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Small CNC mill choices
- Thread starter zondar
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2019
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- 7,018
Also have a look at at IOSender for control software. Really excellent open source with active development. Make it super easy to configure the machine.
Not sure how handy you are with soldering circuit board but there is an excellent Teensy breakout board option here:
grblHAL BoB Unkit for Teensy 4.1. - T41U5XBB by Brookwood Design on Tindie
Breakout Board for a Teensy 4.1 to run grblHAL for controlling CNC routers, etc.
www.tindie.com
Also a member of the PrintNC CNC router group built a very capable board to run grblHAL also using a Teensy.
I'm very handy with soldering and electronics in general, and I have a reasonably well-equipped little electronics lab in my hobby room, so that's a piece of cake.
I was intending to use a simple 5V Arduino that I have lying around, hooked straight to stepper drivers, etc., without an intermediate breakout board. That teensy breakout board has more features than I need right now, but it sure looks pretty good if going with grblHAL. Thanks!
I see there are USB and Ethernet variations. GRBL is USB only, but for grblHAL I wonder which would be preferred, if any, and why?
I was intending to use a simple 5V Arduino that I have lying around, hooked straight to stepper drivers, etc., without an intermediate breakout board. That teensy breakout board has more features than I need right now, but it sure looks pretty good if going with grblHAL. Thanks!
I see there are USB and Ethernet variations. GRBL is USB only, but for grblHAL I wonder which would be preferred, if any, and why?
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2019
- Messages
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Ethernet is preferred if you are using a VFD as the EMI wreaks havoc with USB connections. Basically kills the connection.
I had my PrintNC router running on grbl as a test but I wanted the feature set of grblHAL.
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2015
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- 361
Shielded ethernet, many are unshielded.
I ordered one of those boards. Thanks again. 
By the way, it's convenient that it supports 24V power rather than having to add 5V and maybe 12V supplies. Nice.
Edit: After a quick look at the schematics, it does require additional supplies. Looks like only 3.3V is regulated on the board.
Edit: After a quick look at the schematics, it does require additional supplies. Looks like only 3.3V is regulated on the board.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2019
- Messages
- 7,018
Awesome, please report back on how it works for you.I ordered one of those boards. Thanks again.
By the way, it's convenient that it supports 24V power rather than having to add 5V and maybe 12V supplies. Nice.
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2019
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- 7,296
Seriously, if you are considering a small CNC Jim has a very good point here. I see them come up occasionally, mostly either used for instruction or owned by hobbyists. If you're comfortable with controls buying a small (stout) used CNC will definitely result in a more capable machine.
Even if you want to go with something that'll fit in your bedroom look for deals if possible, there are folks on here who can assist with telling good deals from scrap metal.
Here's something to look at.
Small Enclosed USB CNC Mill - antiques - by owner - collectibles sale
Spectralight 0200 (really Sherline 5400) for sale. Converted to USB running GRBL and kept in great condition. No rust or mis-aligned parts. Strictly $500
lasvegas.craigslist.org
and
CNC Bench-Top Mill - general for sale - by owner
3990 HiTorque High-Torque Mini-Mill with CNC Conversion Kit - High Speed Spindle Kit - Zero Backlash Ball Screws - All 3 Axis - Collet set & Misc Tooling Included - Oil Misting System Included...
losangeles.craigslist.org
and
and up north
B3 Benchtop CNC Mill - tools - by owner - sale
For sale is a brand new model B3 CNC benchtop milling machine. Includes Masso CNC controller, touch screen monitor, linear guides, all 3 axis motors, spindle brushless motor controller, spindle...
sfbay.craigslist.org
Point is take your time and shop for a deal, don't underestimate how much you'll spend on all the pieces for a conversion and the new pieces when you realize you need something else. If you can start with something capable of doing what you want you'll be dollars ahead in the long term.
And, start clearing out the garage now....
John
The Emco's and B3's look quite interesting. Still, I don't think I have the patience or risk tolerance for buying used. Anyway, B3's are available in kit form. As I'm in this for the fun of learning and doing, that would be better than buying a built one.
Its interesting that there are whole new generations of tools that are CNC from the ground up - no need to look like a Bridgeport. Unfortunately, something like a complete Tormach 1100 package can get quite pricey for a metal-curious amateur.
Anyway, I'm here chatting about this because I'm just a bit uncertain about my direction. I have just about everything I need for a simple Sherline or Taig build, and I already have a good start on Sherline accessories, so that still seems a logical direction if all I want is a toy.
My 3D printer is a very small one, and I happily think up fun projects that fit within its envelope. I mostly think I could do similarly with a micro-mill too, but I could just as easily find myself wanting another, more capable machine almost right away. Having a micro-mill plus a bigger machine to choose from isn't the worst thing in the world, though.
As for trepedations about moving hobbies into garage space, I'm fast getting over it. I already feel that a band-saw is a near imperative that can't wait much longer.
Its interesting that there are whole new generations of tools that are CNC from the ground up - no need to look like a Bridgeport. Unfortunately, something like a complete Tormach 1100 package can get quite pricey for a metal-curious amateur.
Anyway, I'm here chatting about this because I'm just a bit uncertain about my direction. I have just about everything I need for a simple Sherline or Taig build, and I already have a good start on Sherline accessories, so that still seems a logical direction if all I want is a toy.
My 3D printer is a very small one, and I happily think up fun projects that fit within its envelope. I mostly think I could do similarly with a micro-mill too, but I could just as easily find myself wanting another, more capable machine almost right away. Having a micro-mill plus a bigger machine to choose from isn't the worst thing in the world, though.
As for trepedations about moving hobbies into garage space, I'm fast getting over it. I already feel that a band-saw is a near imperative that can't wait much longer.
