Big Progress Update - CAD and Electronics finished

CAD Progress:

I attached the Z-axis, added necessary mount points, and added screw holes and guides where necessary. I also started the build by attaching a piece of wood to the bedplate.

Electronics:

For the control system, I am using the CNC Shield V3 since it is extremely cost effective, with DRV8825 drivers such that I have the option to easily upgrade the steppers in the future if needed. The spindle will use the WS55-220 driver and have its own 48v @ 12.5a power supply. The rest of the electronics will be powered by the TAZ Pro’s original PSU, 24v @ 21a.

Parts:

Now that the CAD is finished, I am planning to submit for funding. I will include some part justifications below for stuff that may seem unnecessarily expensive at first.

Spindle: the $150 spindle bundle includes the actual spindle, a PSU, and a driver. This is the cheapest option that uses a true spindle rather than a DC motor with a collet holder attached on the end ( you can tell because it lacks a set screw on the end).

Remade Z-axis

I realized the first version was stupid, and it would be much better if I kept the motor and extrusion on the spindle mount so I could get much more z-axis space. Since this mill is going to be super small, having the extra Z-axis space will be very nice.

For more detail:

Having the rollers and threaded rod nut on the carriage would mean that the threaded rod and extrusions would need to extend all the way to the lowest z-axis position, severly limiting the maximum z-axis height. By keeping the motor and extrusion on the carriage, they extend up away from the work area, meaning the amount of z-axis space is only limited by the length of the extrusions and threaded rod.

I also swapped to using the clamping mount meant for these motors instead of screwing plates to the face. This lets me mount the carriage higher to get even more space.

The next part is attaching it to the rest of the CNC

Added Z-Axis Prototype for the CNC

Background (since this is the first devpost):

I had planned to build a large CNC (42x42in) for my robotics team, but, due to tariffs and our team’s budget getting cut, we would be unable to fund it even with hackclub help.

While we may have little money, we have about 13 years of junk in a workshop. We have a bunch of broken 3d printers, one of which I am repurposing to make a CNC. I know its super underpowered and jank, but it would be fun and will probably work if I am careful with the design.

Today I designed the carriage for the spindle. I based my design off of an Ender-3 Z-axis, using its threaded rod and v-rollers. However, after some reconsideration, I will probably swap the grey plate with the clamping mount included with the spindle so it can be mounted higher up.