Full Package CNC Router-A Specifications

Hi All,

I have added a new CNC Router package with electronics included. It is located at http://modularcnc.flyingcart.com/index.php?p=detail&pid=56&cat_id=

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Andy

Turn Key CNC Router

Hi All,

Here is a breakdown for a complete CNC Router with controller, motors, power supply, machine.

Modular CNC 3-Axis Router = $320
Controller = $80
Power Supply = $50
Stepper Motors 166oz (3)+ cables = $140 (www.automationdirect.com)
Controller Housing and assembly = $50
Shaft Couplers and Spindle Mount = $45
HF Spindle = $30

$715.00 total without shipping

Let me know how this looks.

Andy

4th Axis Rotary Indexer Table Plans

Hi All,

Here is a set of 4th Axis rotary Indexer Plans for sale for $5.99. Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Andy

Modular Cnc 4th Axis Rotary Indexer

Free Plans are Here!

Hi All,

I just uploaded our new set of free CNC Router plans to http://freecncplans.blogspot.com.

Thanks,

Andy

CNC G&M Code File for Sale, Router Mount

Hi All,

I wanted to let you know that I have for sale the G&M Code file for a nice CNC Router Spindle mount. This is a great deal for someone that is looking to start making things with their table top CNC router or mini mill. You buy the program, download it, copy and paste the text into your controller software and you can start making as many parts as you want, just do not share the G&M Code file. Let me know what you think.

Follow the link below to Scribd to where you can purchase the full program for $3.00.

Andy

2.5 ID Router Mount, CNC G&M Code Program

CNC Computer Hardware for EMC2, Linux CNC.

Hi All,

I have been super busy out in the shop, catching up from when I was sick. In my very little spare time I have been experimenting with EMC2 from Linux CNC. I believe the first starting point is to find the correct computer hardware that will run EMC2 efficiently. I recently acquired a great little used computer from www.computer-show.com. This great little machine came with a P4 1.3 GHZ, 256mg RAM, 20gig hard drive, and a video card. THe best part about this machine is it came with a warranty and was only $45.00. That is cheaper than some old beater computer off of Craigslist. I installed the EMC2-Ubuntu 8.04 package from the ISO image I burned from www.linuxcnc.org and it installed very easily. I performed the latency test and it was at about 11,000, perfect for running EMC2. I will begin hardware testing of my controller box very soon. So far I am very impressed by EMC2 and look forward to running it.

Andy

New Set of Free Spindle Mount Plans

Hi All,

I just updated my free plans site with blue prints for a spindle mount for a cnc router or mini mill. Plans are located at http://freecncplans.blogspot.com.

Thanks,

Andy

New CNC Mini Mill Assembly Plans

Hi All,

I just added a new set of CNC Mini Mill Kit Assembly Plans to http://freecncplans.blogspot.com.

Thanks,

Andy

New Plans Posted on Free CNC Plans

Hi All,

I just posted some new plans of how to set up our Nema 23 motor mounts. There are plans for both the 1/4-20 and the 1/2-10 ACME lead screws. See these new plans at http://freecncplans.blogspot.com.

Thanks,

Andy

To Patent or Not to Patent, That is the Question...

Hi All,

I have been asked many times why don't I have any patents for any of my items. The answer is very simple. If you are going to get a patent are you willing to defend it? If you are willing to defend it do you have the financial means to defend it? If you are in the business of obtaining patents and selling them then I would still recommend getting a patent. If you come up with something original and are going to sell it yourself then I would forgo the patent process and get your product to market quickly.

I worked for a small engineering company back east that did everything the right way. They obtained a patent on a great idea and were they were successful at selling their product. One day they got a large order from a big corporation. They made some money from this corporation but when it came time to reorder the patented product the corporation told them that they were having their patented product made by someone else. The owner of the small engineering company objected but the response was "Take us to court". The fact was that this large corporation could waste alot of time and money by having that case in court but at the end of the day it would only ruin the small engineering company financially.

I say save your money on patents unless you've got something great, and before you spend money on a patent do your market research.

Thanks,

Andy

1/2-10 ACME Lead Screw Upgrades Available

Hi All,

I just wanted to let you know that 1/2-10 ACME Lead Screw and drive nut upgrades are available on all linear motion products that we have. You can get them on everything from the Nema 23 motor mounts to the New HDPE CNC Router. I have the upgrade listed for the router. Let me know if you need it for the Mini Mill Kit.

Thanks,

Andy

Just Lowered Prices

Hi All,

We just lowered prices on our New CNC Router, CNC Mini Mill Kit, and the packaged deals that include those machines. Let us know if there are any discrepancies.

Andy

CNC Zone - Great Product Reviews

Check out the links to some great product reviews of our CNC Mini Mill Kit and HDPE CNC Router. Located at http://freecncplans.blogspot.com/

Andy

HDPE Table Top CNC Router for under $400

We finally finished our all HDPE CNC Router. No more MDF to break, warp, chip, or bubble. This is a very strong and solid machine that will lost a long time. Because this machine is made by Modular CNC it is easy to change and upgrade for your application
.

Getting Rid of MDF CNC Router Components

I am almost finished swapping out all of my MDF components with HDPE. It took me awhile to get everything lined up and get my suppliers in order but this is to provide my customers with a better machine for almost the same money. In fact I will let everybody in on a little secret, the only components that are still MDF are the side supports everything else in HDPE, this means that for the price of an MDF machine you are receiving a CNC Router almost made entirely of HPDE. It's agreat deal but the price will not be $325 for long. Check out a few pictures of a recent customer's lienar slides with upgraded 1/2-10 acme.

Embedded CNC Mini Mill Kit from my Website

CNC Mini Milling Machine Kit

$225.00

Free CNC Mini Lathe Plans now Available

Hi All,

I now have a set of Free CNC Mini Lathe plans now available on http://freecncplans.blogspot.com. The plans use (2) Modular CNC Linear Slides, 40mm aluminum extrusion, a Sherline or Taig spindle, and a tool holder. The design is fairly simple but it does utilize a moving spindle design that I have seen in use on an industrial machine. If interest grows I can create a kit for purchase. Let me know what you think.

Andy

CNC and the Entrepreneur

What does learning CNC have to do with becoming an entrepreneur? I believe that when you learn CNC programming, set-up and operation you open up yourself to the world as an entrepreneur. The skill and art of CNC programming and machining is very valuable to you, employers, and businesses.

· The value to yourself is that you will be opening up options for your future. You can work for yourself, work for others, or both.

· The value to employers is that you then will have multiple skill sets at work. It makes you worth more as an employee.

· The value to other business is that you can offer your services as an outside contractor especially now since a lot of countries are outsourcing their skilled trades.

Last month I looked up CNC programmers in the US Department of Labor stats and it showed that there were only about 200,000 programmers nationwide. I was shocked and disappointed but it did show that demand for these positions would be going up due to the lack of new people learning these skills.

How does this help you as an entrepreneur?

• You can offer your newly learned skills to others once you gain some confidence and experience. I think most job shops today get $50 - $120/hour.
• You can start performing your own R&D machining work. I saved a ton of money by not outsourcing all of my R&D work.
• You can start manufacturing your own products and product lines.
• I think most importantly your time to market with a new product can be reduced drastically.

There are Jobs in Albuquerque, NM!

The economy is going through some rough times right now but not in every state.

The Albuquerque Police Department is currently hiring! $5,000 sign on bonus, Entry Level Salary: $35,984, Academy Graduate: $44,520. For more information check out www.relocate-nm.com.

Andy

New Nema-34 Stepper Motor Mounts with 3/4 - 6 Acme Lead Screw!!

Hi All,

These have been a long time in the making and here they are. Big and Strong Nema-34 standard motor mounts for all of your special design needs. These would be great for your large bench top milling machine conversion project. I will have these listed for sale at www.modularcnc.com.


Checkout how they compare to a Nema-23.

Also check out the super strong and wuick lead 3/4 - 6 acme lead screw.


Thanks,

Andy

Modular CNC Mini Mill Kit Instructions

Modular CNC Mini Mill Assy-01

Publish at Scribd or explore others: How-to-Guides & Manu router kits

Modular CNC Linear Slide

Publish at Scribd or explore others: How-to-Guides & Manu router kits

Modular CNC Mini Cnc Mill Kit Parts List

Publish at Scribd or explore others: How-to-Guides & Manu router kits

Sneak Peek at Modular CNC's New Super Table Top Mini Mill

Hi All,

Here is a sneak peek at my latest R&D project, the Super Table Top Mini Mill!

-Cast Iron X - Y Table
-Precision Acme Screws
-Heavy Aluminum Extrusion Base
-Extra Large Z-axis for Stability During Cutting
-Will be able to cut aluminum very well, videos coming!

Let me know what you all think,

Andy

The High Cost of Innovation

Where has all the innovation gone?

I know there is some innovation out there especially if you've got the budget for it but what about affordable innovation for the small business owner? Has anybody taken notice of the high shop rates that we are all paying now?

Today in New Mexico, shop rates for a good quality machine shop are $80 - $120/hour!!!

Ouch!! That hurts when you are trying to R & D a new product for your small business.

I started working at a small Engineering company back in Michigan in 1996 and the shop rates were $40/hour. Machinist wages were $12 - $25 DOE. Today shop rates are through the roof and machinists are still being paid $12 - $25/hour. What happened? I know that machinery is more expensive along with electricity and other overhead but not enough to double shop rates.

I think its time to rethink your tool room machinery. Instead of outsourcing R&D I think that R&D machining needs to move back in house where it belongs. How are we supposed to pull ourselves out of this ugly economy with innovation if it costs $200 for a custom made screw?

Something to think about.

Andy

Free Plans are Ready

Hi All,

I just found a great way to add PDF files directly to my blog at http://freecncplans.blogspot.com/ The file is embedded right into the post itself. Check it out.

Andy

Shipping Price Errors on our Shopping Cart Site!

Hi All,

I jsut found and fixed some shipping price errors on our shopping cart website located at www.modularcnc.com. The calculator was using some Canadian prices instead of United States prices. Please take a look again at our items if our shipping prices were too high.

Thanks,

Andy

Modular CNC Linear Slide Diagram

Hi All,

Here is a diagram of our standard linear slides that go into our CNC machines and kits.

This should help with building one of our machine kits or building your own.

The slides are drawn upside down for component clarity.

Thanks,

Andy

Proud New Father

Hi All,

I have a beautiful new daughter.

9 lbs 2 ounces

Sorry about any delays in emails and orders. I get everything going again here shortly.

Thanks,

Andy

CNC Mini Mill Kit $225.00 is now Available

Hi All,

I am proud to announce our latest product, the CNC Mini Milling Machine Kit. This is an easy to assemble kit. No drilling of any holes is required. It uses self threading fasteners to create a strong machine. This new machine even comes with its own T-Slot table for easy mounting of your workpiece. Shipping for the kit is very affordable, $10 to anywhere is the US, $35 to Canada and Mexico, and $55 to anywhere else in the world. For more information please visit www.modularcnc.com.

Thanks,

Andy

Knee Update

Hi All,

I got a a partial OK from the Doctor last week. He said I can get rid of the straight leg brace and go to a smaller brace and start working on my range of motion and strength. It will be re-evaluated in 6 weeks to determine start of physical therapy. Everybody I talk to about physical therapy recommends its.

Thanks to everyone that placed orders and had to wait longer for them to arrive. It really stinks having a broken leg ans trying to get stuff done even with help form others.

Thanks Again,

Andy

Invest in Yourself!

The economy is not doing well as we all know. People have pulled their money out of the stock market and don't know where to put it.

The best place to invest your money is in yourself. All across the country colleges and universities have had a huge influx of students. The best way to learn cnc programming and operation is to get your own machine and start cutting things. Here are some advantages to having your own cnc machine.

• Learn CNC programming
• Learn CNC set-up
• Great for your resume
• Create your own products
• Build your own business

Trade schools are a great place to learn CNC programming but those classes are filled up right now, and a good program will take 1 - 2 years to complete. Having your own machine allows you to learn at your own pace. Having your own machine will also allow you to make and build all of those ideas that you have had over the years but couldn't afford to have those parts made by a machine shop.

Keep Learning,

Andy

New X-Y CNC Mini Mill Table

Hi All,

Getting ready to launch a new product, the Modular CNC X-Y CNC Mini Mill Table. This item will be perfect for those building there first CNC machine. It should be in my store next week, www.modularcnc.com.

Thanks,

Andy

New Version of CNC Mini Mill

Hi All,

Here is a picture of my latest prototype of the CNC Mini Mill. A lot more aluminum for a heavier and stronger machine. I will attempt to use a 2HP Craftsman router as my spindle. I'll post videos of it cutting when I take them.

Thanks,

Andy

Package Shipping Rate for the USPS Just Went Up

Hi All,

Time to place some quick orders! I just noticed that the USPS raised their rates as of Jan. 18th. They say the average increase is 8.5%. Ouch!! They do say that they do not use fuel surcharges or any other stuff like that.

It will take me a day or two to adjust my website rates so if you need something order it quick and you can squeeze out a better shipping price.

Thanks,

Andy

Shipping Services

Hi All,

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up as to how and why I use the USPS for our company's shipping service.

PRICES

• I believe the USPS has everybody beat with their Flat Rate Priority mail envelopes and boxes. They offer those envelopes and boxes for free as well.That's hard to beat. I am pretty sure that no other company is offering these right now. These envelopes and boxes work well for smaller items that fit into them. The heavier items is where the USPS is slightly more expensive and takes a little longer on shipping. For International shipping the USPS steps up and again with prices that are significantly lower than the competition especially on large items. The competition is competitive with Canadian shipping but anything overseas they aren't even close.

TRACKING

• This is where the USPS loses a lot of clout. I will admit that their tracking is pretty poor. Most of the time when I print a label and the customer gets the tracking number it does not update and says something like "the label was printed but that does not mean that the package has been dropped off". This usually results in an email from the customer which I then reassure that I did drop their package off. UPS & Fedex have excellent tracking systems. I can't really say anything bad about their systems.
  

CHECKOUT INTEGRATION

• I believe this is a lot more important for me than our customers. This allows us the chance to take our customers information directly from the shopping cart into Paypal and then directly into the shipping information page where the shipping label is created. I know that Paypal only uses the USPS and UPS. I am not sure about Fedex.

SUMMARY

• For me its hard to beat the service that I get from the USPS. Their good service and low prices allow me to charge less for shipping services than some of my competition. I think the only reason that some companies do not use their services is that their is a stigma that you are not a "real" business unless you use UPS or Fedex. I know that UPS rates go down as your shipping volume goes up but only a few companies pass that savings on to you. Many just charge higher rates and absorb the extra as profit.

Thanks,

Andy

Broke My Knee Cap!

Hi All,

I have the misfortune of having a broken kneecap. It is pretty painful. Looks like I am going to be getting some hired help this month.

Andy

Free CNC Plans

Hi All,

I have decided to create another blog where I can share some of my projects that I won't be building. This is my contribution to the hobby CNC community. I will need to add a file sharing link or site so that the plasn can be hosted an accessed by people that want to view them.


The link to this new site is http://freecncplans.blogspot.com/

Thanks,

Andy

2009 - Modular CNC's New Projects for this Year

It's been too long since I have added to the blog, so I decided to make a list of new CNC projects that I want to introduce this year.

• Nema-34 motor mounts
• 3/4-6 acme lead screws with drive nuts
• All plastic construction CNC router
• All aluminum construction Mini Mill
• Turn-Key machine
• Complete my programming guide
  

Let me know if any body has anything to add to this list.

Thanks,

Andy