CNC Machines are not only used for making the guitars! What about the cases in which they are stored, or showcased? Mike has done an excellent job creating intricate cases with glass fronts. But, you wouldn't put just any guitar in these cases. You would want the prized guitars in these cases. Just look at the detail that Mike put into this work using his blackToe CNC Machine. Read more...

Alden G's CNC Machine and Narrative

I have seen many builds based on the step-by-step instructions on this site, but when I see the the DIY community start to mix the ideas of one cnc machine with another, I get really excited. To take a machine and introduce concepts from another machine, like timing belt mechanics, is clever and welcome. Alden also is very creative with where he positions the drivers. Read more...

John S.C.'s DIY Machine and Ball Screws

John S.C. did something that I have not yet seen. He applied a ball-screw to the DIY version of the CNC Machine found on the step by step and the book "Build Your Own CNC Machine". Yes, you heard me right! A ball-screw. Why do I sound excited? Read on.

Greg C's Machine and Example

Greg used the book to build his CNC machine, and I would say he did a great job. This can be shown with the wonderful example he made as a test of the mahcine. Check out his machine and the example he made here.

Mark K's Version 1.1 Build - Industrial Tech Teacher

Mark K is an industrial tech teacher and has been able to build a marvelous interpretation of the machine in the plans and hardware kit (also the machine that the book describes). See it here.

Chris Cockrum's CNC Control

When I look for content to add to this website, I look for content that will ultimately beneft the users of this site with additional information. With the various control methods that Chris brings to the table, I am overjoyed to add his methods to this website. Chris implements a simple and effective z-axis homing plate, router control and some fine examples. Read on...

Octavio's Metal CNC Machine

Octavio went out on a limb and created a metal machine with some very inventive components. Inspired by this website, he was able to get this design and construction going. The machine is truely an example of using components in the machine for efficiency and simplicity. The overall structure appears to be steel. He uses bearings with channels to serve as linear guides. The z-axis mechanism is reversed to enable longer travel. All of this is not the most interesting part. Octavio is a medical doctor. This goes to show that individuals of all backgrounds dabble with this technology. Read on...

Alessandro's CNC Machine Build with Guitar Example

I have gotten a lot of requests asking, can this machine make a guitar? Alessandro created a 2nd generation CNC machine using this website as a guide and from the images he provided, I can say he was quite successful. Not only that, he also built his electronics from scratch and his wire management is absolutely fantastic. Read on...

David K's CNC PCB Mill

I've been trying to build a CNC for some time, with very little success. But after seeing how well the linear bearings work, I had to try them. They're great. As you say, very forgiving. I also bought my first tap and die set, due to seeing how to use them. My x-table is nearly complete, just a few finishing touches, then on to the y and z axis. Even built in my rudimentary shop, the table is tight and solid, and slides smoothly. Amazing!! Thanks for helping me believe I can do this. Read More...

Mick H's Cnc Router

I decided to follow your plans initially and use your original dimensions, then once the machine is up and running, cut new parts for machine No2. I am now at the stage of a 90% complete build as far as the mechanical components go, leaving the addition of the X-Axis lead screw & all 3 motor mounts as the final items on the mechanical checklist. Upon assembling the cutting bed and end supports, along with the addition of a bottom sheet of 4' X 2' MDF, then adding the gantry, I have observed a significant amount of sag within the cutting bed Read More...

Technique to Minimize Backlash by Gérard C.

Getting rid of backlash seems to be the biggest concern for the CNC hobbyist, especially when milling PCBs since copper traces for surface mount devices are used. Surface mount devices are very small electronic parts that contain leads that are extremely close together, or the leads are found on the bottom of the component and the part usually lays flat on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board).

Gérard C. has an interesting technique in solving this problem using two special nuts, one on either side of the MDF, to minimize the backlash (and is adjustable). I've said the word a few time Read More...

Jim S.'s CNC Router

Jim S. emailed me in the infancy of this website and said he was interested in building the CNC. We have been emailing back and forth on various topics, which in turn gave me a good source of information for the website. Jim S.'s machine is looking really nice. He is currently up to the wiring of his stepper motors to his driver.

He actually sent me these pictures a while back, and I think he put the structure together in as little as two or three weeks. He is using many of the components Read More...

Jacob R.'s CNC Router

When I started this website, I though maybe I would get a few people building this machine, and to the tee. My intention was to make it so that they can provide their own alterations and sizes. With Jacob's machine, the intent lives up to it's promise. Jacob did enhancements to the bed of the machine, reinforcing it so it would not sag, but he did not stop there. This guy is a true modder. He salvaged a component from his router to serve as a clamp. He also enhanced the lead screw nut adapting a flange to secure to the transfer piece. He has also selflessly provided an AutoCAD file to share with this community (with Read More...

Lucan's CNC Router

I was doing my usual research around the net, you know... to pass some time very late at night, and I came across a member of cnczone.com building one of Joe's CNC machines, and to my surprise, he was using the design from this site. I was very proud to say the least. This CNC router is setup very nicely, with a vacuum attachment and a few other interesting modifications. Lucan has also been cutting out an enormous amount of parts on this machine. He is in real production.

Since Lucan has had a bit of experience on this design and build, I asked him to give me some feedback as to any possible limitations of the machine, and all the he has learned. I also wanted to know Read More...

Dave C.'s CNC Router

Dave C. is building his CNC Router with patience and method. He is equipped with some nice tools to make sure the form and mechanics are perfect. When he first told me he was working with these power tools, I was very jealous and I wanted some fancy power tools for myself.

Dave's CNC machine is another alteration in the works. The bed of the CNC machine is stiffened by steel. He is using cross dowels for all of the connections. The rails are mechanically fastened to the rail support pieces. And he is using some Read More...