Building the Machine:
Metal Fabrication:
Tools required:
The Momus CNC router can be constructed with
common hand and power tools, such as those that
would be found in a typical woodworking shop. In
addition to basic equipment, such as that shown
here, a drill press and table saw will make
construction significantly easier. While not
absolutely required, these two pieces of equipment
will make it easier to achieve higher precision and
consistency in placement of holes and cuts.
However, the design of the machine can
accommodate relatively wide tolerances during
construction, so cuts can be less than precise
without effecting the final accuracy and performance.
The metal mechanical parts of the machine can be
fabricated with basic shop tools. The standard
thickness of the material is used for all critical
dimensions, minimizing the need for the builder to
maintain high tolerances when constructing the parts.
The majority of metal fabrication consists of making
straight cuts, and the drilling and tapping of holes.
Wood Fabrication:
The wood parts that will form the base of the
machine can be cut with basic woodworking
tools. All cuts can be accomplished with a
circular saw and guide fence, although a
table saw will make many cuts easier, as
well as improving accuracy and consistency.
Other common woodworking tools and
supplies such as drill bits, glue, and clamps
will be needed.
Assembly and Electronics Installation:
Final assembly of the Momus CNC router consists
of installing the mechanical components to the
base, installing the control electronics and wiring,
and aligning and adjusting the machine.
Sample Pages from Assembly Manual:
The Momus CNC construction manual is a 170 page PDF
document that has complete drawings, illustrations, and
assembly instructions as required to construct the
machine. It contains over 350 photographs of the
fabrication and assembly process. In addition to
documenting construction of the machine, the manual also
includes information on the basics of CNC, software
workflow, structural design basics, and wiring diagrams for
two popular models of stepper motor drives.
Construction of a Momus CNC router is a
substantial Do-It-Yourself project that will
require an expenditure of both time and
money. The machine is designed such that its
construction requires the fabrication of
numerous components, out of several types of
materials. The intent of this page is to give as
complete an overview as possible of the scope
of the project. Construction of the machine
can roughly be broken down into three
phases: fabrication of metal components,
fabrication of wood components, and final
assembly/adjustment. Overall skill level
required for construction is intermediate.
To date, it is estimated that over fifty Momus CNC routers have been constructed worldwide. A vibrant and active community of knowledgeable builders can be be found on a dedicated CNCzone sub-forum. Please join us on the forum here.
Visit the Gallery page of this website to see examples of machines that have been completed or are in-process.
To date, it is estimated that over fifty Momus CNC routers have been constructed worldwide. A vibrant and active community of knowledgeable builders can be be found on a dedicated CNCzone sub-forum. Please join us on the forum here.
Visit the Gallery page of this website to see examples of machines that have been completed or are in-process.
click all images to enlarge
© 2012 Momus CNC
How long will it take to build?
The amount of time that will be required to construct the machine
will vary from builder to builder, depending on factors such as
tools that are available and an individual's skill level. The chart
below documents the amount of time that it took to construct the
machine that is shown on this website and in the assembly
manual.
ERRATA
All current known errors in the plans are listed HERE.
All current known errors in the plans are listed HERE.