DIY CNC Router Design

As the demand for home-based DIY projects continues to grow, hobbyists are increasingly turning to CNC routers for precision and versatility in their work. Leading this project, our goal was to develop a CNC router design that meets the unique needs of home hobbyists—offering the ability to cut through materials like aluminum while staying within a reasonable budget of $4,200. We started by researching and developing detailed design specifications, considering key factors such as cutting capability, size, and cost-efficiency, ensuring the final product would serve a broad range of hobbyists, from beginners to more advanced creators.

After defining the requirements, we moved forward with developing and iterating on four candidate designs, each exploring different motion systems, frame structures, and spindle types. Each design was carefully evaluated based on functionality, ease of use, cost, and precision. After thorough testing and feedback, we selected the optimal design and finalized its components—right down to the screws. This included selecting motors, spindles, motion supports, creating a custom frame, and ensuring that every part would fit together seamlessly. We used SolidWorks to create technical drawings, detailed part designs, and a full assembly of the CNC router to bring our concept to life.

As team leader, I utilized project management skills to ensure the project ran smoothly, staying on track with deadlines and fostering a collaborative environment. By breaking the project into manageable phases—design, iteration, selection, and finalization—I was able to keep the team organized and focused. We maintained clear communication, tracked progress, and quickly solved any challenges that arose. This organization allowed us to not only meet the project specifications but also deliver a fully assembled, ready-to-build CNC router design that is both functional and cost-effective for home hobbyists.