DIY CNC

[Average Joe]

Does anyone know if i could use the actual electronics from a all-in-one ink scanner printer, or you can't avoid making/buying a dedicated controller?

[Enderman]

A CNC requires far more precision and power than a printer.

So no.

[Average Joe]

I know I shouldn't do it , I just want to know if it is possible.

[tiberiusmoon5]

Lol i though someone was trying to start a war with NOD

 

"how can a average joe start my own command and conquer war"

11 minutes ago, Average Joe said:

I know I shouldn't do it , I just want to know if it is possible.

It maybe possible but it would be like asking a AGP to run 4K it would attempt it. . . but fail badly to the point it shuts down

[PaintChips]

On several DIY sites you can do basic CNC, accuracy/quality varies which is why its more of a tinkering side of hobbyists vs mainstream. Not all printer models are created equal, you almost need to use a photo class model mainly for the durability reasons(better quality gears & motors). Several years back I was tempted to try it since I had a spare printer laying around but it was too much work for a so-so CNC results--keep in mind this was back in 2011 when Hack A Day covered such a project.

[Average Joe]

Oh a C&C reference, you have to be in my age range

 

I was just curious about communication and signal interpretation between any cnc software and such printer.

 

I don't want to build a real use CNC, more a kids toy project to tinker about with my son. 

[r4tch3t]

Using the existing controller would be difficult, however an arduino with some steeper/h-bridge drivers could control the motors, replace the ink cartridge with some kind of cutting tool and you should be able to make paper/card cutouts, easier if it's flatbed.