Preface:
The idea for this machine is for it to complete most simple 3-axis CNC functions on light weight materials. These materials will most likely be some form of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), for the utilization in lost foam casting. I apologize for the terrible pictures, all I have is a really old web-cam. I'll try to borrow a friends as I build.
Primary Goals:
- Learn the basics of constructing, and operating a 3-axis CNC machine
- Further my knowledge of Arduino, and interfacing
Goals:
set-up
- PC ----> Arduino -----> Drivers -----> Steppers -----> Material
- Drawing -----> gcode ------>?gcode interpolation -----> Step, Dir, Enable -----> Material
(have)
- old laptop ---(USB)---> Arduino ---(catV)--> ???? ------> small steppers -----> ????
- Eagle
- Hp Officejet K50xi internal frame, CNC worthy? its fairly stiff, but could benifit from a brace being screwd into base.
(needed)
- drivers (John_NY's take on the v1.3 RepRap drivers)
- gcode interpreter sketch, two options here:
- John_NY's sketch + python script
- Or This. Found it last night. mmcp42 has written a little gcode interface driver to stream the gcode to the Arduino, even has a nice GUI. haven't looked at the sketch too much yet, but it looks very friendly.
- Control method: USB
- CPU: ATMega128
- Operating system: Linux
- Power source: TBD
- Sensors / input devices: Limit Switches
- Target environment: desktop
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://community.robotshop.com/robots/show/small-cnc-with-arduino