My DIY CNC Router build

This video is how I built my DIY CNC Router. I show what parts I used and how i've set up the electronics and computer. Below I've left links to the components.
Check out www.smokeyuncuffed.com
Iwata Revolution airbrush
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Nema 34 Stepper motors
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Whiteside 90 degree V-bit
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Whiteside 60 degree V-bit
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Mach 3 by Artsoft
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3M Worktunes with Bluetooth
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3m Safety glasses
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Dust mask
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Camera quick release
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Sony Handycam
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70" tripod
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Yonico 1/4" end mill bit
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1/8" end mill
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1/4" Ball Nose bit
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1/8" Ball Nose Bit
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60 inch ball screw (need 3 of these)
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Pair of Linear rails 60 inch
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3kw air cooled spindle
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breakout board
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z axis sliding table
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[@lowellyates6685]

I'm an Electronics Technician trained by the US Navy. To prevent ground loops, only ground one side of your shielding. That breaks the ground loop circuit and yet benefit from the shielding because it it at ground potential. Great video.

[@T0tenkampf]

Good advice, also keep low voltage DC in separate cables as the AC which it looks like he did.

[@lanovahova]

Absolutely the best, simple, sturdy DIY CNC build on You Tube

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@NostromoVA]

You are a no-nonsense man who built a no-nonsense machine. I applaud your ingenuity and resourcefulness! Great job!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you!! and thanks for watching!! I'm going to run over and see what you have going, i see you have a channel..

[@FrankSchneider-zx2dq]

I like the design of the Y-axis being on top of the machine frame instead of having two big ass aluminum pieces going from top to bottom of the machine. Thanks for the video. It completely changed my idea of building my 8080 machine.

[@makermania182]

If anyone (like myself) is designing a CNC, compare prices for linear guides and ballscrews on Aliexpress/Alibaba. This is where Amazon resellers get their products (and profits), so consider ordering in advance as you design your machine. If you purchase some things by mistake you will often still save $ over Amazon, buying twice on Ali (also look for a very reputable seller and you will always be happy). That said, consider the size and optimal speeds, feeds, and loads for the type of machine you're building (router, plasma, et cetera) as this will effect the efficiency of the unit in it's task. There are advantages/disadvantages to having larger/smaller guides or various screw pitches for resolution of cut. Something I'm still trying to wrap my head around. Finally, thank you for taking the time to make a video! I found some very helpful ideas here!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Good Tips!!....Thanks for coming over and thanks for watching!!

[@dh1569]

Great video. And finally, I've found a build that extends the verticals table supports above the work surface. I kept thinking the most difficult part of the build would be designing a sturdy gantry - problem solved. I don't understand why more machines don't use this configuration.

[@BillyBob-si2db]

FYI the bolt on your spindle Mount that doesn't go in, isn't suppose to. It is for loosening tension to release the motor if removing it.

[@darkwinter6028]

FWIW, you can’t fry a stepper motor by putting too much load on it; it’ll just stall and sit there vibrating. This will of course ruin your workpiece, but the motor will be fine. What will kill the motor, however, is setting the drive current too high for the motor (each motor, in the specifications, will list the amps that the driver should be set to).

[@repalmore]

I really like that you linked all the parts to their source.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

I wanted to make it easy for people who were interested....I need to go back through all the links and make sure they are all still good.....Thanks for watching!!

[@repalmore]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks The one for the aluminum plate is no longer good. I didn't check them all though.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

@@repalmore Ok Thanks I'm in the process of working my way through them...Thank you

[@IH1940HAY]

Excellent job of describing your build. You, like myself chose to raise the Y axis bits and pieces, makes for a much more rigid Machine rather than having the X axis high up on brackets. Yup you overbuilt, but nothing at all negative about that. One thing I would add is positive stops for all axis, just a good safety feature. One other thing, you can replace the plywood brackets and make ones out of one half inch aluminum and cut them on your machine, just take light cuts with an aluminum cutting bit, and use 6061 aluminum, it cuts grate. Some aluminum alloys are gummy stick with 6061. I cut several aluminum pieces of 1/2” in my CNC and I’m running nema 23’s.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Ok awesome info on the gussets, I would like to change it, if for no other reason the look of it...Thanks for watching!!!

[@tjkoker]

The great part about your video post is the listing of all the parts and/or components you used and where to find them. A small suggestion if I may: If you get inconsistencies on your x or y-axis' check your coupling reducers you show early in the video. Those were initially designed to be a protective release coupler for conveyor systems in the event of a jam so the motor would not overheat. They can be "sloppy" especially when it comes to a task as precise as a part of a CNC system. Other than that, great job. Welcome to the select group of youtube content providers.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Those came with the ball screws..Thanks for the info though if I should start to see any inconsistency I will be changing those first now!!! Thank you and thanks for watching!!!

[@T0tenkampf]

Those type are also used in industrial motor applications to prevent vibration as well as providing a failure point outside of an expensive pump or motor in the case of misalignment...should be fine.

[@andredehaan9006]

Love that your rockler clamp has a router gouge in it !!!!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

LOL!!! you know I did that like the first week I had the machine up and running, that was a year and a half ago and you are the first person to notice...LOL....Thanks for watching!!

[@andredehaan9006]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks Just shows your human :)

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

@@andredehaan9006 Oh trust me, there's more where that came from LOL!

[@jeffchartier5777]

I sincerely thank you for this. I have a small hobby business in San Diego where I need to get things CnC cut every month or two and have gotten to a point of burn-out in trying to schedule with local fab shops who are either too busy to deal with small guys like me who have small orders or worse, they will do it and will greatly overcharge me (like $100 for cutting out large sized pieces from 1 sheet of 4x8 plywood which takes 30 minutes). I had also joined a local DIY shop with a CnC which I learned how to use myself (and I use Vcarve too) but again, they have monthly fees and it's always an issue to schedule time exactly when I need it. Suffice to say I just want my own unit so that I can cut on demand as required. I had also looked at smaller 2x2 or 3x3 systems for plastics and wood but I really want something much more beefy and larger that can also handle up to 36" x 72" of 3/4 plywood. I know pass depth is an obvious factor in all that as far as motor power, but you know what I mean as far as time is concerned in cuts. I also weld too and have recently got into tig for aluminum so everything you've done here is 100% what I need and well within my skill set. I am also looking at a 4x4 plasma cnc but that I will just buy outright as I sometimes need to cut steel as well. You did a great job!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Awesome!!! If I had Tig capabilities I would have done a aluminum frame, I just had the metal on hand and had to buy very little....Do a lot of tack welding when your first doing all the joints....I had probably 4-6 tacks on every side at every joint before I hard welded (I was afraid of the expansion and contraction that comes with welding) and by doing it with a bunch of tack welding i minimized movement....Keep me updated on your progress....My email is [e-mail]....Thanks for watching!!

[@goldridgedesign9069]

thanks for showing off your machine, it gives me inspiration

[@TonyPannell]

First things first, hearing your accent has really made me homesick. Secondly tell that little lady to make some videos! My friend has been leaning on me to help him with his embroidery machine and oddly I just can't wrap my mind around the whole thing like I can CNC or 3D printing.. What I came here to say is GREAT FREAKING JOB on what seems to be an over-engineered and stout router setup! I am going to begin my first build soon and the whole reason I searched KZbin this morning was to determine what exactly was needed in order to not run into issues with underpowered or overstressed motors etc.. your machine is every bit as nicely made as a commercial machine that would sell for as much as the nice truck I assume you likely.drive.. It appears that you had a vision and we're able to foresee every issue that might arise beforehand and I'm so glad I found your video.. I will be subscribing and I look forward to watching all of your videos AND those your wife makes when she finally sees how much she could benefit others with her wealth of professional knowledge! Thanks again, and next time you're in Austin Texas feel free to stop in and critique my handiwork!

[@pr00009]

LOVE YOUR DESIGN. my next build will have elements of this one. thank you very much

[@jeremyallan6580]

Thank you for your service to the state of Oklahoma. Badass cnc router.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@nedgligich]

Big Hello from Sydney, Australia Nice Build, I think you have done an excellent overkill job, love you choice for linear rails and ball screws, I would have gone with a water cooled spindle though. My suggestion or ideas to improve/simplify just some minor things are: Get plastics cable drag chains to tidy up your wiring, one day you are going to trip and on a vest case scenario rip out some wires and damage some equipment. PC Cooling, remove the fan blowing out in the computer box, you want positive pressure inside the box, meaning you only have fans blowing into the box, this will prevent dust being sucked in through holes or cracks. I would get rid of the box with the filter and the ducting, place that second fan next to the fan with the silver duct coming in, then make a frame on the outside to hold your filter on the outside of box so the computer fans are drawing air directly through the filter, place an awning over the filter so dust wont fall directly onto the filter. get a squirrel cage blower to suck at least the fine and medium dust particles up you can blow this outside if you are country or you can use a cyclonic dust extractor.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and Thanks for watching!!

[@loskop100]

I did away with the limits switchs because they kept triggering estops that no amount of shielded wire and ferrite rings could cure. Also, unless you use really expensive proximity switchs they are not accurate enough for homing either. I just made some hard stops at the ends of the travel and drive the machine into them for homing and maintaining the squareness of the gantry which I check often because lost steps are inevitable. Good looking solid build there, good job.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

I decided here while back that I wasn't going to bother with them either, i'm there watching anyway.....and yes I have ran into lost steps occasionally...I've just got a couple of marks on each side that I know are square and i can measure and make sure the gantry is square....Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@michaelkeymont501]

It looks like you’re missing the pre-load nut and C clip at the ends of your ballscrew, for holding the ballscrew in place in the bearing blocks. Potential source of backlash and slop. Also, just FYI, those SBR20 linear rails are prone to coming loose over time. The cylindrical steel part is bolted to the aluminum base with some bolts. Take the rails apart and put some Locktite Red threadlocker in there to help them stay together. I actually had one come apart, and it took AGES to find where the slop was coming from.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

There is a C clip at the end of the ballscrews, the locktite is a great tip...I'll be doing that soon!..Thanks .....and thanks for watching!!

[@cd7140]

I like to use vibra tite thread locker as it is less prone to vibrations where as locktite will start to fracture

[@michaelkeymont501]

@@cd7140 funny, I wrote that comment 2 years ago, and just a few days ago, I noticed that the clip popped off of the bottom of my Z axis. Sure enough, I was able to lift the entire Z axis up by about 1/4”, with only the weight of the axis keeping it down. I replaced the clip and now I’m back to zero slop. Vibra tite - I’m going to pick some of that stuff up. Thanks!

[@TERRYB0688]

Hi Terry from Scotland here, what a nice job, very strong, but possible for most thinking guys to build, just what I'm looking for but half the size, I'm a fabricator and machinist , electronic parts a bit daunting but I'll use KZbin for that, cheers pal all power to you

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Awesome!! you already have the knowledge to do the build easily!! You'll have to send me some pics when you get it built!...Thanks for watching!

[@mpedmar9701]

Very informative video ! Great build. Stay happy, healthy, hydrated and safe. May God continue to bless you and your family.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@jamespotter4878]

I am a full time FF in Oklahoma with a small cabinet shop. I really like your cnc. I have been wanting one for my shop for a long time. Good job on the build. And congratulations on the retirement.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you!!!...You should build one!! or buy one!!....I'll help you with any info i have on my process...You could make some awesome cabinet doors!!...I've been ask to do some but we have a large cabinet shop in town and I told the owner i would stay away from cabinets, unless they are for myself.....It would add a great tool to your process!!!...Thanks for watching!!

[@wlwillis68]

Great build. I am tackling a 4x8 machine and will be using some of your design and components! Thx for sharing!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You Bet!!....I'd love to have a bigger machine, room to put the machine stops me!

[@BillyBob-si2db]

Excellent video, I enjoyed it and it is a great build.... Not sure if anyone told you, but the middle left bolt on your spindle mount isn't suppose to go in, it is there to assist with removing the spindle from the mount. After loosening the mounting screws, you tighten in that "third" bolt which will then force open the mount allowing the spindle to slip out. Keep up the great work. Thank you for sharing.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Yes, thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@dptp9lf]

Center bolt is a spreader for removing the spindle. Nice looking DIY unit!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thanks for watching!!

[@21thTek]

Thanks for an excellent video tutorial, everybody has different ideas and approaches, everybody always has something to teach you, thanks for sharing your very valuable knowledge

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You bet!!!....I'll help you all I can....Thanks for watching!!

[@xyzebruh1083]

thanks for the video and your service, very helpful video. Currently going on 13.5 years in the infantry US Army branch, cant wait to retire lol

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

And thank you for your service!!!!....and it is great to finally not have to go in to the regular "work" anymore and able to spend more time doing my own thing...Thanks for watching!!!

[@ratmanfpv9017]

Big kudos to you man really good job explaining what you have and not what everybody else have and should have. Do I have to video I felt your pain and your love for the machine. I built mine over 2 years ago and I love it it's not the best but I built it and it works great keep up the good job

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Awesome!!!...there was no more of a satisfying feeling than when I fired it up and did that first graphic!!....Thank you and thanks for watching!!!

[@woodysurbanforestryproduct4091]

Just the main steel stand support stand, height, length, width. I have started the order of parts on Amazon. Thank you for your all of you help,

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Ok, I'm out of town today so I'll try to get out there and get those tomorrow

[@seabreezecoffeeroasters7994]

For a 'non youtuber' this is a really nice no BS nuts and bolts how or if to consider rolling your own router. As mentioned by another Fusion 360 with a few plugins is well worth a look Free (for business use under $100k) and very powerful and very good export features to Mach3, 3d printers, laser cutters etc. Not so good for artistic work but it can be made to.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and Thanks for watching!

[@tommeyliu4995]

Hello, I am a professional woodworking engraving machine here, I hope I can help you.

[@richardjoly4365]

Hey from Canada ! This is sweet! Keep uploading cool stuff like this. I want to build a cnc machine too and its cool to see how other people have done it. Thank you

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Awesome thanks for coming over and watching...I really need to do a reboot of the build one of these days, I just stay busy with orders and thats usually what your seeing when I cut them....Thanks for watching!!

[@timw1452]

Thanks for proving links to all of the components.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You bet!! let me know if any of them don't work...sometimes they stop working because the company I have listed stops selling them....Thanks for watching!!

[@tomcatmeow69]

great build, I've built a few over the years and the latest is using an arduino which opens up the door to free to hobbyists and students cad cam drawing software called fusion 360 which provides all the data for cut paths to run the cnc... just my opinion but way better way . My next build I think I'll do a youtube and make a 4x8 plasma cutting table /system.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

I looked at a fusion 360 trial for awhile and messed with it some but after using vectric vcarve and found the ease of use so much better, but yes fusion is a powerful program...and you should do youtube!!! a plasma would be nice, I've just worked in wood for much longer.....Thanks for watching!!!

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

Wow! overbuilt takes a new meaning! Very nice workmanship. Thanks for filming and sharing - I hope there's more to come!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!!

[@dggoslee]

The center bolt on your spindle mount is to press the mount apart for removing the spindle

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Yes, Thanks...I had someone point that out right after i released the video...but still good info, i had no idea..Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge, and absolutely let me know if you see anything that i clearly don't know...Thanks for watching!!!!

[@lotfiboutebal233]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks hi man, i am interesting in making my product prototype mold from wood and i would to collaborate with you doing this and making a deal about it, i hope we will continue this discussions in private, so if you are interested or would to know more please kindely write me your email adress in the comment and mention my name or this my email : [e-mail] Thank you

[@mr.diyventor8925]

*Check also my cnc machine **kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGKUhplsgs-srrc** from printer A4 and scanner. 👍*

[@truth6027]

Truly amazing that you build your on CNC. I’m at my wits end trying to find a larger platform and feel I might have to build my own.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You sure won't regret it...I really enjoy mine and make money with it too.....Thanks for watching!!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

That thing is STOUT nice build. I'm surprised how cheap the ball screws are. I though they would be crazy pricey.

[@Hazdazos]

Big thumbs up for having a nice video and listing out your bill of materials.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@asiffmohammed2376]

really considering making my own, thanks for the insight and inspiration

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You Should!!! they are a ton of fun...Thanks for watching!!

[@PaulDominguez]

That's a Beast of a CNC!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you!! I like to build things thats hard for me to break!!! LOL...Thanks for watching!!

[@pierregauthier3077]

That bolt is meant to spread the clamp open if you want to remove the motor.

[@moerichard3110]

If you are using Mach 3 you don't need limit switches, just set up soft limits. They work great.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

I read your post a bit ago, and i've been reading about soft limits on Mach 3...I never went in and set any of these up!!...I'm not in the shop at the moment but i believe the button is there on the home screen...I'm going to study up on em and probably set some up, some sort of safety limit would be nice...Thank you for the input!!...and thanks for watching!

[@noraincotter6140]

Good to watch ,may build it myself how hard to wire up.Thanks Bill

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Most of the wiring I did through the help of the people on CNCzone.com, a forum for CNC, the people on there are very knowledgeable...Thanks for watching!!

[@thomasryan8218]

You did a great job on your CNC machine. I was a tool and die maker in Connecticut for 45 years.i saw you on the Arms Family Homestead channel. I really enjoy your channel.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

+Thomas Ryan Thank you!! As odd as it will sound I enjoyed building it!

[@sixwheelsdown7453]

Hey Brian ! Thanks for putting this video together. This is really a fine machine. I have made 3 CNC machines, but whe have been full time RVing for a few years, so i got rid of everything. We just bought a house in Seaside Oregon, so now I'm so excited to build my 4th CNC. I got very inspired by your CNC. It is such a solid machine - and that is so important if you want accuracy. I love the solid steel frame and steel gantry. The wooden reinforcement of the Z-axis is really important as well to avoid deflection, especially when you cut circles. I just love all about this solid machine. I'm curious to hear if you have tried milling aluminum with it? I could imagine it would be solid enough for that. I used to make guitars with my CNC. It had to be very accurate. One trick I can share with you from that is: Put a surface roughing bit in the spindle and let it take of 1 mm of the entire surface of your sacrificial board. This way you are 100% sure, that the surface follows any inaccuracy in your machines gantry and side rails. This trick made a world of difference for my machines. Thanks again for sharing your video - it is really good and I will build a better machine with your inputs and ideas in mind. Thor.

[@shawnaspooner5094]

Brian, this set you've done is really amazing. I used to be a CNC operator for a cabinet shop and ran a Biesse CNC dinosaur which probably cost thousands more but never ran without tons of problems. With all the mechanical work I had to do on it I could probably build one myself. Anyway, you did build one and you did an awesome job!! It does beautiful work to btw. 🙂

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you, and I your right you could build one...The main reason I built instead of bought was so I knew how it all worked and went together, if it breaks I know the guy that can fix it!!!...Thanks for watching!!

[@T0tenkampf]

Thanks for this info, I like the way it is overbuilt. It is interesting to me that you stacked the X and Y rails horizontally instead of vertically like most machines. I have often wondered about that since I tested several sliding miter saws for an extremely accurate application and went with the one that had horizontally stacked linear rails...it handles side to side deflection better than the others. I am definitely going to follow your build here once I figure out how the computer to CNC interface control works...I am pretty familiar with mechanical and electrical instruction and 2D CAD but the thing in between is new to me. Congrats on your retirement, I patrolled Houston for a while before my wife couldn't take the stress anymore.

[@harriethijssen6461]

Great machine, will be my next project. A few general questions: 1. Stand weight. I guess that helps to prevent “jerkiness” of the table? You mention you had the material laying around/readily available, but could aluminium work? I’m a bit worried about 800lbs (I will assemble in one place, but then need to move it around to another place) 2. Squared-ness. You mention all has to be absolutely square. I agree, but I think it’s really the rods, gantry, carriage and spindle need to be square, correct? Having the table not totally square is ok, but rods etc need to be square. I’m thinking of adding a few laser pointers to allow for squaring these up easily. 3. Endstops. Did you finally add endstops to this rig....? 4. Camera suggestion. Have you heard of the DJI Osmo products (www.dji.com/ca/osmo-mobile-2?site=brandsite&from=landing_page)? I bought one of these for my wife for Christmas last year so I can record her dog training endeavours. She never gets to use it (I love techie toys), but does appreciate the results. This gadget may help making more “gentle” videos 5. Resolution/precision. I’m thinking of adding another head for 3D printing of larger pieces. This will require 0.1mm stepsize in X, Y and Z. Any feedback on the precision of your machine? I will most likely use 5’ length rods and ball screws just so the table can handle 4’ material, and design the whole setup in something like Autodesk Inventor. This way I can simulate the moving parts, and hopefully ensure that the design space is a true 4x4 feet. I think I will also use a “vertical” X-axis (one rod above the other rod on the gantry), as opposed to the “horizontal” plane that you have: I think this will help making a true 4x4 design space. Sorry for the long write up.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

1..Yes, I think aluminum would work great, if the "jerking" around moves the machine you could always use weight bags, or concrete anchors... 2..Yes, correct, just the rails have to be square (and perpendicular axis) however it is very nice being as close to possible to square when laying out your material for a project.. 3...No I haven't added any safety features to speak of, just have a emergency stop... 4..I have hear of Dji, they make camera and drones, I know very little about them...I'm currently using a Sony Ax53 4k... 5..I haven't ever set down and measured precision and accuracy...and Yes on the gantry, I have actually made a couple of more video's about the machine where I talk about this very thing for the gantry....Have a Merry Christmas and thanks for watching!!

[@harriethijssen6461]

Smokey's CNC Woodworks , thanks for your answers and experience sharing. I have a similar camera (size wise, not quality) but find it awkward to handle: it’s made for small hands. Take a look at the dji thingy (it’s not a drone). It’s an gimbal that you can mount your cell phone on. It will keep images stabilized and will smooth movements. Great value for the money (no, I don’t work for dji, not do I receive any commissions). Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@micro963]

Thank you for sharing great video 👍👍👍 I love your machine built and setup. Is there a DIY motor/controller kit I can buy thru Amazon that will allow me to succeed in having a functional machine? I noticed you bought everything separate, but I wouldn’t know how to put it together. Thank you

[@Jlatonie]

Nice Job looks awesome. The bolt on your spindle mount that you think is cross threaded is for spreading the mount apart in case your spindle is giving trouble going in. Thanks for sharing your build.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Oh ok awesome!! Thank you for the info!!!.....Thanks for watching!!

[@joelwandimi6962]

this video will change my life. thanks man. I have always known that it can be done the right way at a very low cost

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You bet shoot me a pic when you get it up and running!!! and or holler, if I can help I will...Thanks for watching!!

[@joelwandimi6962]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks sure will. You're welcome

[@MrPaparoe]

I am very impressed. With the build and your presentation. I am supposed to studying for my semester finals but this caught my eye during my break. Well worth the distraction. lol

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you!!! uh hmmm oh as a parent of a Sr. in college, "GET BACK TO YOUR STUDIES!!!" LOL!! really doesn't work on her either....Thank you for watching!!

[@MrPaparoe]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks I finally went to bed about 11pm but I can't turn my brain off. I'm old enough (64) to order myself to study but I don't listen to me very well either. I did get about 2/3 finished before I quit for the night. My first test is at 4pm (today?) so I still have plenty of opportunities to procrastinate between now and then.

[@whitetailhollowacres6917]

Really interesting to see this build. I've purchased a lower end model CNC about 5 years ago. I'm self taught and still have a lot to learn. I'm able to limp my way through most of it. I'm a cabinet builder who uses my machine mostly for cutting boxes but I also do some engravings as a sideline. I am wanting to expand my CNC to a 5 X 10 so I can make better use of my material for counter tops. Your build gives me some inspiration to expand my current machine. It looks like it would take some time and planning, but it's doable. Thanks!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Oh absolutely doable!!! if you need any help just give me a shout I'll tell ya all I know about it...Thanks For watching!!!

[@BB-wj8dv]

Thanks for the video, I got a store bought machine a few years back and while I'm getting my money out of it, it just isn't good enough. I've been designing my own machine and it really helped to see someone who did one out of steel as I want to do. Glad to hear the 34s might be overkill, my machine is going to be a lot smaller than yours, but I was worried.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

The nema 34's probably are overkill however I haven't regretted using the larger steppers ....Thanks for watching!!!

[@chrissmith3340]

Nice sold build. One thing on your shielded wire. Make sure it's only grounded(drain) on one end. If the shieldeding touches any other grounded object it will not work.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Interesting, guess I hadn't thought about, but i only have them grounded on one end (only because I read about installing it but it didn't give the why and I hadn't givin it another thought) Thanks for the info and Thanks for watching!!

[@shane462]

nice work man! i would like to make one but i dont anything about programming

[@Patriotdesigns]

I’ve been searching I just wanna make sure I get the right stuff

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You bet, I'll give those links a look and try to make sure they work...Thanks for watching!!

[@Patriotdesigns]

How bout you just come to Ohio my family’s all from Kentucky so all the women are good cooks well feed you and I’ll pay you and we’ll just build one lmfao

[@JonathanRansom]

Thanks for sharing. It is cool to see how people build their custom CNCs!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

+Jonathan Ransom Thank you!! And yes there are a bunch of different styles with drive systems and parts and different software, I just did a ton of research first to try to determine what would be best for me, and I enjoyed building it!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@j.hankinson7803]

Thanks for posting all the info. Way overkill as you say but it won’t be breaking anytime soon.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

+Jeff Hankinson I’m hoping it won’t!! Thanks for watching!!

[@johnconnor4594]

Large, sturdy..& Incredibly nice! Very inspiring to build one.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you!! it was a process, but I learned a ton!....Thanks for watching!!

[@amitbuch]

Cool gadget. Love the specs and massive drivers. Congrats.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@amitbuch]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks any chance you can share some more info on actual build, your experience buying the materials, tolerance adjustments and any sample creation on that rig ? We would love to see it in action.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

@@amitbuch You know I've been thinking about a kind of reboot on the build video, I'm much more comfortable in front of the camera now, I don't guess I know what you mean by sample creation.......I didn't have plans or anything written down, I just had it in my head how it should go.........I'll work on a new video on it (it will be a few weeks out, I have several orders lined up to cut)...Thanks for watching!!

[@lsdave]

Looks a lot like sbirdrach's design. I have similar components and will be building a smaller version of this. Great job.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@Marsten-ix3ti]

Limit switches are easily available out of a microwave oven they put up to a half dozen In each one , of coarse they can be bought on the cheap too. Just fyi. Good job on the build

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

I actually did purchase some, I've just never messed with setting them up, once I got it up and running I was ready to start cutting!!...Thanks for watching!!

[@PaganWizard]

You can find break out boards that have USB connections to be able to connect to newer computers and tablets.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Yes there are more current break out boards, when I was building this, I read a lot of stuff where people were struggling with the setup...Thanks for watching!!!

[@thomasreynolds1530]

Good call on the aluminum wire! Way cheaper for the current supported.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

It works really well!!...Thanks for watching!!

[@Millsbritish4x4]

Great video! good on you for having a go, made me feel inspired to build my own... Cheers

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You should!!...You won't regret it!!...Thanks for watching!!

[@ooshybermi8310]

Great detailed video with loads of great information on the how to and whats required, thanks for putting so much time into this!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

+Ooshy Bermi thank you....yes it took a while to work through everything and even longer to gather up all the info on parts again but I wanted all the info out there Thanks again

[@AFishyExperience]

First time watching your videos. Happy retirement!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@Ron-FabandBuild]

Very nice build. Great job and great video on the build. Have been looking to build my own and now the fire has been rekindled to do so in the near future. Thank you for all the valuable information. Enjoy your machine.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you !! and awesome, i think you should build one!! If you need any info/help I'll tell you all I know and some resources I used. contact at [e-mail]. Thanks for watching!!

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

Great explanation and a very cool machine. I want one now !!! 😁

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

You need one!!!....They are a lot of fun and you can create just about whatever you can imagine!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks That all I need. More convincing !!! 😂 👍

[@adrianguirola6791]

maybe you want to come up with something to clean the rods, some kind of wiper or something, bellows could be a good idea, those linear bearings can take so much dirt until they star working like hell. Other than that I think is a fabulous machine.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

I use lithium grease on them, after it dries very little sticks to the rails.....Thanks for watching!!

[@rashmiranjannayak3251]

Really good job and nice presentation.Thanks for sharing.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@timothy1024_]

How did you wire two motors on the "Y" axis? I have been looking at control boards but I am a little confused because they only have one out put for each of the axis. A few other boards have multiple axis out puts, ex. X,Y,Z, and then A,A (A having a slave). Are you able to tell the software to use A and A (Slave) as a "Y" Axis? Thanks!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Yes, In mach 3 (Controller software) there is a slave option. So I have Y and A slaved, and works great...Thanks for watching!!

[@muffincomic]

I really like your design ! Thanks for sharing ! Have a wonderful day !

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you for watching!!! and you have a great day as well!!

[@daviddepuy9843]

That air cooler box would work better with a fan mounted above above the filter. A square fan with the filter behind the fan would work better.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

yes the flow would be better but my thought is that would be one more thing sucking in a lot of sawdust and eventually burning up the fan. Although if i bought a fan made for this kind of ventilation and not a cheap 10 dollar walmart, it would probably work great. Thanks for watching..

[@alanboyce7109]

Do you have any plans to make the table lower and raise? also what about a geared circular piece in the middle of the table for a true 5 axis? I am designing this in cad at the moment.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

No I really havent looked at going more complex 5 axis would be awesome, If you get that going you have to start a channel!!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@sigguy1361]

Very cool! I haven't searched your channel, but if you have time you should do a demo video of the CNC in action! Congrats on retirement - I had mine late last year and glad to be out of the rat race. Stay safe buddy

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

For the most part thats what the majority of my videos are is the machine and I doing projects....and I hear you, I keep getting ask if i miss it, and its a resounding NO!!....Thanks for watching!!

[@sigguy1361]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks Same here. Don't miss the drama or the crappy parts, but I do miss my "work family", though I still make it a point to keep in touch and do lunch and stuff. Now I've got my own ww business and it's hardly work! ;o). cheers

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

I'm Much the same I talk to several of them regularly and have gone and met them for breakfast and lunch a few times.....We already had 2 businesses, I sold one and started doing CNC for trade shows and thought while I was at it I would just show what I was up to on youtube.....email me at [e-mail]

[@Building_Bluebird]

Brian, this is a really nice build. How has it performed for you? I'm about to build a DIY 5'*10' table with NEMA motors. Appreciate your parts links, but done are now dead due to the age. But having the part names helps!

[@makjehadi2452]

Awesome video with detailed information! Thank you for sharing knowledge!!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@therambler3833]

whats the part called that you tap on ballscrew glide? were did it come from i have 6 footer ball screws 20 mm 1800mm and i cant seem to find them so i can screw the gantry plate on

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

That is 1/2" aluminium that I cut down to 5" x 9" plates and attached the glide...Thanks for watching!! email me at Smokeyscnc@gmail and I will go get exact measurements and take a pic if you like..

[@Phodis]

Love the design, this thing looks tough!!!.. Well done sir.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@Phodis]

Hi Smokey....Well, after scouring the internet, google searching, and countless youtube videos; I have now decided to shamelessly copy the general design of your machine. I like how none of the ball screws are hiding under tables etc, it's just the best I have seen anywhere!!. The machine looks like a beast, and you obviously put a lot of thought into it. I appreciate your comprehensive overview. My ~"copy"~ will be 3.5ft x 2.5ft .... and unfortunately 90% wood as not only do I not have a welder...but lack the necessary skills to work it even if I did lol. I ordered all the parts today and can't wait to get into this project. I used to have a cheap Chinese 60x40 ... which in all honesty worked well.. but was way to small to actually make projects without having multiple sheets... I will use Aspire (my favorite design software), and probably Mach3 which I still have laying around here somewhere. I have way too much time on my hands at the moment, so it will be a full time job for me build wise, over the next few weeks.... I'll let you know how I go :) Cheers again.

[@Phodis]

Update!! :) I finished building my CNC machine!!! ... I was on a tight budget and had a great amount of luck when hunting garage sales. I got an old steel bed frame that I ripped apart and built a really nice machine with. I used the ball screw method on all axis 1m x .5m x 30cm with Nema23 motors and TB6560 controllers to control 2x X axis and the Y and Z. I bolted the machine to an extremely strong steel frame to lift it to chest height...lol it weighs a freaking ton. I built a shelf under the spoil board to hold the PC that runs Mach3...and my favorite part was a monitor and keyboard/mouse stand that's built onto the side. Yeah took a while, but I stuck to your design (although I did take your advice and rotate the Y axis 90degrees to give a little more cutting area on the X axis. I have been spending a crazy amount of time on Aspire generating dozens of projects. Anyways it's built like a tank and I wanted to thank you for your inspirational design. You rock Smokey Cheers!..

[@michaeljoe9835]

Well done! Great to see your idea on a home build machine!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you!!....I did a lot of research and liked the design of this style...lots of head scratchin!....thanks for watchin!!

[@motopreserve]

Very nicely done. Amazing these things are still running on the old Mach3. Mine is as well. I've flirted with the "upgrade" the Mach4, but I always end up with "don't fix what's not broke...." :)

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

When i first started building, all the forums were talking about gliches with mach 4 at the time...and so i just went with what was proven mach 3...I believe they probably have the issues worked out now, but i'm with you, its working great some I'm not going to fix whats not broken either!.....Thanks for watching!!!

[@1pcfred]

Upgrade to LinuxCNC

[@motopreserve]

I've looked into it - and would love to give it a try sometime. But for now, that would be an upgrade path that would take far longer than I personally have right now.

[@1pcfred]

@@motopreserve can't spare the 5 minutes it takes to install? OK gotcha. You must be fun around the holidays.

[@motopreserve]

While I admit I'm no computer wizard, I have installed and swapped a piece of software or two. Unfortunately, I have never had your described quick and smooth transition while changing to a new operating system (or creating dual boot???), installing unfamiliar software, getting up to speed on the interface, and having a machine running correctly in 5 minutes. Sadly, I also admit no one has ever accused me of being fun around the holidays...

[@fred_derf]

Great build! I love seeing people building stuff like this, but I have a couple of comments. Have you grounded your shielding? If you want it to stop radio signals you have to give it somewhere to send them, i.e. to ground. Your air box doesn't look very efficient, the way you have the fan just sitting in the box will just swirl a lot of the air around inside it rather than moving it down the vents. Buy another one and duct then directly into the exhaust vents. You've got bare wire sticking out of your breakout board -- that's a risk of shorting out. Parallel ports are 25 pin. Seriously consider adding limit switches, you can't maintain 100% concentration on your system the entire time it's working (you're human). Something can go wrong and your gantry can run off the end in the time it takes to have a sip of coffee, read a text message, answer the door, etc.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you!!...Yes the shielding is grounded......The airbox is one of the items I've still got to add on to, I plan to actually duct the air from the attic to cut the dust intake even more....I actually have a full dust collection system setting in the next room that I haven't got set up yet that I plan on adding to that room......and limit switches, I knew I'd get called out on em for not having them and that's ok, I do plan on adding them but it will probably wait until after I'm christmas, I'm getting covered up with Christmas orders at the moment, so most of the time I'm out there I spend working on products.....Thanks for watching!!

[@fred_derf]

@@SmokeysCNCWoodworks, just to make it clear because it's so easy to misinterpret text, please don't take anything I wrote as negative. It's an impressive build, I'm jealous.

[@1pcfred]

I run soft limits and I've never had a crash. But then again I don't run Windows either. Coincidence? I think not!

[@fred_derf]

@@1pcfred And I wear my seatbelt every time I drive a car even though I've never had a crash.

[@1pcfred]

@@fred_derf I just wear a seatbelt to avoid a ticket myself. I've crashed a bunch of cars already too. Never had a seatbelt on any of them times either. I'm durable.

[@mikepearson1376]

What IPM’s can you get for your rapid movements?

[@woodysurbanforestryproduct4091]

Thank you for sharing, I appreciate you showing that information, it may take awhile however I'am going to build one. If you have any more to share please keep me in the loop. Woody the Urban 1 Forester

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Awesome, I think you should, you can create some great stuff with it!!!....I'm planning to do one in the future over the wiring if I can figure out how to get my electronics box out with unwiring it!!! LOL....Thanks for watching!!

[@jodysappington7008]

this was interesting.....a whole lot of work and thinking went into this...thank you for sharing

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

+Jody Sappington Yes I can confirm I did a lot of standing, scratching my head in deep thought....Thanks for watching

[@franciscobaez1528]

Hi brian I have a question about you set up on the y axis with nama 34 I try to build 4 feet by 8 feet y axis motor can run ok but some time want run opacity direction one go one way the other the other way

[@Monuments_to_Good_Intentions]

Nice video. I wonder if there is a good option for updated computer and software and all the electronics to run it. Im looking into building one right now

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

the computer side, I bought a rebuilt computer with minimal memory and the minimum windows version needed for Vectric Aspire, I usually recommend Vectric Vcarve, cheaper and does most of what I do, aspire adds 3d which I don't do much of......I bought the computer off of ebay for $95

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

reason for a cheap computer, it stays in the shop all the time

[@DanGoodBBQ]

Thank you for your public service, cool video!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@TheRainHarvester]

Great machine! I use wooden hold-downs because they are cheap and sometimes I cut very close to the edge. You might be able to see them in some of my cnc videos.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

I have considered using wood hold-downs, because if i did get into them not near as big of a deal!....Thanks for watching!!!!

[@TheRainHarvester]

Smokey's CNC Woodworks , I like your metal but adjustable machine. It is stiff. I subscribed. I also do cnc videos. I made a $200 machine but wow is it accurate. I built it especially to make parts for a super secret project that I will soon reveal. :-)

[@valveman12]

Nice CNC table!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@MuddFlappRanch]

Awesome build! Thank you for your service and good luck with your retirement.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you!!! and thanks for watching!!!

[@stevenrobinson9610]

Please sell SketchUp file plans? I like how you build or should we say over build!

[@DOCDARKNESSREAL]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge 👍 well explained

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

My hat`s off to you sir! Excellent machine and excellent walk through!

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!

[@junkfixer803]

nice job

[@karlfimm]

Excellent information, thanks. Gave me some ideas for my next cnc (wife is demanding we have a bigger machine, what can you do?).

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Lol...Heck yeah!...i'm hoping to upgrade in the future too..Thanks for watching!!

[@kennethkustren9381]

You could just buy some 1"round aluminum rod.... make your own clamps with a file, drill and tap.... right ?? right there on that nice CNC machine.... also,.. you could try a few panels with perforations,... to create sections of vacuum hold-down.

[@kennethkustren9381]

www.buildyourcnc.com ?? p.s..... much software is 128bit security ... most graphics cards internally are also 128bit and 64 bit hardware and software... and there are few people who know all the idiosyncrasies of all components. You could have bought and used an ATX 700W P/S for powering all those drivers... and some stepper controllers don't need drivers.... Sorry you don't learn more beefore you started. Nice job on your though, I have few irks of it's beauty !! My 3rd machine is gonna be glorious.

[@SmokeysCNCWoodworks]

Awesome sounds like you really know your stuff!!!....I've looked at vacuum tables and decided thats something i can always add later. The clamps were a solid alternative to building my own and the T-track was a easy solution..Look forward to watching your build....Thanks for watching