http://diylilcnc.org/forum/tags/cad-files Free, open-source plans for a low-cost 3-axis CNC mill by Taylor Hokanson and Chris Reilly. Sponsored by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. en-US Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:37:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://diylilcnc.org/forum/search.php http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-545 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:20:33 +0000 Magiko 545@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>I found DIYLILCNC from Ponoko, after finding them for the first time from an Instructable (funny how projects come full circle). I've been stalking DIY CNC projects for years, waiting for my entry point. The idea of laser cut kits appeals to me. I can't compete with machines for accuracy.</p> <p>I'm considering ordering the set of files currently loaded at Ponoko. Has anyone else else done this yet?</p> <p>I saw the note about the labels being taken off for cost reasons. I agree with this (I think someone willing to tackle this project should be OK with a puzzle).</p> <p>Has anyone else used Ponoko, or at least talked to them? They seem legit.</p> <p>And my real question - if only 1 panel were ordered (in lieu of a formal test panel), any recommendations on the one that would be the best to be a test? This way I can keep my test pieces and use them when I get the others cut. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-532 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:20:31 +0000 lunchtrayrider 532@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>hey guys,<br /> i've admired this project from afar, especially the sweet use of laser cut parts. </p> <p>my cnc project can be seen on cnc zone <a href="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96416" rel="nofollow">http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96416</a></p> <p>anyway, i saw this thread and wanted to say that i have easy access to a 12x24" laser (e.g. 10 feet from me) and can get stuff cut on a 18"x32" laser with 3 business day turn around. both lasers are in architectural model making shops so the quality is going to be good.</p> <p>the point being if someone wanted to format the drawings i could give you a price and it would be better than ponoko. </p> <p>for instance: a 12"x24" sheet of material would be around $2 for tempered hardboard. typical laser charge is $1/minute. no monthly fee, or minimum order. ever. lol, like i would even want to keep track of that...</p> <p>if anyone is interested i'm up for working with anyone to get something figured out.</p> <p>a template is available @ <a href="http://www.feyereisenstudios.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.feyereisenstudios.com/</a> </p> <p>it is in dwg format. layers and such are explained in the dwg. </p> <p>-aaron </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-531 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:16:55 +0000 JoshR 531@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Hi all,<br /> Had some free time this holiday weekend for this project so I got all the parts nested and up onto Ponoko.com<br /> <a href="http://www.ponoko.com/showroom/ShoppingZen/diylilcnc-version-1-0-2-no-part-names--4585" rel="nofollow">http://www.ponoko.com/showroom/ShoppingZen/diylilcnc-version-1-0-2-no-part-names--4585</a></p> <p>I was going for the lowest cost possible. This version removes all the part names but retains any arrows or position markers. I have plans for versions that have part names, or a numbering system.</p> <p>Cost Breakdown:<br /> Making:$291.97 (@ $1.35 per minute)<br /> Materials:$61.46 (7 P3 sheets of 0.25 inch MDF)<br /> Prime: $39.00 (lowers per minute to $1.35 from $2)<br /> Shipping $0<br /> -------<br /> Total: $392.43</p> <p>Other Goals:<br /> -Version that has part names (higher total cost)<br /> -Sample Part File. A small low cost file that people could order to see how the MDF works and fits together. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/seeking-assembled-3d-model#post-515 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:29:38 +0000 Jacques 515@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>@tkluysk Thanks for the complements :)<br /> I started with the most recent (as of maybe a month ago) DXFs and converted them to solid models. From there I tweaked the outlines to fix the y-belt problem and make a few lines square. I started out working parametrically but I ran into computer speed/Solidworks reliability issues (crashing every 5 minutes and 10 minute rebuilds proved too much for me)</p> <p>As it stands now they are separate pieces (with a few exceptions) I'm thinking next round should go through with a better system and link all the sloth widths etc. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/seeking-assembled-3d-model#post-509 Wed, 26 May 2010 11:06:00 +0000 tkluysk 509@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>@Chris: thanks again for the Rhino model. I read on the download page that it doesn't reflect the latest fixes, so I'll probably re-model from the latest drawings, and use whatever parts I can salvage from the Rhino model (bearings etc).</p> <p>@Jaques: is that what you did for the Solidworks model? Start from the latest DXFs I mean. Beautiful work bytheway!</p> <p>I can't open Solidworks file at this time, so I wonder: is the file parametric? Ie if you change the line drawing, does the corresponding 3D part change along with it? Is there a single template slot that changes all slots on the model? </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/where-are-the-cad-files#post-508 Tue, 25 May 2010 08:03:42 +0000 Jacques 508@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>I recently completed a Solidworks 2009 version (down to the nuts and bolts) available in the download section with the explanation and a couple changes (fixing the y belt holes, etc.) at <a href="http://betaorbust.com/blog/2010/05/17/diylilcnc-now-in-3d/">http://betaorbust.com/blog/2010/05/17/diylilcnc-now-in-3d/</a></p> <p>Here's the image:<br /> <img src="http://betaorbust.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIYLILCNC.jpg" /></p> <p>All the best,<br /> Jacques </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/seeking-assembled-3d-model#post-505 Thu, 20 May 2010 22:10:10 +0000 Chris 505@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Gorgeous!! </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/seeking-assembled-3d-model#post-504 Thu, 20 May 2010 21:37:08 +0000 Jacques 504@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>I just completed a Solidworks 2009 version (down to the nuts and bolts) available in the download section with the explanation and a couple changes (like fixing the y belt holes) at <a href="http://betaorbust.com/blog/2010/05/17/diylilcnc-now-in-3d/">http://betaorbust.com/blog/2010/05/17/diylilcnc-now-in-3d/</a></p> <p>Here's the image:<br /> <img src="http://betaorbust.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DIYLILCNC.jpg" /></p> <p>All the best,<br /> Jacques </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-499 Tue, 18 May 2010 17:43:18 +0000 Chris 499@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>@johnthomas75, we originally authored the DXF file to be used in a software like Illustrator or AutoCAD that supports layers. We did this mainly for our own convenience as each layer contains about one laser-cutter-bed's worth of parts (for the machine we used). </p> <p>Turns out, more people than we thought are using apps like Sketchup and others that don't support layering. For the next official update I think we're going to re-format as one large sheet with all the parts, and just let folks rearrange as needed. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/diylilcnc-ai-file-modifying-question#post-498 Tue, 18 May 2010 15:00:44 +0000 Chris 498@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>John, thanks for the update -- glad to see you are making [relatively] quick progress!</p> <p>Keep us posted on your work with metric conversion, as that's an improvement we'd like to work into future iterations of the design so as to make building easier outside the US. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-497 Tue, 18 May 2010 12:31:11 +0000 johnthomas75 497@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>agreed. thanks so much. Why were they squished together to begin with? </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/diylilcnc-ai-file-modifying-question#post-496 Tue, 18 May 2010 11:33:00 +0000 guerd87 496@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Just an update, Ive got a hold of CS5 and its working great now. All my conflict issues were because I only had CS3. I have work the next few days so went get time to do anything on them but Im on my way!</p> <p>Have split them into 7 different metric files and also put all of them on a single 1200 x 2400 sheet as this is what my Laser Cutter has requested to make it easier on them.</p> <p>Chris; as for your reply</p> <p>"As to whether you need to adjust the files or not: 6.09mm will actually be a tight fit for material that's 6mm stock. The best way to figure out if/how you need to adjust is to cut a test joint and see how the parts fit. Hopefully that's not terribly impractical for you. "</p> <p>I wasnt thinking very straight when I wrote my first post and stumbled upon the fact that its only 6.09...For some reason I was thinking it was 6.9mm, which would be way oversize, hence I asked. Ive just measured the stock that I am supplying to the Laser Cutter and it varies from 6.05 - 6.12. This variation could be because of my not-so-good quality Calipers.</p> <p>I feel that if you are in Aus and using 6mm MDF, you dont need to worry about changing the slots. Im still getting a test cut done to make sure.</p> <p>I will email you the Metric Single files once finished and also the 1200 x 2400 layout if you like. After this gets cut out and put together I may try and convert most of the Bolts, Fastners etc to Metric for you guys. The hardest part (for me in Aus anyway) is getting access to the Pulleys and Belts. All Imperial Hardware, Drill rod, Bearings etc are easily available locally.</p> <p>I have no other choice but to get Pulleys, Shaft collars and Belts from Mcmaster-Carr, who do not ship to Aus. There is a company here that have a US branch that only deal in imports. They are based in Oregan and will receive the Mcmaster order for you, and then re-ship it out - for a price. Something to think of if you have another person from outside the US looking for these main parts, You could possibly setup something similar if you guys were up for it.</p> <p>Thanks again,<br /> John </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/diylilcnc-ai-file-modifying-question#post-495 Tue, 18 May 2010 07:10:25 +0000 guerd87 495@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Ive had a look at the clean DXF files but im having trouble scaleing them to metric. When i scale them up the small holes turn into small diamond shapes. In Rhino it seems the circles are made up of 4 parts. Because i need to scale them by 25.4 they dont hold the curve.</p> <p>I know i can scale the model up in my CAM software, but i need to talk to my laser cutters to see what they can do.</p> <p>I might search around and see if i can merge the parts of each circle into a continues line. Will try on a copy of CS4 tonight. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-494 Tue, 18 May 2010 06:18:01 +0000 JoshR 494@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Nice work on those dxf files munchymonster, they'll help people get around this layering flattening issue. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/diylilcnc-ai-file-modifying-question#post-493 Tue, 18 May 2010 06:12:21 +0000 JoshR 493@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>The .ai file in the download section was made in CS4 I believe. I ran into some similar issues as I also run CS3.</p> <p>Have you tried the new Individual DXF Files on the download page? You might have better luck opening those. They're under the community sandbox section.<br /> <a href="http://diylilcnc.org/downloads" rel="nofollow">http://diylilcnc.org/downloads</a> </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/diylilcnc-ai-file-modifying-question#post-492 Tue, 18 May 2010 02:09:00 +0000 guerd87 492@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Im going to get the laser cutter to do a test piece for me, Just need to get all these files sorted first for them to use them. To keep the cost down I have removed all the text as they want to charge more for that.</p> <p>Im still not able to edit the files correctly in AI, Im getting an error when I open the file about my version, Could this be causing the problems?</p> <p><a href="http://www.johnhobson.ws/images/error.JPG" rel="nofollow">http://www.johnhobson.ws/images/error.JPG</a></p> <p>Here is a screenshot of my layers area. I would have thought that there would have been more then 1 layer. It seems that with the version problem everything has merged into 1 layer? I also cant just edit the Symbol, it doesnt show up at all in the symbols area.</p> <p><a href="http://www.johnhobson.ws/images/screen.JPG" rel="nofollow">http://www.johnhobson.ws/images/screen.JPG</a></p> <p>My PC isnt that flash and every time I try to open the original layered DXF file in any program it just freezes, Not quite sure why this is. Tried Blender, Rhino, AutoCAD and a few other free programs.</p> <p>Sorry for all the Questions, Just really looking forward to getting this DIYLILCNC going as it looks great :D </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/diylilcnc-ai-file-modifying-question#post-491 Mon, 17 May 2010 16:35:24 +0000 Chris 491@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>John, here's <a href="http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Illustrator/14.0/WS714a382cdf7d304e7e07d0100196cbc5f-62d6a.html">a quick overview of layers in Illustrator</a>, and <a href="http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Illustrator/14.0/WS1E233737-ACFF-415d-9657-9FDE010F65FFa.html">some info on symbol editing</a>. Those are the two basic techniques you'll need to adapt the .AI file for the thickness of material you plan to use. </p> <p>As to whether you need to adjust the files or not: 6.09mm will actually be a tight fit for material that's 6mm stock. The best way to figure out if/how you need to adjust is to cut a test joint and see how the parts fit. Hopefully that's not terribly impractical for you. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/diylilcnc-ai-file-modifying-question#post-490 Mon, 17 May 2010 14:34:29 +0000 guerd87 490@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>After reading through the documentation I noticed it saying that a little bit of a loose fit is fine.</p> <p>1/4" works out to around 6.35mm, and the MDF I get locally is usually bang on 6mm, Should I not worry about changing the slots and just roll with it as is? I could use the Clean .DXF files uploaded from another user in the downloads page. Last time I tried to get a quote with the original layered file they looked at me to fix the problem as they were as lost as I was.</p> <p>I have had a quick look through the clean DXF files and measured the slots. Most of them are at 6.09mm but there is a few that are at 5.69 which I need to oversize. I think this may have just been a simple error in the converting.</p> <p>Final Question: Will 6.09mm slot with 6mm MDF be too sloppy for good use? Or wait for greater minds to help me out with the .AI file in the downloads section?</p> <p>Cheers<br /> John </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/diylilcnc-ai-file-modifying-question#post-489 Mon, 17 May 2010 12:11:02 +0000 guerd87 489@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Hello all.</p> <p>First off I would like to say that this project is great. Lovely design and well written manual.</p> <p>Im fairly good with single layer DXF files in rhino, but have no clue when it comes to AI :( I need to modify the file to allow the use of metric material here in Aus. I am using 6mm MDF which is slightly smaller then 1/4". Could anyone give me a heads up on how to seperate the layers and change the model of the slot in the file. I can then export them as DXF and prep for the laser cutter.</p> <p>Thanks,<br /> John </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/cnczonecom#post-487 Thu, 13 May 2010 15:40:23 +0000 Chris 487@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Good news! Michael Caron aka munchymonster was kind enough to share his individual DXF files with the community. Check out the <a href="http://diylilcnc.org/downloads">downloads</a> page for a zip file of unlayered DXF's. Thanks munchymonster! </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-486 Thu, 13 May 2010 15:39:53 +0000 Chris 486@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Good news! Michael Caron aka munchymonster was kind enough to share his individual DXF files with the community. Check out the <a href="http://diylilcnc.org/downloads">downloads</a> page for a zip file of unlayered DXF's. Thanks munchymonster! </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/cnczonecom#post-485 Sun, 09 May 2010 18:44:18 +0000 DIYengineer 485@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p><a href="http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=773283#post773283" rel="nofollow">http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=773283#post773283</a></p> <p>That is my current build log. Roughly 9'x15' overall I have yet to mount the Z axis on it, but it should have a 7.5' x axis and 12' y axis. The machine has a 8" z axis actuator but at the moment it has about 3" of usable travel. If i wanted the extra five inches, i would have to get some custom steel spacers to mount under my linear rails. Anyways, that is what i have been up too. I mainly bought it to mill aluminum sheet. Once it gets up and running, ill have to try and cut a few diylilcnc kits out for people! </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/seeking-assembled-3d-model#post-484 Sun, 09 May 2010 09:08:03 +0000 tkluysk 484@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Rhino would be perfect! Thanks! </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-483 Sat, 08 May 2010 18:53:26 +0000 Chris 483@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>@JoshR, that's really great info, thanks for sharing. </p> <p>As Taylor and I learn more about how others negotiate laser cutter access, we're seeing ways to make the files more manageable. </p> <p>Our next update will definitely include getting rid of the DXF layers, either with individual files or one big sheet with everything. </p> <p>Please keep us updated with suggestions for file setup as you progress. Thanks! </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/seeking-assembled-3d-model#post-481 Sat, 08 May 2010 18:44:33 +0000 Chris 481@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>@tkluysk, we have a model in Rhino (.3ds) format that we use for rendering and visualization. Not sure how it'll transfer to DXF, but I'll send you an attachment. Let me know if it's useful and maybe we'll post it in the downloads section for others. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/seeking-assembled-3d-model#post-479 Sat, 08 May 2010 00:33:28 +0000 tkluysk 479@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>[reposting this under its own topic]</p> <p>I am interested in the assembled 3D model. I'd like to use it to visualize a length modification, and maybe to help me with the conversion to metric.</p> <p>I come from a film background, so I'm not very familiar with CAD packages. I work in Maya/Houdini/3D Max. Preferred formats would be DXF (3D), OBJ, or FBX. As long as grouping/hierachy is preserved. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/ponokocom-ready-files#post-478 Fri, 07 May 2010 00:50:15 +0000 munchymonster 478@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Josh if you have the layered dxf file separated out into one dxf per layer or even one Illustrator (AI) per layer is there any way you could post those? I want to take a poke at converting the paths for cutting on a cnc. I don't have easy access to a laser cutter but I do have access to a cnc machine I can use to cut parts. I'd be happy to post back any progress I can make in the process.</p> <p>-MunchyMonster </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/cnczonecom#post-477 Wed, 05 May 2010 15:48:48 +0000 Chris 477@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>@DIYengineer, that's a great tip for getting lower quotes. Have you had any success yourself? What are you building these days?</p> <p>As for the files, the DXF layering issue is one of <a href="http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/revisions#post-462">several things</a> Taylor and I plan to address in the next update, hopefully in the next few weeks.</p> <p>Please keep in mind that every aspect of this project (site hosting/admin, plan writing, testing, etc) is done on a volunteer basis because we want to do it. Taylor and I both have "real" jobs, families, obligations, etc, so we ask for everyone's patience and understanding when dealing with frustrating technical problems and waiting for those updates.</p> <p>That said, we definitely appreciate [constructive] feedback on just these sorts of problems so we can improve future versions of the source files. </p> <p>Finally, I'd like to make an explicit open invitation to anyone who sees aspects of these plans that need improvement to get involved with some file modifications. We will gladly host and distribute any additions or refinements that come from the community.</p> <p>A perfect example is <a href="http://diylilcnc.org/downloads">Bill Hastings'</a> Z-sled modification to accommodate a different model Dremel than what's listed in the plans; rather than wait for someone else to fix it, Bill took it on himself to modify the files to fit the Dremel 300. Now other folks who want to use the same model can use Bill's files for their builds. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/cnczonecom#post-476 Wed, 05 May 2010 07:22:54 +0000 DIYengineer 476@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>Sick of getting quoted $800 plus dollars?</p> <p>Create a membership.</p> <p>Go to:<br /> Homepage==&gt;Forums==Employment Opportunity and RFQ (Request for Quote)==&gt; POST!</p> <p>People search this forum daily just to make things for other people, screw those shops that want $800 dollars for most likely less than an hour of work on a big production machine, especially when you are supplying the cad files.</p> <p>People look on here all the time for side work, and side jobs. Not only is it a forum full of information, but i can guarantee you will get about 10 different people contacting you with different quotes.</p> <p>If you really wanted to get it done, and had a little wiggle room to allow for a router to do it instead of a laser, it would cut the price down A LOT! If someone could order a larger batch as well (group order) it would also cut the prices down to. Feel free to do it. I still see that they have NOT broken the .dxf file sheets into "single" files. They need to do that asap, that is the biggest pain in the ass. </p> http://diylilcnc.org/forum/topic/where-are-the-cad-files#post-469 Sat, 01 May 2010 01:31:02 +0000 tkluysk 469@http://diylilcnc.org/forum/ <p>I am interested in the assembled 3D model. I'd like to use it to visualize a length modification.</p> <p>I come from a film background, so I'm not super familiar with CAD packages. I work in Maya/Houdini/3D Max. Preferred formats would be DXF (3D), OBJ, or FBX. As long as grouping/hierachy is preserved. </p>