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This sale is for the PLANS and BUILD MANUAL to construct this machine.  It will be delivered as a PDF file download.

It is NOT for the machine, or any parts to build it.

The plans/assembly manual is a 170 page PDF file that will be delivered as an electronic download.  Use the "Buy Now" button with the Visa/Mastercard logo, at the top or bottom of the page to pay via PayPal.  After completing the PayPal checkout, you will be emailed a link to a download page.  This is an automated system, so if you have any problems, contact me right away so I know about it and can correct it.



Fast cutting motion, over 500 inches per minute

Since 2010, Momus CNC has been providing plans and documentation to construct Do-it-Yourself (DIY) desktop manufacturing equipment. Through innovative design, our mission is to enable builders to construct home-built machines that rival the performance of commercial equipment costing many times more. The design of our compact, fully enclosed, precision 3 axis CNC router can be constructed with common shop tools and skills.

Our product is a comprehensive 170 page manual that completely outlines the construction of the machine. It contains detailed drawings for every part, exploded-view drawings, more than 350 photographs, and detailed descriptions of fabrication and assembly. The machine is designed to be built from standard sizes of material,and utilizes commercially available components. All required materials can be sourced either locally or through online suppliers. The construction manual includes a complete bill of materials, and list of vendors.

In addition to providing all of the information necessary to build the machine, the construction manual also covers numerous related topics, such as the design philosophies that led to this particular machine design, the basic principles of CNC, workflows within CAD/CAM software, overview of machine electronics, and some structural design information that can be helpful should you choose to make modification to the machine. The manual also contains wiring diagrams for two common models of motor control drives, and basic configuration settings for the most popular machine control software.


Check out more details at our website:
www.momusCNC.com



Cutting aluminum parts for a R/C car chassis

Qualities of this machine:

Fully enclosed
Fully contained
Fast!  Rapids over 500 inches per minute
Machine axes cannot bind
Integrated cable management
Micro-adjustable bearings
Built from standard metal sizes
Robust enough to use for light commercial use
Easy to adjust and align to high accuracy
Inexpensive. 
Designed to avoid mid-band resonance problems in stepper motors.

X travel - 16"
Y travel- 16"
Z travel- about 5.5" (depending on router mount configuration)

Overall footprint- 24" x 29"


Uses NEMA-23 stepper motors.  Works well with 276-425 oz/in. sizes.
The machine in the video is using 276 oz./in stepper motors and a Xylotex drive board.    Any drive board with similar specifications can be used.  A common high performance setup is the use of a Gecko G540 drive and stepper motors of around 380 oz./in.

The build manual is a 170 page pdf file (6.6MB file size) that includes the following:
       Complete Bill of Materials
       List of suppliers for all materials & components
       Exploded-view drawings
       Detail drawings of all parts
       Detailed photos and assembly directions
       Metalworking techniques to easily get good results working with aluminum
       CNC basics
       Machine design information, including structural calculations, Very useful if you are interested in modifying this design, or designing your own machine.
       Calculation examples that show why MDF or HDPE plastic should NEVER be used in any machine.
       CAD/CAM software workflow
       Alignment procedure for high accuracy
       Electronics- Photos and descriptions are included that outline the procedure for installing motor wiring, limit switches, emergency stop switch, and Xylotex and Gecko drive boards.   Wiring diagrams for these two models of drive board are included.


FAQ

Are metric dimensions included?
Sorry, but the machine is designed around standard inch size metal pieces.  If you are within the US, all of the metal used can be ordered online.  Some US online metal suppliers will ship internationally as well.

What will it cut?
The machine will cut wood, plastic, foam, MDF, etc.  It is robust enough to mill aluminum with no chatter or vibration.

How much will it cost to build?
The material cost for the machine should be about $400-$500.  This cost does not include shipping costs for materials, the electronics such as stepper motors, drives, etc., or the router.

How long will it take to build?
This will depend entirely upon your skills and how quickly you work.  However, it is an involved enough project that you should not expect to put it together in just a weekend or two.  Expect to invest 40-60 hours.

What does it use for a spindle?
It is designed to use a trim router as a spindle.  The plans have router mount dimensions for a Ridgid R2401 and Bosch Colt, but any trim router of comparable size should be able to be easily adapted.

How difficult is it to build?
I’ve been calling this an “advanced-beginner” project.  None of the operations in themselves are very advanced.  Simple cutting, drilling, and tapping of holes, all of which are basic skills.  However, what is required is some ability to do these things with some amount of precision.  This is a precision machine, so it does take some care in crafting it.  The design does intentionally allow for some build tolerance error, and the manual covers some simple techniques for getting accurate results with very basic hand tools.  Overall, lets call this an “intermediate” skill level project.

What tools will I need?
Nothing very advanced.  A circular saw.  The trim router itself.  An assortment of basic hand tools, for both wood and metalworking (such as a hacksaw, drill bits, hand files).  The only tool that is highly recommended is a drill press to drill accurate holes.  There is no welding, or machining necessary anywhere in the design.

What materials is it built from?
The base of the machine is built of high quality plywood.  The rest of the machine is built of aluminum bar stock and cold rolled steel bar stock.   The aluminum is very easy to work with, perhaps even being easier than some types of wood.  The overall combination of materials was chosen to result in a very strong and easily constructed machine.  NO MDF, which should never be used in anything called a “machine” due to its flexibility.

How fast will it cut?
Exact speed will depend on the particular electronics that you use, but rapid moves of over 500 inches per minute are common.  It is capable of moving at speeds that are much faster than the router has power to cut.  Unlike most homebuilt machines, you will not be left wishing this one could move faster.

Is the software to run it complicated to use or expensive?
It will depend on how complex the parts are that you want to make with the machine.  Fairly sophisticated work can be done with software that is absolutely free and very user friendly. 

Are complete machines available for sale?
Sorry, not at this time.

Advantages of this machine over other DIY designs?
   Stiffer design won’t flex under a cutting load.
   Fully supported rails are super strong and stiff.
   Anti-racking gantry design.  Will not bind under any circumstances.
   Easier to align- the alignment procedure was considered from the very beginning of the design process.
   Enclosure is an integral part of the design.
   Electronics are housed right within the machine.  No external boxes and wiring.
   More accurate.

Disadvantages over other DIY designs?
   It may take longer to construct.  There are many holes to drill.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

The plans/assembly manual is a 170 page PDF file that will be delivered as an electronic download.  Use the "Buy Now" button with the Visa/Mastercard logo, at the top or bottom of the page to pay via PayPal.  After completing the PayPal checkout, you will be emailed a link to a download page.  This is an automated system, so if you have any problems, contact me right away so I know about it and can correct it.

Check out the Momus Design forum on CNCzone
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/momus_design_cnc_plans/

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