3D PRINTED CNC KNEE MILL FROM SCRATCH (Patreon)

Hi everyone!!

I needed something with a bit more grunt that my all metal CNC that I made a while ago so I decided to build myself something that could do aluminium and steel a bit faster and with more precision.

The speed comes from the Nema23 motors, with 3Nm each those have enough torque to move at up to 2.5 m/s without loosing steps. The precision comes from the ball screws. Those don't stretch like belts so I can be sure that each carriage is going to be moving precisely the amount I want. I went the extra mile and got a 1.5 Kw spindle with an ER11 tool mount and a VFD. The rigidity between the spindle and the XY table is quite good although things can start to vibrate a bit if pushed too hard. 

I can mill steel probably 20 times faster than the old one unfortunately I don't have any bits for alu that fit the ER11 collet so I'll need to get a new set. Either way, aluminium seems to go down easily with two flute bits. 

I added a few features that I borrowed looking at Bridgeport style knee mills. One is the lifting table as it will help me fit taller parts. The other one is the tilting turret that may come in handy when doing weird angled chamfers or dovetailed slots (who knows?).

I hope you enjoy the video, the files will be available in the shop in the coming days and I'll send the proper codes then. 

As always please let me know your thoughts down below. Thanks!!!