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A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics
A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics: Master the fundamentals of CNC machining, G-Code, 2D Laser machining and fabrication techniques

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A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

The What and Why of CNC

Computer numerical control (CNC) is a software-based method of moving tools and machinery. This method has traditionally been under the purview of factories and manufacturing facilities and well beyond the reach of a garage tinkerer. CNC machines have arms and carriages that can hold mills, grinders, lasers, and other cutting tools that move in multiple axes to shape an object via preprogrammed movement commands.

Our objective in this chapter is to provide a basic understanding of CNC from a hobbyist’s/tinkerer’s perspective as we prepare to take a deep dive into obtaining, operating, and customizing our own machine.

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

  • Branches of CNC machining
  • Differing approaches to motion in CNC machines
  • How CNC works and when to use it
  • A brief overview of G-code, the commands used to operate a CNC machine
  • Safety considerations for CNC and lasers

Branches of CNC machining

CNC manufacturing can be traced back to the 1940s, when the first numerical control (NC) machines started to appear (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_numerical_control), and methods to automate handcrafted fabrication can be traced to three centuries ago. I’m sure you’ve seen videos of these machines perhaps fabricating the engine block for a car or cutting and shaping sheet metal. For all intents and purposes, a CNC machine is a type of robot. It takes stock material (a sheet of wood, a block of aluminum) and turns it into a product ready to be assembled or finished very quickly, very accurately, and, most importantly, repeatedly. CNC machining made fabrication at scale possible.

With the advent of desktop computing, more commonly accessible materials, and smaller, more powerful components, it also became possible to bring CNC machining to the home workshop. Now, anyone with a good guide can put together a robust desk or bench-top...

Differing approaches to motion in CNC machines

Depending on the nature of the machine itself, the motion system can vary based on the rigidity requirements of the toolhead. Very frequently, a compromise is struck between speed and rigidity (or stiffness) so that cheaper or more readily available components may be used. The most common of these tradeoffs is allowing X- and Y-axis motion to be driven by belts while the Z-axis motion operates using a leadscrew. Other designs use leadscrews throughout.

The following figure shows one of my four 3018 machines:

Figure 1.2 – A 3018 machine (see Figure 2.1 for an annotated close-up picture)

Figure 1.2 – A 3018 machine (see Figure 2.1 for an annotated close-up picture)

In the preceding figure, note the controller on the right. This picture was taken just prior to calibration. This is a machine that can be purchased online as a kit. It is made from some off-the-shelf parts (8020 aluminum extrusions, 8-mm steel rods, stepper motors (which are used for motion), leadscrews, and an engraving...

How CNC works and when to use it

The CNC machine is operated by an onboard controller that runs three or more stepper motors and the toolhead. Stepper motors have a lot more torque and can be controlled with greater precision than ordinary electric motors. Motor control is measured in fractions of revolutions, which allows for excellent precision in movement. Using precision leadscrews (or pulley/belt systems), the motors move a gantry along the Y axis while the toolhead moves left and right on the gantry (the X axis). The Z axis is nothing more than a small gantry that moves the toolhead up and down, typically with a leadscrew.

The commands being passed to the controller on the CNC machine are called G-code. The commands passed to the controller (either via the onboard software or a computer passing G-code to the controller) move the toolhead to various locations in all three axes and runs the spindle motor so that the milling end can then cut into the material as desired. The...

What is G-code?

G-code is nothing more than motion commands that the CNC machine’s controller interprets to move the toolhead. Of course, those commands are passed on to the motor as the number of turns the motors‘ shafts have to make in one direction or the other. In addition to motion commands, there are commands to start and stop the spindle motor. All these commands are generated when software running on a computer interprets a design as a series of movements. There are many applications like this available, some free and others that can be purchased. Some design applications are also capable of generating G-code (for example, Fusion 360), which can then be passed on to the sender application, which in turn passes it on to the CNC controller. Some sender applications also generate G-code, such as LightBurn (for lasers), Mach 3, and Easel. For the purposes of our projects, we will focus on freely available firmware and sender software.

A note on laser machines

...

Safety considerations for CNC and lasers

CNC machining involves the removal of material using a hardened metal bit that can fling fragments of your workpiece all over your shop. It should be needless to say that you should always have hand and eye protection on whenever you are working with and on your machine. This is especially true with lasers. The blue, green, or red laser on your machine can destroy your eyesight in an instant, so whenever the laser is on, you should have appropriate glasses on to filter out any harmful reflected laser light. Never operate a laser without those special glasses. Every laser unit I have ever purchased came with a suitable set of adjustable glasses (a green lens for a blue laser, for example). If your CNC bit shatters, you do not want metal fragments in your eyes or on your hands, and if your laser hits a reflective surface, you do not want to blind anyone looking over your shoulder or elsewhere in the shop with you. Do not allow pets anywhere near...

Summary

We now have learned some of the basics of CNC revolving around what it is, how it works, and what drives the design of various machines (for example, when to use belts instead of leadscrews). We also looked at how we might machine not just flat stock material, but also curved surfaces (with the rotary axis). All these are important concepts to grasp because they lay the groundwork we need to select, assemble, configure, and customize our own machines.

In the next chapter, we will look at setting up our own desktop CNC machine and get underway with fabricating some basic parts and shapes.

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Key benefits

  • Get started with the basics of CNC machining and set up your own computerized workshop
  • Explore loads of do-it-yourself projects to practice what you’ve learned
  • Take advantage of the potential of home machining thanks to the power of CNC

Description

Until recently, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines belonged to the realm of heavy industry, but as technology becomes cheaper and smaller, these machines now can be used in home workshops. It’s not easy to get started, though, but thanks to this guide, you’ll be ready to take on a variety of projects in no time. A Tinkerer’s Guide to CNC Basics contains everything you need to get set up at home with computer-controlled machining and fabrication. Sparing you the theory, this project-laden guide helps you learn by doing. Once you’ve got to grips with the principles of CNC and installed the 3018 Pro CNC machine, you’ll gradually move from simple projects such as basic engraving to more complex milling and machining techniques. You’ll even learn how to upgrade your machine to accomplish more sophisticated designs. The plethora of projects in this book will keep you busy and give you the practice you need to get started with your computerized workshop. By the end of the book, your computerized home workshop will be one step closer to realization, and your machining skills will be taken to the next level.

Who is this book for?

This book is for tinkerers, hobbyists, and craft aficionados comfortable using hand tools, aspiring to accelerate or develop more complex and challenging projects. Before starting this book, you should be comfortable around basic shop tools, as well as have a basic understanding of computers. While the book will speak to the specifics around the electronics of CNC machines, the terms used, such as motherboard, USB, positive/negative terminal, and power supply should not be too daunting to understand.

What you will learn

  • Configure, calibrate, provision, and test your CNC machine
  • Add a laser engraver to your machine for finer precision cutting
  • Use the machine to fabricate new components for itself
  • Explore the design impacts of carving on a rotary axis
  • Adapt other machines for CNC
  • Engrave opaque and semi-opaque materials
  • Cool your machine with an air assist system
  • Design and develop a customized laser mount

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Publication date : Jan 31, 2024
Length: 164 pages
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Language : English
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Publication date : Jan 31, 2024
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Table of Contents

14 Chapters
Chapter 1: The What and Why of CNC Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Configuring the 3018 CNC Machine Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 3: Understanding Material Properties before Making the First Cut Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 4: Making the First Cut Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 5: Full CNC Workflow with Different Materials Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 6: Upgrading Your CNC Machine Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 7: Enclosures Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 8: Project: Building a CNC Laser Cutter and a Plotter Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 9: Project: Building Your Own 4th Axis Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 10: Project: Adding a Laser to the 3018 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 11: Building a More Capable CNC Machine Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 12: Future Projects and Going Bigger and Better Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

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ROBERT CHIRCOP Mar 04, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Feefo Verified review Feefo
Patrick Gregory Uchmanowicz Feb 22, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
A simple yet effective guide to getting started in making things with hobyist cnc machines. Geared towards hobbyists and tinkerers who want to setup their small cnc machine for laser marking, engraving and routing /milling. Practical , useful and allows to quickly get started and making custom designs
Amazon Verified review Amazon
G. OBrien May 08, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
THIS IS a GREAT book for beginners in CNC. This fellow really knows his business.I should mention that I almost overlooked this book because of its price. I cost meabout $28.00 for the Kindle version. I don't normally consider that much money What a CHEAP price to pay for the information and the amount of time it has savedme in my search for a beginning CNC machine. He offers a lot of website support. He also mentions how to upgrade one of the many machines.He mentions why you should consider a ball drive instead of a belt . Why linear vs. non- linear.He also touches on G-coding, lasers and even some information on 3D printing. Well worththe cost for the volume. I am so glad I did not overlook this book. Please check it out.The explanations are clear, concise and very informative. I can only give it 5 stars. I don't oftenevaluate this type of book but this one is exceptional, for sure... Sincerely.
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Sean Ball Feb 21, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This is one of the most informative books on CNC machining I've ever read. Most CNC manuals I've read are dry to the point of being unreadable, but the author frames everything in a very clear, engaging and easy to understand manner.The book does a good job of covering the fundamentals of CNC machining and G Code, demystifying what can often be overwhelming material for individuals who are new to the hobby (or craft, if you prefer.)Standouts:Lots of photos supplement the chapters, providing visual references that solidify the material.TL;DR:If you're new to machining, this is the book for you.
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Amazon Customer Feb 11, 2024
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Aptly titled, this a thoughtfully designed guide for any level tinkerer with easy to grasp, how to language and well selected images. It is evident that the author is not only well versed in CNC but also really enjoys being a maker.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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