cheap cnc milling machine not controlled by computer

Maglatron

Jul 12, 2023
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Hi guys it's me birthday :) anyone know of a cheapish cnc miller that can be controlled by a keypad or buttons rather than a computer, for metal? thanks
 

Minder

Apr 24, 2015
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In a CNC machine, the PC or processor of some kind provides two things, one it closes the trajectory loop for the motion control, and also has another processor that takes care of the other tasks such as work coolant sys, tool changing, and any other electro-mechanical function required.
Not sure how you would achieve this without an intelligent processor of some kind?
 

Minder

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Check over at the CNCzone, they have several forums on small machines.
The cheapest way to get into it is a M/C that uses a PC and free initial version S/W such as Mach3
 

Maglatron

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I didn't find that very helpfull but am thankfull for the suggestion anybody else?
 

Minder

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That machine is about the most basic you are going to get, It uses steppers and Arduino controller with GRBL CNC S/W.
You could pick one up and improve the rigidity, otherwise for anything heavier, you will pay more.
The old adage 'You Get What You Pay For" applies.
 

Maglatron

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thanks can you point me to the miller you are refering to, cheers Mr Minder
 

Maglatron

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Check over at the CNCzone, they have several forums on small machines.
The cheapest way to get into it is a M/C that uses a PC and free initial version S/W such as Mach3

That machine is about the most basic you are going to get, It uses steppers and Arduino controller with GRBL CNC S/W.
You could pick one up and improve the rigidity, otherwise for anything heavier, you will pay more.
The old adage 'You Get What You Pay For" applies.
so do you have a machine that runs with arduino please Mr Minder, thanks
 

Minder

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The Youtube one you referred to

1723397511866.png

I used high end Galil PC CNC motion cards for my DIY builds.
Other than that, I retro-fitted machines using Mitsubishi CNC controllers for a living.
 

Maglatron

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I want to de-wire a rotor from a washing machine motor and mill out a rectangle on either side, 40mm wide 15mm deep (in towards axle) and 27mm the remaining direction the picture plates with holes are acctually neo 52 and they and 40mm x 13.5 x 5mm!!! will the miller in question be up for the job??
1723404457993.png
1723404903859.png
 

Minder

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What the heck are you attempting with the rotor/armature?
 

danadak

Feb 19, 2021
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I didn't find that very helpfull but am thankfull for the suggestion anybody else?
Its odd, you ask for a CNC, then insist it not be CNC (Computer
Numerical Control), emphasis on no computer.

anyone know of a cheapish cnc miller that can be controlled by a keypad or buttons rather than a computer, for metal? thanks

So minder and I have shown you low cost CNC, and you seem to have confirmed that in post #6,
is it safe to say NYET to CNC-less machine ?
 

Maglatron

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well thats because I don't really know what I'm on about maybe I don't need it to be computer controlled, after thinking about it I think I just need a manual miller if that is a thing
What the heck are you attempting with the rotor/armature?
I want to mill out a retangular shape 15mm deep x 27mm x 40mm in the armature after stripping it of the wire and removing the comutator and do the other opposite side too and secure the magnets and I'm turning the motor into a generator so when the shaft is spun the the stator coils will energise prodiucing ac current - it's a conversion of motor to generator! it might be the right time to say I have never used a milling machine of any sort!
 
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Maglatron

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so I found these which might be better to suit my needs but I think they're a bit too small and expensive



what do you guys think?
 
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