Openbuilds DIY CNC – Part 0 – Parts List
I’ve always wanted a CNC machine to play with but I didn’t want to buy one off the shelf, because I thought a DIY version would cost less (not sure about this anymore). Therefore, I started looking at various DIY and open source projects for inspiration. I stumbled across the Open Builds website where I found a ton of information and parts. I liked the Openbuilds DIY CNC C-Beam V-Slot profile. It seemed to be solid enough for my requirements to mill wood. I decided on the size of my CNC, which motors to use, which controller, and so on and started my quest on sourcing parts.
CNC Size
I wanted the work area of my Openbuilds DIY CNC machine to be around the size of an A2 page (~60x42cm). I calculated what would be the overall size of a CNC that would fit an A2 page:
| Overall length | Workspace length | |
| X-axis | 90cm | ? |
| Y-axis | 65cm | ? |
| Z-axis | 25cm | ? |
Openbuilds in Europe – C-Beam V-Slot
Since I live in Europe I couldn’t simply order off the Open Builds website because of the extra import taxes. I started looking for importers and I found a shop from Poland, called V-Slot Poland. Fortunately, they offered international shipping right to my door.
Therefore, I’ve compiled a big order containing:
| Name | Quantity | Unit Price |
| X-Large C-Beam Gantry Plate | 7 | € 16.46 |
| C-Beam Profile 90cm (X-axis) | 1 | € 18.77 |
| C-Beam Profile 25cm (Z-Axis) | 1 | € 6.26 |
| C-Beam Profile 65cm (Y-Axis) | 2 | € 14.60 |
| 2020 V-Slot Profile 90cm | 1 | € 6.97 |
| 2080 V-Slot Profile 25cm | 2 | € 4.54 |
| 2040 V-Slot Profile 90cm | 2 | € 8.65 |
| 2040 V-Slot Profile 63.4cm ??? | 3 | € 6.72 |
| C-Beam End Mount | 8 | € 7.90 |
| Aluminum Spacer – 3mm | 15 | € 0.26 |
| Aluminum Spacer – 6mm | 15 | € 0.26 |
| Aluminum Spacer – 9mm | 15 | € 0.29 |
| Aluminum Spacer – 20mm | 5 | € 0.33 |
| Aluminum Spacer – 40mm | 9 | € 0.55 |
| Precision Shim – 10x5x1mm | 75 | € 0.31 |
| Shim – 12x8x1mm | 10 | € 0.42 |
| Slot Washer – 15x5x2mm | 15 | € 0.26 |
| M5 Drop-in T-Nuts (25 Pack) | 1 | € 4.59 |
| M5 T-Nuts (25 Pack) | 5 | € 3.93 |
| M3 T-Nuts (25 Pack) | 1 | € 7 |
| ACME 8mm Lead Screw -1040mm | 3 | € 23.27 |
| ACME 8mm Lead Screw – 290mm | 1 | € 6.48 |
| Lock Collar (8mm) | 8 | € 1.51 |
| Nut Block for 8mm ACME Lead Screw | 6 | € 4.83 |
| Anti-Backlash Nut Block for 8mm ACME Lead Screw | 1 | € 4.59 |
| L-Bracket Double | 13 | € 1.21 |
| L-Bracket | 16 | € 1.08 |
| 90 Degree Joining Plate Silver | 2 | € 2.17 |
| 90 Degree Corner Bracket | 26 | € 0.66 |
| Self Tapping Screw | 20 | € 0.31 |
| Slot Cover / Panel Holder Black | 4 | € 3.07 |
| Total | I’m afraid know |
Openbuilds DIY CNC
Spacers, T-Nuts, V-Slot Wheels and Shaft Couples
The following parts I ordered from AliExpress because they were cheaper. Note that I ordered more than needed for other future projects.
| Name | Quantity | Unit Price |
| Eccentric Spacer – 6mm (10 Pack) | 8 | $3.59 |
| V-Slot Black Angle Corner (4 Pack) | 8 | $2.88 |
| Aluminum Spacer – 6mm (10 Pack) | 7 | $1.36 |
| M4 Spring T-Nut (20 Pack) | 1 | $2.40 |
| M5 Spring T-Nut (20 Pack) | 1 | $2.40 |
| M6 Spring T-Nut (20 Pack) | 1 | $2.40 |
| High Precision Clear Polycarbonate Xtreme V-Slot Wheel (with bearings) (10 Pack) | 1 | $8.41 |
| D19L25 (10 Pack) – 10×6.35mm Stepper Shaft Couple | 5 | $0.93 |
| D19L25 (10 Pack) – 10x5mm Stepper Shaft Couple | 5 | $0.93 |
| D19L25 (10 Pack) – 10x8mm Stepper Shaft Couple | 5 | $0.93 |
Nuts and Bolts
There’s something missing from these lists: bolts. I bought some high-quality bolts from Ooznest UK. They are a bit pricey, but the build quality is amazing and they are very strong. I had bought the same type of bolts from AliExpress, put them side by side. The chinese ones feel… Chinese.
| Name | Quantity | Total Price |
| M5 Low Profile Bolts – 8mm | 120 | £18.90 |
| M5 Low Profile Bolts – 10mm | 35 | £6.44 |
| M5 Low Profile Bolts – 12mm | 15 | £3.11 |
| M5 Low Profile Bolts – 20mm | 50 | £9 |
| M5 Low Profile Bolts – 30mm | 15 | £3.92 |
| M5 Low Profile Bolts – 50mm | 15 | £5.35 |
| M5 Low Profile Bolts – 65mm | 20 | £8.64 |
| M3 Socket Head Bolt – 8mm | 10 | £1.17 |
| Self Tapping Screws | 25 | £5.80 |
| Self locking M5 nuts | ? | ? |
I know, it’s a very long list; and it’s not even complete. It misses the electronics (motors, drivers, controller). These two lists above include onle “mechanical” parts.
