Hmmm....

I've got three steppers, but the problem is that one of them is bipolar and the rest are unipolar.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?

So Far....

I have priced out a little bit more.....
Hardware:200
PCB:20
Components:35
Motor:15
so far I'm up to
270

Pricing

So. I started pricing out the CNC mill.
Wow.
Sheet Stock --- $20


-a 48" x 48" piece of 1/2" thick MDF (any 1/2" sheet stock can be used I have plans to make my next version out of UHMW but cost was prohibitive this time around)

-a 5"x5" piece of 3/4" thick MDF (this is used to make spacers so any piece of 3/4" stock found around the shop could be used)



Motors and Controllers ---- $255

-An entire instructable could be written on chosing a controller and motors. In short what is required is a controller capable of three axes of control (with pulsed step and direction inputs) and motors with about 100 oz/in holding torque. I sourced mine from http://hobbycnc.com they have worked well and the kit was quite easy to solder. ( direct link )



Hardware--- $275 about 200.

-These parts can be acquired from three places. The conventional items can be acquired at Home Depot, the specialty drive products are easy to find at any industrial supplier, I used McMaster Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com) (I chose them because they have a nice online store), and finally because of the large number of bearings required I found the best price from an online seller (http://vxb.com) which sells 100 for $40 (leaves quite a few left over for other projects) ( direct link )



Software --- (free)

-What is required is a program to draw your designs (I use CorelDraw), and a programme capable of interpreting these files into pulses to be sent to your controller. I'm currently using a trial version of Mach3 ( http://www.machsupport.com )but have plans to convert to LinuxCNC (An open source machine controller which uses linux) ( http://www.linuxcnc.org )



Router Head--- (extra)

-I attached a dremel type cutting tool to my machine however if you are more interested in additive construction (like fab@home or RepRap ) you may wish to look into their deposition tools.
I will update this post but as of posting this is where I have priced.

Current Projects

I am building this CNC Machine, but I am indecisive as to what laser diode to use for the laser tool. (I am building it so that you can switch out the tools.) The one from this Instructable, or the one from this one. Or, if you have any other suggestions, leave them in the comments. I will try to include PDFs of all three Instructables.

What in the World?

Hi. I'm Zach. I love to build things and am always trying new techniques. I got a workbench for my birthday, and I've got a couple power tools and access to a bunch at my school and at grandparents, but I'd like to build my own. I'd like to build a multi-purpose CNC machine that can switch between a laser engraver, CNC dremel, and a 3D printer. Ambitious, I know. But I like to think that I'm mechanically inclined, and pretty good with a laptop. I've got some friends that are great coders, so I'm excited. I am currently building iPod chargers that run off a nine volt battery that will get me 14 dollars profit. I am trying to sell ten so I can get some money. I love sites like Instructables and Futurlec. Any advice, ideas, or you want me to make you something, just drop me a line.