIONALLY well done. Definitely the best and most practical DIY CNC build I've seen on KZbin. Just the right amount of detail too. 👏🏻

[@willbe7442]

I’ve never seen you channel before but this came up recommended. I already own an open builds workbee v3 kit. And to be honest, even though I have spent over $3000 and many, many man hours setting it up, I think yours is way better! Absolutely brilliant. Well done and congrats

[@shingabiss]

My compliments to your ingenuity and resourcefulness! I first built a pcb mini milling machine in 1995, pre maker explosion, wrote code in VB4 and wrote step bit patterns directly though FETS to motors via the pc parallel port. I know the task is multi faceted and can appreciate your efforts. Proffessional results!

[@PlayNowWorkLater]

Great project! Amazed you could put that together for around $1000. Can’t wait to see what you will build next. Make sure you show us your tool collection as it grows. I imagine you’ll have a shop with all kinds of stuff in there in no time. Good luck!

[@jonaswinkelmann8203]

Unbelievable that such a small youtuber makes so high quality videos. Keep going such a great vid!

[@michaelrechtin]

This is really well done! Looking forward to future projects!

[@haveagocommentator983]

"Far from perfect" you say. One of the fist things you learn as a machinist is nothing is "perfect". You did a great job , much respect.

[@kylepayton1036]

Such a great video. From the build to your explanations to your projects to editing it was all very well done. On the way to build my own now

[@Elymyntal]

Nice! You've given me the practical, not ridiculously expensive inspiration I've been looking for all week. Much appreciated.

[@tomreijtenbach7154]

Great build, best practical tutorial I have seen so far! I like that you condensed everything in a 15 minute video while still remaining clear. One tip I have from building my CNC is that those loose wires going into your arduino might cause you problems in the future. I would suggest making a shield with screw terminals to effectively lock the wires in. If a step or direction wire vibrates loose during machining, one or more axis can fail, resulting in a crash.

[@benmakeseverything]

Good idea. I should probably do that, but I also might switch it do something other than an arduino as the controller at some point.

[@eddymack8568]

You are absolutely an engineer. Great job. What you made is incredible

[@isaacsmothers820]

I was mesmerized by your work!! Very impressive. You were extremely descriptive and informative. Thank you for sharing your wonderful build with us 😊

[@Adanos_ger]

As others have already stated .. this randomly came up in my recommended videos. Great effort there, really like what you've created and the decisions you made.

[@treyvnl]

I’m currently going through my own CNC build and this gives me good inspiration and some ideas to implement on mine. Thanks for documenting the process so well.

[@benmakeseverything]

Glad to hear the video helped. Best of luck with your build!

[@lUnderdogl]

Use linear guide ways, not linear bearings. It will be stiffer.

[@benmakeseverything]

@@lUnderdogl I agree with this, If I built another machine I'd use those.

[@lUnderdogl]

@@benmakeseverything If you need any help you can write

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

Watched this twice I enjoyed it so much and it flowed so well. I usually can't even watch something ONCE w/out getting distracted. GREAT job, esp with crappy hand tools. Super impressive.

[@rhebostatfibulator6124]

Good Job, look forward to more from your channel. I went down the same rabbit hole over the last couple years and it's amazing how similar our results are. I went with large spindle/vfd and ESS to Gecko drives. Also had several large pcs of 1" T6 and access to lathe & mill but overall design turned out very similar. Keep em coming.

[@jackryan4313]

My friend, you now have a product. Don't keep this to yourself. You genuinely have an opportunity to give yourself the chance to never have to worry financially, as well as your kids You did amazing. I showed my dad, who is also a CNC machinist, and he too was both impressed and jealous. I'm truly amazed. Congrats

[@wayne6318]

WOW, you are one very clever man, to take on something so complex and achieve something so good. My hat goes off to you, and you've inspired me to see if I can achieve something similar. Hope to see more great videos from you in the future.

[@musicmakesmeloose]

Wow, looks amazing and really inspires me to try this out, though I am a bit hesitant regarding the electronics and programming aspects. Great project and great video!

[@carloshenriquecoutinho1199]

Awesome, great results. One day I'll do mine too. Waiting for more videos!! Congratulations Ben.

[@user-rd1st9io8m]

Just about to embark on the same journey so your project was a must see and an inspiration. I love the way you housed the electronics, I'm stealing that idea.

[@benmakeseverything]

Glad to hear you found it helpful. Best of luck on your project!

[@stantupper9995]

Excellent! So well done and so nicely presented!

[@DM-me3gb]

Very good job you did there! Not only the video is top tier, but also youre CNC is looking good and works just fine.

[@TwoToolDesign]

I cant tell you how many iterations I went through I had a reliably built CNC.. Yours looks and works great on your first try!

[@hotchow8766]

I subscribed after I saw your finished projects. People can talk a good game but the proof is in the production. You did well, better than I thought it would turn out.

[@RandomAudioGuys]

I watched your entire video and I am impressed, I started with a Buildyourcnc 4x8 kit, and is amazing how much you learn by putting one together and the ups and downs, I then purchased a Laguna IQ for our shop, 2x3 ft. And later a Industrial Artisan 408 to replace the Buildyourcnc ( Way over priced but they do work). And I was imaginging this taking you awhile to do and when you said 1 year, I was like, yes this stuff goes through so much that people will never understand in a 14 minute video. With all that said you did a very impressive video and kept it to the point, clean cut and full of the right knowledge that matters to someone wanting to build one. And remember this, you have to build the machine so it can build the machines, now you can mill all your parts on it and fine tune it, But you did an amazing job and I am very proud to become a new subscriber to your channel. I hope you find your place on the KZbin platform because you deserve it, pulling off a video that good so early on. PS, lasers are fun too :) Started with a cheap 400.00 Ebay laser and now have a Laguna EX-C 36x50. You should give one a try, they are far more amazing than a CNC when you learn how to use it to your advantage where a CNC cannot do tight corners.

[@benmakeseverything]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. I've actually been thinking of either adding a laser attachment, or just building a separate laser cutter as well.

[@alwayscensored6871]

@@benmakeseverything Guys have been cutting 19mm ply with a 20W laser diode. Not fast but it does work with air assist.

[@amorton94]

@Random Audio Guy Your laser is a CNC machine. A pet peeve of mine is when people only call routers/mills a CNC machine. Semantics really, I know, but still. A 3d printer is a CNC machine. Your laser is a CNC machine. The router/gantry mill in this video is a CNC machine. CNC simply refers to how the machine is controlled, by numbers/code sent to it by a computer.

[@q011519]

This is amazing, I would love a cost break down and maybe a build guide. I know I'm asking a lot but I would love to build one on my own.

[@joshuamahon260]

If you look in the description, he did put the products he used. I would think he didn't put the price as the prices may fluctuate. I haven't done the math myself, but another commenter stated around $1000, which for what it is, which is a really good price point all things considered. Many comparable CNCs would be at least double that. If you're just wanting to get a cheap/inexpensive machine, I would say this isn't the project for you.

[@steveg2021]

legitimately channels like this have inspired some of my favorite projects and i can't express my gratitude more.

[@SalaziNazz]

Wow, your DIY CNC machine build is seriously impressive! 🙌 Great job on tackling such a big project with limited tools!

[@suntzu6122]

Nice. I love finding new channels like this!

[@TheGeeHak]

Incredible video. Perfectly paced. Clearly described. So awesome

[@Cheshire-Coatings]

Pure genius Ben, absolutely brilliant!!

[@ebernabeo]

Further proof that hard work and determination, make a successful outcome! Great job!

[@naum900]

Very impressive! Great job with both the build and the tutorial!!

[@Renato_Paganini]

Thanks for sharing your design and the assembling process. I have the same fascination with CNCs and manufacturing in general, that you have. Probably, I will make one in the near future here in Brazil.

[@Sly_Wolf_1]

I'm just speechless 😶...... And totally envious! Magnificent machine and carvings.

[@clintonelliott340]

Very nice project. You have done exactly what I would like to do!

[@UrosRodic-qd8ve]

That surely wasn't cheap as people would imagine it to be... Nice build... coming from an engineer-constructor, props for your first time... welcome to the club!

[@jimnoonan7511]

Wow. You clearly are an engineer at heart! Great video. Very helpful and inspiring. Thanks

[@carl7162]

Dude your a pretty sick artist way beyond your mechanical skills. A true craftsman. Nice work and beautiful art.

[@jmotti23]

I was not prepared for the product showcase 😳 this is bloody inspiring!

[@user-ec8gu1rj8h]

Amazing video , nice editing and really to the point ! You helped me understand a lot of things about CNC . I m in the research of making one for my self and I m pretty sure that I will return to this video again for answers

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

That's pretty impressive. Thanks for sharing. Subscribed!

[@hoangky1240]

My God! You are a talent. My hat off Mr. Ben Makes Everything. Best regards from Melbourne, Australia.

[@roryodonovan3440]

An absolutely brilliant achievement. Well done !!!

[@Bellatrix9245]

This was wonderfully educational!! More power to you ❤ keep creating!

[@TheJacklwilliams]

Fantastic build Ben!

[@Ding_Bat]

Really great job! I followed a similar route, but I built a WAY smaller prototype (roughly 400 x 500 x 150mm) out of MDF first. Kind of a proof of concept designed in SketchUp. All the electronics for a larger machine were installed, though. It worked fantastically well - so much so that I used it as is for more than a year! During that time, I designed V2 of my CNC using Fusion 360. This one built out of aluminium extrusions and 16mm aluminium. The biggest change was to use 2 motors on the Y-Axis due to the size of the new machine. A lot of lessons were learnt from building the first machine, so all of those were incorporated into the new one. The new one was 1500mm x 1000mm x 450mm. The best part was that I used my MDF CNC to cut the parts for the new CNC. It was slow, but it worked, and it was accurate enough to enable me to assemble the new machine in less than a day! The only tools I used in constructing V1 were a jigsaw, handheld drill, screwdrivers, Allen keys, taps and glue. With V2 it was pretty much taps and Allen keys. I recently upgraded to a 1500W liquid cooled spindle, which made a MASSIVE difference. I have my eyes set on building me a similarly sized 100W laser CNC over the next couple of years… Happy CNC-ing!!

[@benmakeseverything]

Thanks! Sounds like you put a lot of thought into your designs. I like the idea of using the first machine to make parts for the next one!

[@vincentrodak9734]

"I'm not an engineer" (after engineering and fabricating a very capable and functional CNC router) ;) Great video by the way.

[@Omicron2280]

Fantastic work. I love your example pieces. You definitely made a quality machine. You should be very proud of yourself.

[@mikeeddy1099]

Mate like wow. I really don't think I've ever seen someone do what you have done here. I work in fabrication and we use industrial branded machinery and I kid you not, I haven't met someone who can produce a detailed and accurate product on a million dollar machine than what you have produced here. Also, your knowledge on CNC programming and CAD drawing is up there. I commend you sir.

[@joefog964]

Very well done. In case you ever have to tap tons of holes in metal in the future, opt for threaded inserts/helicoils. That way if you ever damage threads you can reuse the hole and not have to retread a hole.

[@user-xl5np5dp8n]

Thanks. Appreciate that you reported that it took a year. That is helpful.

[@Jptoutant]

Very interesting build, i like the surface with the inserts and the way you did breakouts for the motors

[@whizzleberry]

Incredible! What an amazing job!

[@dawnmarie6480]

Omg I'm so glad I found your video bc I've been going on about the different tools and various uses of the same basic framework designs

[@almackenzie2006]

amazing work, great documentation - thanks!

[@malcellison8831]

Wow! That is very impressive. Well done.

[@juansalgado6212]

Fantastic job! Just subbed. Keep up the great work!

[@QAYWSXEDCCXYDSAEWQ]

I love the wiring thing too! I beginning to think this machine is better than you would get commercially.

[@trisys2000]

I went through the video for a 2nd time and I tried to make a parts list as well as shop for the parts online, and I think I was able to find everything for about $1500. You may be able to save some if you shop around more, but as of today, I would expect to spend about that much to make it. Great video and great design.

[@CP-fz4sr]

PLEASE. Can you put a parts list? Or even better, where u got them from? I got some of the parts, as I do wood working, but I never built a CNC, and I been wanting to do one for years. I would appreciate the info. Thanks.

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

​@@CP-fz4srive seen other commenters saying that parts are listed in the description, might be a good place to check

[@dcurry7287]

@@CP-fz4sr At the $1500 price mark, you're pretty close to a PrintNC, and if you have the ability to make one of those, you'll have much more of a community to help you make it.

[@JuanManuel123ify]

Impresionante compañero.....Toda una obra de arte.....Mil gracias por su aportación a la comunidad.....Ya me he dado de alta de inmediato en su canal......A la espera de que siga subiendo más contenido tan interesante.....Un gran abrazo desde Las Islas Canarias (España).............Bendiciones.................

[@artursrikmanis]

what a cool build! inspiring!

[@bradpage8967]

Well you certainly can be proud of that machine!!! Great job!!

[@guipuinam370]

I do love the fantasy-themed end-products you created! thanks for sharing your year of work! XD

[@rccanuck4473]

OMG that's art I made one out of plywood and threaded rod . You've inspired me to do it right. Great Job

[@joemilich]

Holy shit. You are dedicated, my dude. It turned out looking fantastic. And your projects look awesome.

[@alwayscensored6871]

Shielded motor cables, nice tip. Especially useful on bigger machines.

[@Z3n1tHL0rD]

Indeed i will buy some of that for mine

[@rehman12390]

That is an excellent work. Good job.

[@Aequitas0Sports0]

WOW, Top quality content, subscribed!

[@clarkgriswold-zr5sb]

Excellent work!! You've inspired me.

[@waynebengtsson4650]

Awesome work, on the machine and the video. Here's hoping that you find the time to share more.

[@CyberScapeRides]

Loved the video. 😊 Good luck on your journey.

[@LucasMartins-op7oq]

Great job and video. Congrats!!

[@BEdmonson85]

You're doing something right, YT just recommended this video to me. Nice work.

[@Obsidian762]

This channel is one of the best recommendations KZbin has ever given me. Fantastic work! I immediately subscribed. I have an idea for another project as well. DIY tabletop lathe :)

[@chrishayes5755]

that's a big accomplishment. nice build!

[@RichardT2112]

You just got yourself a new sub! Nice project!

[@ecr6001]

Thanks for this easy understandable view. 👍

[@waynedow9227]

Great job! You are the kind of builder that I wish I was

[@ThePytercoyote]

This is awesome... I want to do the same thing for years!! Great job my friend. Now that I have a lot of time available could be the time to start. But I really need to watch the budget.

[@alineharam]

a very well-made and useful video. I appreciate your effort and final work. Inspiring.

[@happygilmore2100]

You did an amazing job, when there is a will, there is a way.

[@maticuchillos]

Great job!! Congratulations !! Please share some more videos to see how the machine works

[@HunterNX_s]

Simple and rigid design, very cool. One point you should take care is to protect any exposed connections, such as the stepper wire connection block, from aluminum chips that could cause a short.

[@karthikdevanahalli]

Great build buddy. Keep it up.

[@rubenp3461]

Very nice machine, congrats !

[@FredrikSvensson1979]

"How hard can it be?" Having this mentality and being stubborn has helped me a lot in life. Pretty quickly, or at the latest half way through what ever it is I thought I could do, my naivity usually dawns on me, but then the stubborness kicks in and I see it through any way. I've learnt so much this way, and I am really thankful for my slightly stupid but positive naivity. The only real way you can fail at things is by never trying at all.

[@benmakeseverything]

Well said!

[@hopelessnerd6677]

Nice work all around.

[@jacobtaylor1576]

Yep now I gotta build one since you made it look so easy. Great video btw.

[@PiefacePete46]

@Jacob Taylor : He did make it look easy! Pay extra attention to that tiny little segment where he said "It took me almost a year to get this thing built and running properly"! Still... it is very appealing... Good Luck... show us how it turned out! 😃👍

[@janiwirman]

Hey! I just made a very similar CNC at home myself, although a bit smaller than yours and added a tiny 4th axis. You make it look easy my friend! ...I wish I'd seen your video before I started my project because you got some pretty cool ideas there. Kudos! A fellow "not an engineer"