How I built a cnc router in my garage. 3D printed PrintNC

This is my finished printnc cnc router. Took way longer than I expected and isn’t quite done, but it’s good enough!

I’ve been building it over the past few months and documenting on my Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/prattceramics

I started the project in early 2021 and the first thing I purchased was this Dell optiplex 960 off of fb marketplace for $100.

I purchased a PrintNC kit that included all the major components off of AliExpress for about $1100. More details about the kit and PrintNC:

https://wiki.printnc.info/

https://threedesign.store/

I sourced and used 2”x3” steel tubing. The design can be adjusted to your requirements. I chose the “standard” size, which will have a cutting area approximately 36”x24”. I cut my steel to the required lengths.

There is a fusion360 model that has all the required hole locations and these markers that you 3D print.

You use a punch to mark each spot then either drill or tap the holes depending on the location.

It took a while to print all the parts.

Finally started assembling it.

The linear rails and ball screws are all included in the kit. I did purchase all my hardware from McMaster.

The completed base frame.

Had to print a few more parts before moving on.

Installed the first y-axis ball screw. This is when it actually started to feel real.

These are also included in the kit. I still needed to buy a few electronic components (24v power supply, wires, connectors, relays, switches) and that will all vary depending on your build.

Used petg to print the motor mounts.

The garage looked something like this for a while.

The steel frame is complete. Now I just need to disassemble and paint it.

I sanded all of them

Cleaned all the dust off.

Primer

A few coats of spray paint.

Built a table for it. It has rolling casters that can be leveled. It’s convenient if I ever need to move it around.

Used some osb for the top.

Started the final assembly of the frame.

This was another dry fit to make sure I had everything.

Now I just need to finish the z-axis and mount the spindle.

Spindle and z-axis parts.

I used plywood for the mounting plates, with the idea that I’d replace them with aluminum once I have the machine working.

Designed and printed these limit switch mounts. These are inductive switches, so they just need to be near metal to be triggered.

It looks close, but there is still a ton of work left.

Assembly with loctite on every screw.

Assembly. Pt.2

Now I get to work on the electronics.

Don’t really know what I’m doing, but the instructions on the wiki are very thorough and folks on the printnc discord are also very helpful if you run into any problems.

First moves!

Everything working now.

Could’ve managed this mess a little better.

This is a parallel port breakout board (BOB). It is what connects the computer (linuxcnc) to the router. All of the motor drivers and limit switches connect to this.

Getting the vfd and spindle set up was more of a pain than I expected, but I figured it out eventually.

It has a 2.2kw 24,000rpm water cooled spindle.

Safety first. Don’t touch anything. Danger noodles.

Getting closer to the finish line.

I got linuxcnc set up on the pc and everything wired correctly. I guess it’s time to try and drill a hole.

It works!

Pro tip: don’t sit your camera on the table.

Used 3/4” mdf for the wasteboard.

Drilled a few holes and mounted it to the frame.

Getting real sick of trying to get a bunch of screw holes to line up…

Added another smaller sacrificial piece to screw directly into when I’m holding workpieces.

First cut ever. I’m using fusion 360 for 3D modeling, cad/cam

Printed a magnet dust shoe that connects to the vacuum.

This is what it looks like today. I’m planning on using it to machine ceramic molds in the future as well as a bunch of other projects.

prattceramics.com