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The DIYLILCNC: Open-Source Plans For a Low-Cost, Easy-to-Build CNC Mill.

(v1.0.2)
by DIYLILCNC on November 28, 2010

Table of Contents

License: Attribution Share Alike (by-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Intro: The DIYLILCNC: Open-Source Plans For a Low-Cost, Easy-to-Build CNC Mill. (v1.0.2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: Download the Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 2: Order Parts and Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 3: Hand-Cut a Few Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 4: Laser-Cut (or CNC) Gantry Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 5: Assemble the Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 6: Set Up a Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 7: Make Something! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-DIYLILCNC-Open-Source-Plans-For-a-Low-Cost-E/
License: Attribution Share Alike (by-sa)

Intro: The DIYLILCNC: Open-Source Plans For a Low-Cost, Easy-to-Build CNC Mill. (v1.0.2)
The DIYLILCNC project is a set of plans for an inexpensive, fully functional 3-axis CNC mill that can be built by an individual with basic shop skills and tool access.

CNC devices are used to fabricate physical objects with a high degree of precision. Some CNC devices, including the DIYLILCNC , feature a gantry-mounted cutting tool
(like a router) that can move in two or more directions. The operation of the tool is controlled by a computer, which is tasked with translating a digital design into actual
tool movement.

The DIYLILCNC can be built for around $700. This cost includes all the stock hardware and sheet material used in construction. CAD files for custom laser-cut parts are
distributed along with the plans. Anyone with access to a laser cutter can use these files to fabricate all the panel parts necessary for construction; those without ready
laser-cutter access can use local or online laser-cutting services. Some users have even adapted the files to be cut using another CNC mill.

Plans and instructions for building the DIYLILCNC are distributed freely and intended for wide distribution and modification with few restrictions. The plans are formatted
to facilitate easy fabrication, especially for beginners. The DIYLILCNC can be built by an individual, a student group, or a class. Besides being immensely fun, building
the DIYLILCNC is a great way to learn about motion control and CAD/CAM/CAE.

Specs
-Cutting bed size: ~12” x 14” x 2”
-Spindle speed: 0-35,000 RPM
-Total cost for hardware, sheet material, motors and driver board: ~$700
-Tested cut materials: foam, hardwood, acrylic, MDF, thin copper sheet

Licensing
The plans and source files for this project are released under a Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon
our work and the work of previous authors, even for commercial reasons, as long as they credit all authors/contributors appropriately and license their new creations
under identical terms. This license is often compared to open source software licenses. All new works based on the information presented below must carry the same
license.

Attribution
Authors’ names and sponsor institutions referenced below must be attributed in any future modification or redistribution of these plans.

This project is a fusion of two instruction sets published by Stuart McFarlane/Oomlout : CNC1/desktop CNC router (2007) provided the basic design for a functioning
CNC mill; How to Make Anything (Using Acrylic and Machine Screws) (2009) details a solution for constructing 90° joints in laser-cuts stock using simple hardware.

The plans and source files presented below were adapted and expanded by: Chris Reilly (www.rainbowlazer.com , www.chris-reilly.org ) and Taylor Hokanson (
www.taylorhokanson.com ) with generous support in the form of funding and facilities from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) .

step 1: Download the Plans.

Visit http://diylilcnc.org/downloads and get the CAD Files & Assembly Instructions for version 1.0.2.

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-DIYLILCNC-Open-Source-Plans-For-a-Low-Cost-E/
step 2: Order Parts and Hardware.
Use the parts list on pages 19-22 of the instruction PDF to order all the parts, hardware and stock you'll need. The MDF and some hardware can probably be sourced at
lower prices from a local hardware store.

The parts costs for these plans include all of the hardware, stock and electrical components needed to build the mill/gantry, driver board and driver board enclosure. The
total cost does not take into account the cost of the controller PC, nor does it account for the cost of laser cutting services, should you need to use them. Prices listed
were accurate at the time of publication, but may currently be higher (or lower).

In addition to the parts on the list, you’ll have to acquire a PC that can be used to run the controller software (see page 62 of the instruction PDF for specs).

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-DIYLILCNC-Open-Source-Plans-For-a-Low-Cost-E/
step 3: Hand-Cut a Few Parts
Some parts of the DIYLILCNC must be fabricated by hand. These are mostly done with easy table-saw or chop-saw cuts.

Pages 23-26 of the instruction PDF cover the details.

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-DIYLILCNC-Open-Source-Plans-For-a-Low-Cost-E/
step 4: Laser-Cut (or CNC) Gantry Panels.
Use the .dxf file included in the CAD Files & Assembly Instructions for version 1.0.2 to generate your gantry panels from the 1/4" Masonite/MDF stock.

Beware, as not all 1/4" stock is exactly 0.25"-- we found materials to range in thickness anywhere from 0.2"-0.25", and this can make a big difference when trying to fit
parts together. Measure stock thickness with calipers before you cut your parts!

Too-thick parts can sometimes be sanded to fit toghether; alternately, you can visit the DIYLILCNC downloads page for an Illustrator symbol file that links all the
connection patterns to central symbol shapes--just change the depth of the symbols, and the new thickness settings will cascade out to all the cut patterns in the file.

If you don't have access to a laser cutter, you can use online service bureaus like Ponoko , or look for local providers at a site like ThomasNet . Several cities now have a
TechShop , sort of like a Gold's Gym for CNC fabrication. Additionally, many colleges and universities are now acquiring laser cutting equipment, and college students (or
professors, for that matter) can easily be paid off in beer and pizza!

step 5: Assemble the Hardware.

Follow the detailed assembly instructions, starting on page 35 of the instruction PDF.

step 6: Set Up a Computer.

Find a computer with a parallel port, then install EMC Linux . Plug in your configuration settings and you're ready to roll!

Don't have a computer with a parallel port? Here's a detailed walk-through of setting up a $175 PC , including software installation and EMC setup.

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-DIYLILCNC-Open-Source-Plans-For-a-Low-Cost-E/
step 7: Make Something!
For a detailed list of free/cheap design software for CNC milling, see this link . CNC fabrication can be very simple or very complicated depending on what you're doing.
Don't be afraid to ask questions at the DIYLILCNC forum , or at local hacker spaces near you.

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-DIYLILCNC-Open-Source-Plans-For-a-Low-Cost-E/
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Comments
17 comments Add Comment

GlobalVillageIdiot says: Jan 14, 2011. 10:16 AM REPLY

>>Anyone with access to a laser cutter can use these files to fabricate all the panel parts necessary for construction . . .

Could you use the DIYLILCNC to cut the panel parts for a second (third, etc.) DIYLILCNC instead of a laser cutter?

DIYLILCNC says: Jan 14, 2011. 12:24 PM REPLY

That's right! With the exception of a couple pieces that are longer than the tool's working area, all of the gantry pieces could be fabricated with an existing
DIYLILCNC (or most any CNC mill). See http://www.flickr.com/photos/42433826@N00/4760445175/ for examples of designers who are trying to address
the issue by breaking down larger elements into bite-size pieces. You'll also need "bunny ears" to handle the enlarged kerf of non-lazer fab.

Steinzel says: Jan 10, 2011. 3:31 PM REPLY

I built one from scratch that could handle a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood for around 1500.00 for making signs. It was mostly wood and used roller blade wheels.
This one is nice, I like it!

useraaaaa says: Jan 11, 2011. 2:06 PM REPLY

1500 !!!
holly cow

http://cgi.ebay.de/CNC-2520-Router-Engraver-Drilling-and-Milling-Machine-/230569005568?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35aefbd200

real thing
$780 with shipping

Steinzel says: Jan 11, 2011. 2:17 PM REPLY

The bed on my CNC could handle a FULL SHEET of plywood. I think I got off pretty cheap. LOL

edknue says: Jan 13, 2011. 6:16 PM REPLY

My hat's off to you. To make a cnc machine that can handle a full sheet of plywood is one thing but to it for $1500 that cool.

tgsnyder says: Jan 11, 2011. 12:50 PM REPLY

I'd really love to see the plans in a format readable by free software (maybe svg for inkscape). I haven't been able to get the files open with any of the
software I can get my hands on, to see if the TechShop RDU laser cutter bed is large enough. I don't think it is.

Other than my file format problems, the instructions and parts list in this project are great!

DIYLILCNC says: Jan 11, 2011. 1:49 PM REPLY

Hey tgsnyder, what software are you using? The DXF specs are out in the open, and most programs play pretty nice with the files. If you still can't get it
to work, there are a few other formats in the Sandbox section of the DIYLILCNC downloads page . If that still doesn't work, we'll throw some SVG's up
there.

What size is your laser bed? I think the longest piece is about 31". We're about to start work on V2, which will hopefully accommodate more of the laser
cutters out there. Keep checking the site for updates.

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-DIYLILCNC-Open-Source-Plans-For-a-Low-Cost-E/
 tgsnyder says: Jan 11, 2011. 8:01 PM REPLY
I have tried the AI files in the sandbox section, but the version of AI I had access to was too old, and both inkscape and Corel both didn't want to
import them. I tried a lot of different (free) software to open the dxf, and only had luck with one (which helpfully merged all the layers for me).

Unfortunately, the laser cutter at TechShop RDU is 18" x 24" so this version is out. I'll definitely keep an eye on the site though.

Thanks for the great documentation on this project!

jmatthias says: Jan 13, 2011. 10:10 AM REPLY

tgsnyder,
While both of those programs should be able to read the plans just fine, how about trying an intermediary program. There are actually many
versions of the DXF format (and then some are binary and some are ASCII), so you might need something that can play well with the distributed
files and your software. DraftSight is totally free and works really well. It's from the makers of Solidworks. It's out for both Mac and PC. Here's a
link:
http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/download-draftsight/?xtor=SEC-6-GOO-[]-[]-S-[draftsight]

Open the files in DraftSight and then "save as..." them, making sure to use R2000-2002 Binary Drawing .DXF. (I know the years are right, the
only thing you might need to change is to ASCII)

After that, the file should open in either piece of software just fine. Hope that helps!

XTL says: Jan 13, 2011. 3:09 PM REPLY

has anyone put this on Ponoko ?

2ManyProjects says: Jan 13, 2011. 1:36 PM REPLY

I started in with a group building one of these and abandoned the project. You really need a laser cutter to build it and I had trouble getting time on one.
Additionally, hardware cost was high and you have to tailor the size of the slots based on material thickness which is very variable from sheet to sheet.
Alternative plans that don't require a laser cutter are available at cnczone.com. I also like the plans solsylva.com is selling. Your mileage may vary, this is just
me 2 cents...

iangclau says: Jan 12, 2011. 7:56 AM REPLY

Fantastico

Jayefuu says: Jan 10, 2011. 1:31 PM REPLY

Nice. Looks like a neat system. Got a laser cutter so tempted to make one, have been thinking about it for a while :D

This Instructable would be even better if you added more pictures of what it's capable, it might read less like an advert then. Though of course this is the best
kind of advert, since it's free.

fungus amungus says: Jan 10, 2011. 1:04 PM REPLY

All right! You posted it here!

DIYLILCNC says: Jan 10, 2011. 11:30 AM REPLY

Yes, we've seen a number of users make interesting modifications, like enlarging the gantry , or attaching a ballpoint pen to turn the DIYLILCNC into a
plotter.

kelseymh says: Jan 10, 2011. 10:41 AM REPLY

Woot! What a really great project. And since you've made the gantry fairly customizable, this could be turned into a 3D printer with a relatively small
modification -- a dispenser unit and a third control axis as part of the gantry module.

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-DIYLILCNC-Open-Source-Plans-For-a-Low-Cost-E/