Building the Shrapnel CNC milling machine

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Well, it's time again. I need a CNC mill in the garage for at least three important reasons:

• I always need some small part machined and I can't stand doing machine work by hand
• The new Arcsin is an incredible controller and has so many cool features that I just want to play with them. So, I need a machine that is worthy of using the Arcsin on.
• I am a CNC addict

Why Shrapnel you ask and not another Star Wars Droid name? Well, the kids are really into Star Wars and so am I, but it is time for something different. I like Transformers too and since this machine will hopefully be able to transform into a CNC foam cutter as well, I thought that a Transformer name would be appropriate. Yeah Shrapnel is a Decepticon and no one likes them, but this was the closest name to something that is going to be generating loads of tiny metal particles delivered at a high rate of speed.

I'm actually building two Shrapnels in parallel (at least kind of). My friend Greg is sponsoring a bunch of the parts on the machines so he will take ownership of Shrapnel #2 with a fancy, brand-new Arcsin at the helm. Can't wait to make some chips!

Tech Specs

X Travel: 14" 
Y Travel: 20" 
Z Travel: 4"  
Ways: Linear Ball Bearings
Lead Screws: 1/2-10" Acme 
Nut: Homemade Delrin A/B nut. 
Motors: 300 oz-in Bipolar Nema23
Controller: Arcsin!
Power Supply: 24v 10a
Really, really need flood coolant this time around, so this should be interesting to figure out.
Jog Rate: 150-175IPM depending on PS voltage

Phase One: Laying out the X axis (6/16/08)

Phase Two: Laying out the Y and Z axes. (9/19/08)