I’m going to tackle them in rough order of cost and complexity.īut first, if you already have a machine, please take our Hobby Machine Survey so you can see the results of what kinds of machines other hobbyists have. Let’s run down the machine types that are available and comment a little on how they fit with the various questions I asked you to consider. Projects: What do you want to make with your CNC machine? Your main goal of what you want to make will greatly affect the type of machine you build as well as the required specifications for that machine. You will have learned a lot on the simpler machine and you’ll be that much more ready to tackle a complex machine. But how much time can you realistically devote to the project? How much of your interest revolves around creating the machine itself versus using the machine after it is done? Consider that it may be a good idea to go all the way through getting a simpler machine working before graduating to your ultimate CNC project. Time: Given enough time, you can manage to build almost anything. Strong woodworking versus strong metalworking skills will affect your choices too. Some will be happier with tolerances that are a little looser and easier to achieve.

Some machines will be much easier to build than others. Get a real honest assessment of the level of cost you’re willing to deal with for your Hobby CNC project.ĭifficulty: Close behind cost will be a realistic assessment of the skills you can bring to the table in building your machine.

Some will require more software or tooling than others, which adds additional expense. Try this questionaire:Ĭost: How much can you afford to spend on your CNC machine? Some cnc machines cost more than others.

The first thing you’ll want to do is make some notes about some of the questions you’ll want to understand up front. You’ll be active in Hobby CNC before you know it. We’ll try to create a framework you can use to decide what your first CNC project should be. So you want to build a CNC machine, but you’re not quite sure what kind of machine to build? Then this article is for you.

Build your own slot machine