I have been such a slacker, and I never posted the build log to the CNC that I currently have running right now.  Keep in mind I have been working on this build for OVER TWO YEARS, so this is just a few of the pictures along the way. 
 
Having a home made CNC comes with its perks, and drawbacks.  First, just having a CNC is its own perk.  The biggest drawback, is the constant repairs to it.  Building my first one, I didn't give too much thought to future maintenance.  It would break down more often then I liked,  and the accuracy could be improved with different technologies.  Also the workload was picking up drastically and the small machine could only cut one side of a block at a time.

The decision was made to build a second machine.  This one would have none of the shortcomings of the first, and I used something that professional CNC machines use... Linear rails, not dovetails:


Fast forward a year, and then I have a semi-working table:




with a 50lbs 6" vise sitting on top of it.  

Starting to build the gantry, or frame for the machine:


The Z axis plate:



And the professional quality Milling head that would be the heart of it all:


The table test fitting in the initial frame:


cable works:






The brains of it all:


The Z axis test fit:




Z axis mounted:




All the way down:


and ALLLLL the way up:

All 18" of Z.  


The gutter being fitted:




Concrete Pour:



The resin, and sand mixture over the top:



Recirculating drain system:


Lights:


Coolant/air:


Tool Plate:





Annddd... bellows:


That was all she wrote.  Then I started the first fixture plate which is how I make batches of blocks:



Now, this is just a brief touch of the pictures I took over the 2 years to make this machine.  The larger parts I had to farm out to shops to surface finish, but everything else was made in house with the first CNC.  Everything was easier having an already working CNC to make the second one.  


Now the best part... I am building ANOTHER CNC to replace the original one.  Building another machine is easier when I have this machine I posted here to help me with that process.  Every mistake learned, is fixed in a new machine.  I don't know everything, but what I wish I would have done, I do in the next build.
 
Some have asked, if its cheaper to buy one.  The answer is sort of yes, and no.  If you look at the amount of cubic workspace of a machine that does 18x18x18, some cost much more, while others are far less.  Most CNC's have a huge X axis, and MUCH smaller Y axis.  I don't need 40" of X, and 9" of Y.  Of the batches I do, most work is done from square stock, so it made the most sense to have a large square work envelope.  Also, the experience of building it pays off with the experience.  You learn so much about them making them, that you wouldn't just buying one.
 
In any case, the machine performs as I always hoped it has.  Hope you guys enjoy the read, and I didn't set anyone's dial up modem on fire. :)

This thread is so full of WIN!!!

Wow!
 

z3r0t0l0rence
Nate the scope of craftsmanship you do amazes me all the time.  Nice work.   

+1 definitely agree!
I'm glad that you share with us what you do in your little spare time. In the picture of the milling head, the yellow belt is it a synthetic type or something? Next question on the table, what is the purpose of the white nylon inserts?
I wish I had a quarter of the knowledge and could do some of the projects you do. I know it would be something I would enjoy. 

Very, Very Nice Nate!
Is that being controlled by your original X58 Platform?
 
Now I can see why you don't have the time anymore for Benching or anything else for that matter.
Good Luck on Building your New CNC Machine, Please keep us updated and posts some Pics along the way. 

 
That's awesome Nate. Thanks for putting the time and effort in just to show us that.       

That's awesome man

RBIEZE
Great job !!!
 
Looks like a really rigid setup.
Ive looked at Tormach milling heads before, great choice
 
The motor drives look like G203v's, but what type pf breakout board did you use?
 
anyway...
I'm sure the pictures do little justice to the amount of painstaking work you did.
 
Congrats.
 

Thank you all for the kind words!  i will try and answer everyones questions.
Yup, 203V's and the C11 BoB.  Yes... its PAINFUL how much work it took.  The next build I am working on as we speak.  Sizing up motors (probably a 2HP 56C style, and a 2HP Sensorless Vector drive from automation direct). 

Rudster816
Wow, that's quite the setup. I still remember when you were using cheap drill presses and milling vises to make your blocks. May I ask how much that setup set you back?  

Its hard to say.  Everything I had to pay for.  Each bolt used.  Normally you could by the Tormach premium mill for like 9K http://www.tormach.com/product_pcnc_1100.html
That would A, be too easy... and B, a LOT to drop at once.  It took me 2 years to make this build, so the costs were done long term.  The knowledge, experience (and confidence) that comes with building a machine from scratch can't be calculated. 
Sometime nights just sitting... and staring at it for hours trying to figure out how to make it work.  That mill I linked above has travels of 18X, 9.5Y, 16.25Z.  Mine has 18X, 18X, 18Z.  I build it as I wanted it.  machines take so little consideration with the Y axis for some reason. 
 
Here is a 22 THOUSAND dollar machine http://www.grizzly.com/products/Mill-10-x-54-with-DRO/SB1028F that has 16" of Y axis.  2" less then mine.  Its hard to compare these machines, since that one has 35" of X travel, vs my 18".  I don't need all that to make most parts that I make.  I don't do more then work on 12x12" slabs of copper.  So its hard to compare apples to apples in terms of CNC machines. 

thanks!  oh yea... plus there is a certain amount if pride in making something yourself

So, what'd the wife say when ya told her the total cost!
 
 
 
 

Cool!
Ya sound like a good husband Nate!  And budget better than most.....
 
Anyways, looks great. $9K_ish can go quick. I ever get my woodshop, even though Id do mostly hardward/handtools, I could spend $10K in a few mins.....
 
 

Your Air Cooled CPU  Waterblock, still my fav Nate Block.
 
 
 
 
 
 

awww, some of the links are not working on your sig Nate. 
Way to go though on the CNC, I wish I had that kind of time, well that kind of focus. When I get home I spend most of my time doing nothing, and it occupies all of my time doing it. hehe
I have so many projects that are in various stages of not done. Heck, I have trim work on my house I stopped 4 years ago.

Thanks!  Its VERY hard not to rush a project like that and take shortcuts.  You may think I have all the patience in the world, but that's so far from the truth.  I just want to be done most cases, so I tend to go in huge spurts until I come to the next impasse that I have to figure out how to solve.