How to Build Your Own Dremel CNC Router

Frame Construction

• 1

  Open the valve on the propane torch. Hold the striker tool in front of the torch, then squeeze the handles.

• 2

  Adjust the flame at the end of the torch using the knob at the top. Leave a four-inch flame.

• 3

  Lay out the three 18-inch two-by-two bars into a "U" shape. Apply the flame and solder, joining the three sections. Allow the solder to cool.

• 4

  Solder the third bar upright protruding the the base of the "U" shape. Position the bar off-center by six inches.

• 5

  Solder the two-inch aluminum horizontal bar to the top of the upright bar, forming a shallow "L" shape. Solder the four-inch plate vertically to this bar, creating the lower frame support.

• 6

  Solder the "U" channels together in the same manner, with the openings facing up. Screw this to the base frame, forming the support bracket for the workplate surface.

Motor Mounting

• 7

  Connect two of the threaded dowels together at the center, screwing each into the quarter-inch long nut.

• 8

  Slide a bearing over the ends of the newly elongated rod.

• 9

  Cut two three-inch sections of backstrap material. Lay these over the bearings, with the bearings resting on the base of the frame. Screw the backstrapping down over each bearing with the drill, Philips bit and metal screws. This secures the bearing body in place, allowing the threaded rods to spin freely.

• 10

  Cut a piece of acrylic into a four-by-four square, using the table saw. Drill a 3/16 inch hole at each corner of the square and at the center.

• 11

  Bolt the motor to the plastic square, leaving a two-inch gap between the square and motor. Slide the assembly over the threaded dowel.

• 12

  Couple one end of the threaded dowel to the motor post protruding from the end. Thread the two together, coupling the motor to the dowel.

• 13

  Screw a second frame together with the six-inch "U" brackets. Cut a section of acrylic to cover the frame. This forms the base of the tray that holds the Dremel tool.

• 14

  Cut three sections of acrylic one-inch thick, and long enough to form a support bracket for your particular Dremel. Screw this to the base plate, completing the tool's holding tray.

• 15

  Attach the vertical axis motor in the same manner as the horizontal.

Bringing It Together

• 16

  Cut a piece of acrylic large enough to span the workplate support frame. Screw the plate to the frame.

• 17

  Cut two two-inch sections of backstrapping material. Bolt one end of the backstrap and a bearing to the underside of the workplate tray.

• 18

  Bolt a second strap and bearing to the vertical axis, providing tension and a way for the trays to move along their intended axes.

• 19

  Attach the disconnect plugs to the receiving ports on the motor controller. These are available as pre-made kits from various suppliers. Plug the controller into the wall.

• 20

  Slide the Dremel tool point-down towards the workplate surface. Plug this unit into AC power. It is recommended you use a corded version of the tool for consistent performance and maximum torque.

• 21

  Connect the USB or 15-pin serial connector from the PC to the controller. Activate your CNC software, and test the machine with a piece of scrap acrylic.