Lowrider CNC Machine - Progress Report
If you've been following me on my account on mastodon or here,
you may have heard that I've been working on a Lowrider CNC machine.
I started this project early in 2024, but the drama of that year made me shelve it for a while, but now I'm
back to trying to get it done. I'd like to use it to cut parts for my 12.5" Newtonian telescope project that
has been on the shelf for even longer, but it's a worthwhile project in its own right. I've found that being
able to 3D print has meant that I can design and manufacture things that I couldn't do before, and augmenting
my shop with this CNC should expand my creative capabilities.
Today I managed to get y axis drive belts assembled, which means that now I have steppers wired to all three axes. I haven't got all the limit switches or electronics assembled, but that will probably be the next thing, then I can begin to play around with the electronics. I've got Fluid NC, the GRBL driving software installed on the drive board, so progress should be reasonably quick after that. I'd like to get all the major functional parts wired together by the end of the month.
Here is the front view of the machine as it sits today. The rail runs along the right side, and is made from
EMT conduit. I had some difficulty figuring out the dimensions of the drive belts, and where they should be mounted,
so there are few tentative screw holes drilled in apparently random places before I got it settled down, but I think
they are in appropriate places as well. (The directions on the V1E website could actually be a bit clearer about
how to do this).
Here is the backside.
I think that before I struggle with doing actual CNC cutting, I'll put a pen mount on the head and try to use it as a plotter. That has a practical use: I've been attending a number of protests lately, and being able to plot graphics onto a piece of foamcore (above is a piece of black foamcore from Dollar Tree) would be pretty awesome. It also will mean I can test lots of stuff before having to sort out dust collection and getting new router bits. I've got the necessary pen holder additions on the printer now.
Hope you all are having a great Tuesday.