The system is running!

As with most builders, the first file that was milled is the name of the software...

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I have decided to build a cnc router for the windvane self steering business.

There are two reasons for me to take this path.

- The parts that I buy in are either too good or not good enough. They do not fit the diy kit approach like I want it to. By making these parts myself they will become cheaper in two ways, I can leave them in the material which makes packing easier and such a small router is a lot cheaper than the heavy ones that are used now.
- I get more machine for my money by building it myself. It will be bigger and faster than what you can buy ready made. And I want the new challenge!

It will be a gantry robot fitted with a standard router. The frame will be made from 40 mm plywood which I have lying around. I have a circular saw that I think can give the precision I need.

The outline:
- Built for speed. So high stiffness, strong motors, ballscrew drive.
- Using Linux
- Primarily for wood and plastic (HMPE, HPL)
- Should fit trough a standard door
- Use drivers and motors bought as a set, I'm no electronics whizz

The Y axis is a bit of a challenge. I hope to build it so that the total width of the machine is no more than 800 mm so it will fit through a standard door without dissasembly or tilting.

This is a work in progress. The way the information is presented here will get more organised as the build continues.

At the moment that I start this project I have built quite a few machines and custom tooling but I am a complete novice at all things cnc. I do have a little experience in setting up linux from a few years back but I was never able to get a usable system.