There are many possible options for making a lathe. Typically, a lathe is run by a spindle at the head stock (which you can find here https://buildyourcnc.com/SpindlesAndAccessories.aspx) which will rotate the object rather than a fourth axis, however you will need to create or buy the clamp mechanism of a regular lathe to hold the object in place. You will be able to control the on/off either manually or via software, but the speed (RPM) will have to be controlled manually.
You can create a more indexed alternative to a lathe by using our rotary axis at the head stock (found here https://buildyourcnc.com/item/axes-4th). either way, the tail stock center can be found here https://buildyourcnc.com/item/axes-4th. This will give you full control of the turning via software.

You will want to use linear rails and their associated bearing blocks (found here https://buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-rails-HIWIN-Linear-20mm and herehttps://buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-rails-linear-guide-rails-20mm) to run along the length of the item being turned and you will need linear rails to be run perpendicular (towards and away) to the object being turned that would hold either the blade (for a traditional lathe) or a spindle (for the indexed version containing the rotary axis).

Where you have linear rail, you will also need lead screw (found here https://buildyourcnc.com/item/mechanical-leadscrews-lead-screw-!5-5-starts-10-tpi) to transmit motion using motors (and drivers) of your choice also with various options (found here https://buildyourcnc.com/category/nema and here https://buildyourcnc.com/category/driver). You will need 2 - Drivers (either 3.0A or 6.0A, the 6.0A driver will be for our larger motors hence you will have more torque available) and 2 - Motor's (either our Nema 24's or Nema 34's, the Nema 24 will work with our 3.0A driver while the Nema 34 will work the 6.0A)
To control these motors, you will need a parallel breakout board and Mach 3 software to control the two axes (or three with the rotary axis) found here https://buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay and https://buildyourcnc.com/item/control-SOFTWARE-mach3.

You will need couplings to couple the lead screws to the motor shafts (found here https://buildyourcnc.com/couplings.aspx). All of the miscellaneous hardware you need can also be found here https://buildyourcnc.com/Hardware.aspx.

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CNC Wood Lathe project - Would like to have the guts to a 2 axis DIY lathe. Can you let me know of a possible one stop shop solution? Would like it to be at least 40" on the X axis.

The USB interface only works with momentary switches unfortunately. If you have extensive knowledge of digital electronics, you can apply a receiver that uses a microcontroller and a transmitter with another microcontroller that produces the pulsing signal with the controls that you need.

Additional Information:



Additional Information:



Additional Information:

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I would like to make a handheld remote for the USB CNC Board using a joystick instead of momentary switches. Could you suggest one that will work with your board.

Depending on the type of motors and connection type, you could adapt your motors to work with our electronic packages, but you will receive additional motors since our kit is complete.

Now you will have to take into affect the actual motors you have and compare or get accurate replacements(Ex. our 425 oz motor(1/4" input shaft) will have to be same size or similar entry holes)

Your Controller board will be the major issue, due to its wiring and processing manner, you can view the connections for our breakout boards to compare with yours! (parallel: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-parallel-breakout-relay#prettyPhoto/2/)(USB: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-electronic-component-USB-Controller-Breakout#prettyPhoto/2/)
Email(customerservice@buildyourcnc.com for further help)

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I am looking at one of your electronics packages as a replacement for my excisting electronics. I have a old table top CNC that has a bad electronics pack, but the motors, and the mill are in good shape. could your system be adapted to work in this case?

That is a good question. We have not tried to weld thermoplastics using our CO2 Lasers. It is possible since the laser outputs a heat source and at the right intensity and speed, the thermoplastic can be heated and melted rather than instantaneously vaporized and off gassed. I have done research to see if CO2 laser can weld thermoplastics with positive results.

Our CO2 lasers are typical of other laser cutters on the market, so if their literature, or examples you have found, successfully weld thermoplastics, then ours will probably be able to as well.

In some cutting test with different speeds and intensities, the kerf has welded back together; however, this was caused by an unintentional process rather than an intentional one.

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Would any of your CNC laser machines be appropriate for welding of thermoplastic materials?

That is a good question. We have not tried to weld thermoplastics using our CO2 Lasers. It is possible since the laser outputs a heat source and at the right intensity and speed, the thermoplastic can be heated and melted rather than instantaneously vaporized and off gassed. I have done research to see if CO2 laser can weld thermoplastics with positive results.

Our CO2 lasers are typical of other laser cutters on the market, so if their literature, or examples you have found, successfully weld thermoplastics, then ours will probably be able to as well.

In some cutting test with different speeds and intensities, the kerf has welded back together; however, this was caused by an unintentional process rather than an intentional one.

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Would any of your CNC laser machines be appropriate for welding of thermoplastic materials?

The plasma nozzle must be close to the cutting area and you will need some way to keep the nozzle at the right level with some type of device. The spray is downward, so you will need a contained area with a sheet of water at the bottom to extinguish he spray. You should have no problem using our machines for this application since you would need to product the table bed.

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CAN YOUR PRODUCTS OF MACHINES BE USED TO CREATE PLASMA TABLE?

No, the greenBull CNC will function with the same performance in 110 or 220 volts. When the voltage changes, the current compensates for the different voltage. Make sure to select the appropriate products for the voltage. If the product does in list the voltage, make sure to give us a cal to inform us so we can supply the correct components in the package for shipping.

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If I use your greenBull CNC with 110 instead of 220, am I taking a reduction in functionality?

The PlanetCNC USB software, like most machine control software, can be used to control a laser engraver/cutter. The typical modification is to use the Z axis down signal to fire the laser, analogous to an endmill cutting into the workpiece from an initial position above it.

For the second question, it is important to note that BYCNC machines are not based on PlanetCNC software, or any other particular machine control system. The machines themselves will accept standard signals from a wide variety of machine control systems, not just PlanetCNC or Mach3. This allows maximum flexibility for the customer to choose their own preferred software for this part of the toolchain.

That said, our machines will accept a laser head either in lieu of or in addition to a spindle. Here is an example of a combination spindle/laser mount for our greenBull machine: https://buildyourcnc.com/item/cnc-machine-laser-spindle-combo-head. We have all the parts you would need to add laser functionality to your machine here: https://buildyourcnc.com/LaserComponents.aspx, if you feel comfortable assembling your own package. Also, feel free to contact our sales department for a quote if you need a custom assembly.

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Can the Planet CNC USB controller be used with a laser engraver/cutter? Can the build your own CNC based on the Planet CNC USB controller accept a Laser head instead of a router?

The torque curve for the 651 oz-in stepping motor can be found here:

https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-nema34-651ozin#prettyPhoto

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Using your NEMA 24 stepping motor with microstepping, can I get a speed range from 3 RPM to 600 RPM ?

The electronics (stepper motors, drivers, power supply and interface board) can be found here:
https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-3axis-425-elcombo

If your computer cannot connect to the parallel breakout board (the interface card), just make sure to inform us that you need the USB alternative.

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Just purchased the book "Build Your Own CNC Machine". Can I get hardware and electronics kits and how?

Yes, you can use these electronics to move a machine that has an area of 48" x 48". If you are looking for faster jogging, you can upgrade the motor to this one: https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/electronicsAndMotors-nema34-1100ozin

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[50] this combo is compatible for a CNC with a 48" x 48" work area

We currently do not have any Nema motor's with a .375"/3/8" shaft diameter. The motors in stock 100 oz, 425 oz, with a 1/4" input shaft. Our 651 oz, with a 1/2" input shaft.

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Your combo kits don't specify whether they are standard NEMA motors. I need Nema 34 with a .375 shaft diameter. Which 3 axis kit work for these requirements?

Our main machines, other than our scratch build machine is not offered as a plans option.

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Hi Can you supply a "Kit" of CAD drawings to make your Bluechick 4.2 router?

If you want to run a greenBull CNC machine using a generator, The generator will need to allow for a minimum amount of current draw. Here is a list of items that draw current and how much current (the list does not include the laser option):

Spindle: 10 amps minimum so plan for more.
The power supply for three motors and drivers: 9 amps
The computer to run the control software: varies but out redleaf system would be a max of 2 or so.

So you are looking at about 21 minimum so you will probably need a 25 amp generator.

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Can I run your greenBull CNC off of a generator? If so, what specs would you recommend? Thanks!

No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work.

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DO I HAVE TO REGISTER WITH YOUR OFFICE BE PROTECTED?

The USB Interface can only be used with the Planet-CNC software which runs under the windows operating system.

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Can the USB CNC Controller be used with LinuxCNC?

Prices on amazon are fixed costs for shipping. The website generally reports high costs for international shipments but we can give you a better quote if you care to email sales@buildyourcnc.com

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Shipping cost for CNC kits to Europe using Amazon is 75% cheaper, but do these kits automatically come with 220v inverters instead of 110v ?

That is a good question. We have not tried to weld thermoplastics using our CO2 Lasers. It is possible since the laser outputs a heat source and at the right intensity and speed, the thermoplastic can be heated and melted rather than instantaneously vaporized and off gassed. I have done research to see if CO2 laser can weld thermoplastics with positive results.

Our CO2 lasers are typical of other laser cutters on the market, so if their literature, or examples you have found, successfully weld thermoplastics, then ours will probably be able to as well.

In some cutting test with different speeds and intensities, the kerf has welded back together; however, this was caused by an unintentional process rather than an intentional one.

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Can a CO2 CNC laser machine be used for welding of thermoplastic materials?

As long as the bearing has a minimum thickness of 1/4" and 9/32" is a bit thicker, there will be no problem with the book build using the bearing that is 1/32" thicker. There is actually more surface area which is better.

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in your book - Build you own CNC Machine. Can I use 9/32" thick bearing instead of 1/4" thick?