MPCNC

I discovered the Mostly Printed CNC project today. And I’ve been on the cusp of buying a shapeoko so MPCNC really got my interest. After a bit of study, I’ve decided this is the way I want to go.

MPCNC Home Page

I figure I can buy the basic parts bundle, 3D print the fittings at work and buy the rest at Lowes and Home Depot.

Component	Source	Cost
Parts Bundle	MPCNC	331
3D Printing	Work	-
Makita Spindle	Home Depot	99
Galvanized Pipe	Lowes	?
Bits
other?

I figure this going to cost about $500, compared to the Shapeoko that would be $1500.

Build Planning

It seems the first step is to find a source of conduit or stainless steel tube to use. I found 3/4” EMT conduit in 5 ft lengths at Lowes and bought one. I’ll try cutting it with a pipe cutter to see how tricky that is. I also found some 3/4” Galvanized Pipe in a 6 foot length that I also bought. It’s much stiffer but will be harder to cut. And I’m not sure the outside diameter matches any of the MPCNC fitting options but I’ll check it out.

To make a router with a 12x36” work area, I’d need X axis conduits of 46.4” and Y-axis conduits of 22.4”. That’s longer than the 60” lengths I found. I could use the full 60 length for a 49.6” working length.

Spindle

I figure I’ll need a Makita RT0701 regardless of which CNC path I go down. I was actually going to buy one tonight at Lowes but they don’t carry that brand. I could have bought the Dewalt equivalent there but I think the Makita will be better for working with aluminum. (It has lower speeds in its speed range.) So I’ll have to make a trip to Home Depot for that.

I expect I’ll have to buy the proper bits online. Neither Lowes nor Home Depot will carry the proper bits for milling aluminum.