I Want a CNC Machine

[byalexandr]

Someone get me started. What kind of CNC machine can I get on a steep budget, and where will it get me. I want to get started in this area, mostly to use for making PC cases and other small parts. A simple 3-axis one (I think that's what it's called) will do, but I'm not sure which one to get for stuff like steel and aluminum. Can anyone get me started in the right direction, and also show me a good place to get CNC stuff (parts, machines, etc.) and what it would take to make my own or how much it would cost to buy a decent one?

 

Edit:

My current goal is to make the Steam Machine prototype case, found on iFixit. I really like the Silverstone cases that have a similar layout, but there is just too much wasted space, unlike this beauty:

 

I know how to make custom PCBs and stuff, so that won't be a problem for the power button and stuff found in the case, as well as the plastic cable routing and air ducts, as I can easily work with plastic.

[thekeemo]

An x-carve is awesome

[Arty]

my school has a 100k one.

[TheKDub]

An x-carve is awesome

 

 

Indeed it's awesome, though from what I saw in that video, it's also a pain in the ass to set up..

[Enderman]

https://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx/

[thekeemo]

 

Indeed it's awesome, though from what I saw in that video, it's also a pain in the ass to set up..

its more than that

[W-L]

Someone get me started. What kind of CNC machine can I get on a steep budget, and where will it get me. I want to get started in this area, mostly to use for making PC cases and other small parts. A simple 3-axis one (I think that's what it's called) will do, but I'm not sure which one to get for stuff like steel and aluminum. Can anyone get me started in the right direction, and also show me a good place to get CNC stuff (parts, machines, etc.) and what it would take to make my own or how much it would cost to buy a decent one?

 

Most CNC's theses days like the X-carve or shop bots can do soft metals like aluminum and brass but if your looking to do large pieces of steel it starts to get more difficult for desktop based machines to do that kind of work.

[byalexandr]

An x-carve is awesome

Does an X-Carve do metal? Or at least aluminum?

 

 

 

 

 

Indeed it's awesome, though from what I saw in that video, it's also a pain in the ass to set up..

Again, does it do metal?

 

Most CNC's theses days like the X-carve or shop bots can do soft metals like aluminum and brass but if your looking to do large pieces of steel it starts to get more difficult for desktop based machines to do that kind of work.

The most I would do is some thin sheet steel found in PC cases, but I would do some pretty thick aluminum for like panels and what not.

[TheKDub]

Does an X-Carve do metal? Or at least aluminum?

 

 

 

Again, does it do metal?

 

The most I would do is some thin sheet steel found in PC cases, but I would do some pretty thick aluminum for like panels and what not.

 

Might need a stronger motor for it, but I'm sure it could do something such as aluminium without much issue.

 

[W-L]

Does an X-Carve do metal? Or at least aluminum?

Again, does it do metal?

The most I would do is some thin sheet steel found in PC cases, but I would do some pretty thick aluminum for like panels and what not.

 

For the X carve I would immediately upgrade it to the router kit and get the largest router that is compatible with it if you want more power to do things like billeted aluminum or thin steel. The unit may have some trouble with harder materials so lighter and more frequent passes may be needed since the limitation on the machine is mainly the the stepper motors and rigidity of the frame.

[byalexandr]

For the X carve I would immediately upgrade it to the router kit and get the largest router that is compatible with it if you want more power to do things like billeted aluminum or thin steel. The unit may have some trouble with harder materials so lighter and more frequent passes may be needed since the limitation on the machine is mainly the the stepper motors and rigidity of the frame.

I was looking at the website and it's quite expensive, especially once you factor in the cost of a router and all. Are there any other more budget friendly options or is this the budget friendly option?

[W-L]

I was looking at the website and it's quite expensive, especially once you factor in the cost of a router and all. Are there any other more budget friendly options or is this the budget friendly option?

 

For premade or package type units they are going for quite a lot of money, personally I would love one of those X-carves but the cost associated is just too much for my wallet.

 

There are a lot of kits out there which have all the main parts and you design/build the frame, those might be a bit more budget friendly but I'm not sure how in depth the software part of things are with those kinds of systems.

[byalexandr]

For premade or package type units they are going for quite a lot of money, personally I would love one of those X-carves but the cost associated is just too much for my wallet.

 

There are a lot of kits out there which have all the main parts and you design/build the frame, those might be a bit more budget friendly but I'm not sure how in depth the software part of things are with those kinds of systems.

Any link to one of those? I can weld very well and I'm good with my hands.

[W-L]

Any link to one of those? I can weld very well and I'm good with my hands.

 

Taking a look around there are a lot of them around but I don't know which ones would be really considered a good place to get stuff like this. 

 

http://www.probotix.com/3-AXIS-KITS

http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/

[boboman342]

 

My current goal is to make the Steam Machine prototype case, found on iFixit. I really like the Silverstone cases that have a similar layout, but there is just too much wasted space, unlike this beauty:

gamers-heres-what-the-steam-machine-looks-like-when-you-crack-it-open.jpg

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/378828-sentry-console-sized-gaming-pc-case-project/#entry5119135

[byalexandr]

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/378828-sentry-console-sized-gaming-pc-case-project/#entry5119135

Uh, I want something a bit more... Finished? Polished? I can't think of the word, but that definitely looks homemade. I want mine to look like it came out of the factory (a nice, precise factory).

[byalexandr]

Taking a look around there are a lot of them around but I don't know which ones would be really considered a good place to get stuff like this. 

 

http://www.probotix.com/3-AXIS-KITS

http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/

I'm surprised how expensive it is to get into CNC.

[boboman342]

Uh, I want something a bit more... Finished? Polished? I can't think of the word, but that definitely looks homemade. I want mine to look like it came out of the factory (a nice, precise factory).

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/204411-ncase-9-litres-steambox-case-from-the-makers-of-the-m1/

[byalexandr]

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/204411-ncase-9-litres-steambox-case-from-the-makers-of-the-m1/

The point is to make my own case, and to have a machine for other things as well. I want this case to be as compact as possible. More compact than that Steam Machine box.

[boboman342]

The point is to make my own case, and to have a machine for other things as well. I want this case to be as compact as possible. More compact than that Steam Machine box.

Well just consider all the different mini cases you find and go from there! Good luck!

[boboman342]

@byalexandr

http://www.casetronic.com/corporates/153-c215.html

[Real_PhillBert]

@byalexandr What you really want is a Hi-Def Plasma or Laser. Unfortunately a "Budget" high def plasma is still going to be well into the 4 digits. You are much much much better off getting a good CAD program, designing the case you want and finding a local Laser shop (much more common than you might think) to cut it out for you.

 

The company I work for has 4 Lasers, each in excess of $1 Million each. You will not be able to match our levels of precision and quality in your garage. Period.