This video made it onto hackaday! https://hackaday.com/2024/05/07/mostly-printed-cnc-gets-a-few-upgrades/
The MPCNC is a cool DIY CNC router. But I wanted to use it for more than it was designed for -- cutting aluminum. Weeks of design and assembly made that dream a reality. See how I did it and enjoy the twists and turns of improv CNC engineering!
The original build was about $600 including all the electronics. This upgrade added about $500 total:
* Raspberry pi: ~$50
* Linear Rails & glide blocks: $65/2= $33 (I only used 1 rail + 2 blocks)
* 2020 and 2040 aluminum extrusions: ~$150
* Fluted Polypropylene (sign board) for side and rear panels: $30
* Cable/drag chains: ~$50
* T-Tracks and clamps: ~$50
* Other (wood, fasteners, etc): ~$100
* Acrylic door panels: ~$40
Links:
* 3D printed anti-backlash TR8 leadscrew thingie: https://www.printables.com/model/729791-printable-anti-backlash-fixture-for-dual-tr8-leads
* HGR15 linear rail adapters: https://www.printables.com/model/835864-mpcnc-primo-c-hgr15-upgrade-files
===TIMELINE===
00:00 Opener
00:59 MPCNC Intro
01:48 OG Build Review
03:26 Linear Rail Upgrade
06:43 Anti-backlash Z-screw
09:36 The Fancy Enclosure
11:27 Raspberry Pi + CNC.js
14:59 Closer