Mostly Printed CNC - December 14, 2018
Note: This document assumes you have some knowledge of how PC's, OS's, Files Systems, Software and Electricity work.
Developed by: V1 Engineering
Project Details
- Sourcing Materials - Mostly from V1 Engineering BOM:
- Mostly Printed CNC Parts Bundle - Rambo Dual Firmware & Wire Kit
- MPCNC Printed Parts - 23.5mm -Burly - Dewalt DW660 Mount ****Purchased because, too many other things to do and want to support a good idea.
- Full Graphic Smart Controller, Big
- Drag Knife / Vinyl Cutter
- Additional - GT2 6mm Belt - Qty. 2
- Power Plug and Switch
- Wire Sleeve - Qty. 50
- Additional - DRAG KNIFE / VINYL CUTTER - Blades
- 1/8" Single Flute Carbide Endmill
- Ball End 1/8" Stub 2 Flute Carbide EndMill
- Several other EndMill's and other stuff
- Lay out the project and take inventory
- Plan Table size and dust collection
- Source more materials - Shop-Vac, buckets, 3/4in EMT, etc.
- If Plan A Doesn't work, Revise Plan A
- Build something at some point
- Pray it isn't all for nothing
I have looked at many CNC's and DIY CNC's. When I do my research, I try to be thorough. “Man, that MPCNC, that can’t really work, look at the corners, they look flimsy as hell. That thing is going to fall apart in about 5 minutes.” That was my thought around the beginning of 2018. Some DIY CNC's, I think are right on the money, some are highly over priced for no reason. Some are limited to working only with wood, which makes the price a high for limited material. The MPCNC is affordable to most people. But, does it work? Is it worth the time and effort to even attempt? I asked myself these questions. I took a break for a while from my CNC research, and realized, it is getting close to Christmas. I began my search again, and found a couple of viable options. They look relatively stable and work. But, I will have to source all my own materials. Will I get the right parts on the first shot or am I going to purchase a bunch of parts I can’t really use and have to re-purchase? Some BOM’s (Bill of materials) are not very clear. Do I take my chances and possibly waste money and time? No. I took closer look at the MPCNC (Mostly Printed CNC). “Look at those stats on thingiverse! Ok, maybe?” “Search mpcnc youtube." "Well, Ok! That looks quite interesting.” The forums are very active at V1 Engineering. After watching a lot of video’s seeing the MPCNC in action….. Wood, Aluminum, Acrylic, Ice? Yeah, seriously, Ice. etc. Now it’s being guarded by Christmas wrapping paper and the wife. There is possibility for some size expansion on the MPCNC which is lacking on many others. Recommended build start size is 24in x 24in x 3in or 4in milling area. Look Here for Cut Calculator for the MPCNC (in) But ther are some people going bigger, quite a bit bigger. But if you need big, you can look at the LowRider2 CNC Some other CNC’s appear to be capable of expansion but are not in the USA. Sourcing those materials for a beginner into the DIY CNC, or even CNC at all, makes the task very daunting. They also don’t appear to have a lot of traffic on their forums. The developer of the MPCNC, Ryan Zellars has made it extremely easy and very possible for any thech capable person. The MPCNC can be as cheap or expesnive as you like. There is a lot of room to play with. Very entry level enthusist pocket book friendly. Between $350 and $500, depending on what you might already have. Realistically, $450 - $600 for a modest pure beginner setup. Still, not bad at all. Concidering, you can add a laser at some point. Drag Knives are cheap. Foam Cutters can be cheap. Will it live up to the hype? Or, am I over exaggerating? From what I have seen in videos. It appears pretty far from exaggeration. We will find out January 2019. Stay tuned.