Step 4: Z-Axis Part 2

Now to complete the z-axis assembly. You will be able to see an axis in motion. This is also the assembly that will hold the router and move it up and down.

Quick Steps:

1. Make the z-axis rail support piece by cutting an undetermined length of board and chamfering the edges to apply angles to each side.
2. Put an angle on each side and assemble the sides with the linear bearings to determine the measurement of the z-axis back support.
3. Cut the back support at the determined measurement.
4. Connect the back support to the two sides.
5. Fasten it and let it slide.

Official Z-Axis Part 2 Page



Step 3: Z-Axis Part 2 - video powered by Metacafe

Step 3: Z-Axis Assembly Part 1

The z-axis consist of two sides, a back and rails with a rail support. In this video, we will construct the two sides that will have grooves cut into them to accomodate the linear slide bearings (one each).

Quick Steps:

1. Cut the two sides to the correct size.
2. Measure and cut two grooves into each side about 1/8" deep and 1/4" wide. The outside dimension of the grooves should be the outside dimension of the linear bearing.

Official Z-axis Assembly Part 1 Page

Step 3 - CNC Z-axis Build Part 1 - Free videos are just a click away

Step 2: Making the Connection

This is probably the most important video to understand and learn. It is the method used to connect most of the pieces of the entire CNC structure.

Quick Steps:

1. Find two pieces to connect.
2. Drill two or more holes at the size of the fastener diameter (i.e. 1/4" screw) along the edge to be connected. Offset the holes half the thickness of the piece away from the edge. These holes will drill through the face of the board and through the center of the piece to be connected.
3. Drill 3/4" holes on the face of the other board about a 1/2" away from the edge. These holes must align to the holes on the other board.
4. Using the holes described in #2 above, put the boards together at a right angle and drill completely through the 3/4" holes on the other board.
5. Fasten the two boards by inserting a nut into the 3/4" hole and inserting a screw through the hole on the other board to catch the nut. This process is difficult to explain, so watch the video.

Step 2 - Making The Connection - Funny videos are here

Step 1: Linear Slide Bearings

So, you say you want to learn how to build a CNC machine. This video demonstrates the first step in doing just that. You will learn how to build the linear slide bearing. This bearing is used to provide linear motion to the three axes that this CNC router will have.

Quick steps:

1. Find an aluminum angle. I'm using the 3/4" angle 1/8" thick.
2. Cut the angle to about 3 1/2" for the z-axis (the first axis that we will build).
3. Drill and tap 4 holes to accomodate 5/16" screws or bolts. Two on each side of the angle. The holes should be as close to the inside edge of the angle as possible
4. Slide a 608Z skate bearing then a nut onto a 3/4" long 5/16" screw or bolt. Do this for four screws.
5. Screw the bolts onto the outer sides of the aluminum angle.

Official Linear Slide Bearings Page

Step 1 BuildYourCNC: Linear Bearings - Celebrity bloopers here