How to Build a $200 USB Hot Wire CNC Foam Cutter - Part 1
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- #usbfoamcutter #grbl #freesoftware
Would you like to build your own hot wire CNC foam cutter using 3d printer electronics parts for $200? Here is the first video in a 4 part series with a new eBook, Plans, Parts and Cutting List.
It's a full step-by-step build series from start to finish. Cutting your first foam wing at the end.
The eBook and plans can be found here. https:/rckeith.co.uk/how-to-build-a-usb-cnc-hot-wire-foam-cutter/
Parts List here www.rckeith.co...
The free eBook also includes details on how to build the parallel port version, if you want to use Mach3 or Linux CNC
It uses inexpensive 3d printer electronics and parts easily found in your local DIY store.
I use it to make RC wings and fuselages but it can be used to make many other foam projects.
Part 1 is the introduction gives a brief overview of this step-by-step series to build your own CNC foam cutter
Part 2 is the electronics build and configuration
Part 3 is the mechanical build
Part 4 is the video showing wiring, axis checks, calibration checks and making our first test cut. The last section shows software you can use to generate G-code for your wing
Full details including eBook and Plans
www.rckeith.co...
Thanks for this video man, I have always wanted to build my own to start cutting planes out of foam!
Outstanding!!! Thank you for taking the time to put this package together. Cheers
Thanks you're welcome.
Thanks. I wanted a good project. I used to cut foam wings with a lever drop weight machine. I've been wanting to get back to building model airplanes. It was a lot of fun twenty years ago.
Hi Thomas I started with the same machine and got some good results. But making the templates was time consuming. I did that for my VC10 airliner build on the wings and tail. That's when I decided to have go at CNC foam cutting that was about 9 years ago. This is my second version using 3d printer electronics, the old one was a bit over engineered and used the old parallel port. Thanks for watching 👍
what I can appreciate, each axis is independent right? being able to make many types of cuts, good work!
Yes, that's correct so many wings types and fuselages are possible. Thank you.
@@rckeith Thank you! I will review all your videos to inform me of the type of software and firmware to use
That's cool Keith, I think a shed is in order ... I doubt the mrs would but up with it on the kitchen table
Have a shed that's the CNC router's home😁 thanks for watching
Thank you for this series
No problem Mark, 4th Video should be out next week
Fantastic!
Starting mine this week. July 2020. I will certainly let you know how I get on!
Thanks
Hi Keith,
I have watched your introductory video and straight up I would have to thank you for all the work you have put in and of cause made it available to all . I am new to all of this cnc, i have made foam wings (badly) with a hot wire bow and will continue to. but this project looks too good to pass up. i don't have much experience with computer software, arduino and the like but it seems you give step by step instructions to go on with. So here is the first thing I must find out before I go too far down the rabbit hole, I use a mac computer, the software you use is for windows. A quick google search tells me that a "slicer"progam is used in 3d printing and of cause they can be obtained free for mac. Are my observations right so far and if i use a different brand of software will I still be able to follow your instructions to complete a working foam cutter
Steven
Hi Steven, thanks for your kind words. Unfortunately you do needs Windows to run the foam cutter. Yon can use a Mac to upload the firmware and configure the settings and there is a free online g-code generator. But the programs that actually send the g-code to the arduino are windows only. I'm a Mac user as well as Windows so I can understand why you prefer the Mac. You don't need a very powerful Windows computer to run the programs because the Arduino is doing the heavy lifting. I've have run the program I show in the video on a very old laptop over 10 years old and it worked fine.
Hope that helps
Keith
@@rckeith thanks Keith, an old laptop will not be hard to find
Steven
Hi Keith,
I’m new at this and just starting to gather info from your videos to build a CNC foam printer. Are these the most updated videos you have to complete my build?
Hi Z B
Part2 has been updated and you should check the playlist ua-cam.com/play/PLZzVG2q06x22o1tdlpGJZqc5GuR-ykB2_.html
That's probably the best sequence to follow.
Great idea thank you
Thank you.
Parabéns!!!! Pelo trabalho e por compartilhar...
Hi Keith, I was watching your videos and I will try to build your wing cutter. I will use Mach 3 since I have a CNC also self made, but with 3 axes, the idea is to open a new profile with 4 axes. If you have time you can see my machine wich I build to cut the ribs of the airplanes, in my site of you tube, saludos from Argentina.
Hi Just had a look at your machine and you did a good job. Using Mach 3 with a 4 axis profile works really well that's how I use my Mach 3. I still use Mach3 as well as the new USB software. Mach3 is a good choice if you already have it. Good luck with your new build
Keith
what would you say the total cost of this would be?
If you build it as I have then $200. Have a look on my website where there is a full parts list. Rckeith.co.uk
Sometimes places like Aliexpress and banggood have sales on the electronics which can bring the price even lower.
Thanks for interesting Video.
But Do You know other free software ?
And what version is DevFoam do You use ?
Hi
Check my video on g-code generation software ua-cam.com/video/DJrKjibracI/v-deo.html which shows free and paid options.
I use DevWing Foam and DevFus Foam for my RC aircraft.
Hope that helps
Keith
Hi great tutorial , how is the G-code generated ? Cheers!
Have a look here www.rckeith.co.uk/free-cnc-software-3-and-4-axis/ about halfway done the page which has a few options both free and paid.
@@rckeith Hi again ; ) I purchased the plans today however there was an error on your website end because on my PayPal account the money has been deducted and I still don't have access to the pdf files.. Please check your email thanks!
@@charlieahr2852 I resent the purchase receipt with a link in please check your email and download. let me know via email if you are still having issues.
Please try again there was a problem, sorry. It should be fine now
@@rckeith imgur.com/a/qHSo4Df
Great build! Does it have to be moisture resistant MDF?
No doesn't have to be, if you are in a dry environment then plain old MDF is fine.
@@rckeith Great to hear! Going to purchase some MDF and the plans tonight i think, thanks for a fast answer
@@antonl1894 Glad to help any questions just drop me a line.
Keith Howlette Is the drawer slides 600mm long or can it travel 600mm?
@@antonl1894 Both actually they are full extension slides so the 600mm give you 600mm travel. That's why there are 3 sections in the slide to support on the full extent. It's not very often you need full travel only on some bigger projects.
Hi, this might be abit of an idiot question.... can this machine cut out simple letters for cheap interior signage
Hi Kevin, yes no problem at all. You just need the right software to generate the gcode. Check DevCad.com they have software to do that. Hope that helps
Is the cnc also able to cut insulation foam?
Yes that's we use to make wings with.
@@rckeith oh interessting, I always use xps pink insulation foam. I think it is good idea to build this hot wire cnc. I will keep you up to date :)