CNC What does it means?
 CNC is an acronym for "Computer Numerical Control".
It means that a machine tool like a lathe or a milling machine
for example, is controlled by a computer to perform a series
of operations. If this kind of equipement is quite common
in the industry, it was highly unthinkable to build or buy
such a machine for hobby usage just a few years ago. Then
a handful of ingenious guys started to play around and made
the path easier for everybody.
A CNC to do what?
Before I build a new model, I always draw the plans in a CAD program.
It's relly good to use the precision of a computerized drawing.
But why bother with computers if you then cut the pieces with a
jig-saw or by hand? The CNC milling machine is the solution. Directly
controlled by the computer, you get a stunningly precise result,
and you can reproduce the same piece over and over again. Say goodbye
to the cutter, blocks of ribs and badly cut pieces using the jig-saw.
Models and site references:
I did not invent anything (or not too much anyway) to build my
machine. You find lots of information and amateur creations on the
Internet. Most of them are inspired by the model done by Guillaume
Coquery. He's found simple and workable solutions which doesn't
cost a fortune. These solutions let you build a machine with almost
professional performance. He has also written a very good software
to control the milling machine. If you want to build your own cnc
milling machine, a visit to his site is a must http://g.coquery.free.fr
The aeromaniacs
site and the cnc25
mailing list are very useful when you start such a project. The
members on the mailing list answered many of the questions that
came up during the design and construction of my machine. The machines
made by Thierry
Monnot and
Jean-François Delhove are also really good creations
that are worth studying before starting.
Technical specifications of the model presented:
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Size:
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1210 x 765 mm
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Working area (mm):
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800 (X axis) x 350 (Y axis) x 80 (Z axis)
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Stepper motors:
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Sanyo Denki. 5 volts 1 amp/phase unipolar
200 steps/round
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Power supply:
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13.8 volts 20 ampères
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Driving system:
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T type Belt 5 mm pitch
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Theoretical precision:
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0.05 mm using 1/2 step mode
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Spindle motor:
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Proxxon IB/E milling drilling tool
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Control board:
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CNC 3AX
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CNC cutting 
