Summary of A DIY BENCH-SIZED MILLING MACHINE
Summary: [Honus] built a compact benchtop milling machine using 80/20 extrusion and aluminum plates for the frame, Igus linear slides for X, Y, and Z motion, and a repurposed brushed Makita drill as the spindle driven by an RC speed controller controlled by an Arduino. Various custom-fabricated brackets and parts tie the build together; the mill machines aluminum cleanly and is intended for small workshop tasks.
Parts used in the Benchtop Mill:
- 80/20 extrusion framing
- Aluminium plate
- Igus linear slides (X, Y, Z)
- Brushed Makita drill motor (as spindle)
- R/C speed controller
- Arduino (for spindle control)
- Various fabricated brackets and mounts
- Fasteners and hardware
Hanging around the machining community online, you’d be more than familiar with clapped out Bridgeport mills, which are practically a meme at this point. But mills come in all shapes and sizes, from the stout old iron from the days of yore, to smaller, compact builds. [Honus] decided to build the latter, and shared the details of the project.
The aim of [Honus’s] build is to create a small benchtop mill, capable of handling the smaller tasks. The frame of the mill is built out of 80/20 extrusion, with plenty of aluminium plate to go along with it. Igus linear slides handle the X, Y and Z axes. An old brushed Makita drill motor serves as the spindle drive, controlled by an old R/C speed controller hooked up to an Arduino. [Honus] then fabbed up various bits and pieces as neccessary to bring it all together.
The mill is neat and tidy, and looks to do a good job machining aluminium. We imagine it should prove highly useful in [Honus’s] workshop. If you’re contemplating getting yourself some desk-sized tools, perhaps consider an engraver as well! Video after the break.
Source: A DIY BENCH-SIZED MILLING MACHINE
- What materials were used for the mill frame?
The frame was built from 80/20 extrusion and aluminium plate. - What linear motion components are used for the axes?
Igus linear slides handle the X, Y, and Z axes. - What is used as the spindle motor?
An old brushed Makita drill motor serves as the spindle drive. - How is spindle speed controlled?
An R/C speed controller is used, and it is hooked up to an Arduino for control. - Did the builder fabricate custom parts?
Yes, the builder fabricated various bits and pieces as necessary to assemble the mill. - Can the mill machine aluminium effectively?
The article says the mill looks to do a good job machining aluminium. - What size and purpose is the mill intended for?
It is a small benchtop mill intended to handle smaller workshop tasks. - Is the build tidy and suitable for a workshop?
The mill is described as neat and tidy and should prove highly useful in the workshop.
