--- title: "Open Source CNC Machine" description: "An affordable open-source DIY CNC milling machine, designed in CAD and built with basic workshop tools. Free plans, CAD files, and a full video build series." url: https://www.thehardwareguy.com/diy-cnc-machine site: thehardwareguy (Gareth Evans) --- Affordable & Accessible # Open Source CNC Machine Discover an affordable open source CNC machine project designed for those in need of a cost-effective large-scale CNC solution. Crafted from scratch in CAD, this design can be assembled with basic workshop tools. [Download](https://d9662a02-2435-467e-af78-c6cf7b7df625.usrfiles.com/archives/d9662a_06a3ea48acbd407fb522eb8bb20ebada.zip)Watch the series This project is for hobbyist use only. ![The finished open-source CNC mill in a timber workshop](https://www.thehardwareguy.com/media/cnc.jpg) YouTube ## Watch the video series ### DIY CNC 001 - Introduction [Video: DIY CNC 001 - Introduction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6vN64v3qZI) ### DIY CNC 002 - Specification & Hardware [Video: DIY CNC 002 - Specification & Hardware](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbj6O_6vPtw) ### DIY CNC 003 - Tools for Machining Aluminium [Video: DIY CNC 003 - Tools for Machining Aluminium](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2csS5e6N4TE) ### DIY CNC 004 - Drilling, Counterboring and Tapping [Video: DIY CNC 004 - Drilling, Counterboring and Tapping](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0u6eHL628k) ### DIY CNC 005 - Y-Axis Frame Assembly [Video: DIY CNC 005 - Y-Axis Frame Assembly](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG_drvXXd4g) ### DIY CNC 006 - Gantry Assembly and Bracket Installation [Video: DIY CNC 006 - Gantry Assembly and Bracket Installation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQoVTa4hZwc) ### DIY CNC 007 - Z-Axis Assembly [Video: DIY CNC 007 - Z-Axis Assembly](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxpiYYbfL-E) ### DIY CNC 008 - Linear Rail Installation [Video: DIY CNC 008 - Linear Rail Installation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci8BTSeqi48) ### DIY CNC 009 - Surface Board, Spindle Installation & Electronics Overview [Video: DIY CNC 009 - Surface Board, Spindle Installation & Electronics Overview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFtL7i9NhX8) ### DIY CNC 010 - Closed Loop NEMA Wiring and Mach3 Setup [Video: DIY CNC 010 - Closed Loop NEMA Wiring and Mach3 Setup](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og-nvmThAJE) ### DIY CNC 011 - VFD and Spindle Test [Video: DIY CNC 011 - VFD and Spindle Test](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW8G5LwveII) ### DIY CNC 012 - Electrical Control Box [Video: DIY CNC 012 - Electrical Control Box](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsyS7X16zCg) ### DIY CNC 013 - Configuration & Basic Testing [Video: DIY CNC 013 - Configuration & Basic Testing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol4UvCvNaeo) ### DIY CNC 014 - Motor Tuning, Squareness and Spoilboard Surfacing [Video: DIY CNC 014 - Motor Tuning, Squareness and Spoilboard Surfacing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3a4PpV8HGY) ### DIY CNC 015 - Carveco 3D Relief [Video: DIY CNC 015 - Carveco 3D Relief](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNyvcQU3StA) ### DIY CNC 016 - Release (Open source) - £2655.80 [Video: DIY CNC 016 - Release (Open source) - £2655.80](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsegKvVM9p0) ### DIY CNC 017 - Cutting Aluminium Upgrades [Video: DIY CNC 017 - Cutting Aluminium Upgrades](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiFATBHL4lU) ![Build Complete](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d9662a_fcb3e78430344cde9803f39ebecf74b7~mv2.jpg) Project overview This open source CNC Machine project targets individuals seeking a competitively priced, larger-scale CNC machine for their DIY needs. Many hobbyists and novice machinists find industrial machines prohibitively expensive. However, the reality is that, with a few minor trade-offs, you can construct your own CNC machine for a fraction of the cost. I meticulously designed this machine from the ground up using CAD, with the entire assembly process achievable using basic workshop tools, eliminating the need for welding. This approach empowers the project to have a more significant impact within the community, enabling others to follow suit. - Machine Footprint (L x W x H): 1200mm x 930mm x 620mm - Frame: Solid Aluminium Plate (Bolted Together) - Working Area (L x W x H): 935mm x 620mm x 115mm - HGH20CA Linear Rails - SFU1605 Ball Screws (BK / BF12 End Supports) - 4 x NEMA 23 Closed Loop Motors - 2.2kW 24000rpm Spindle (Water Cooled) - 36V 800W Power Supply (Powers NEMA motors) - 24V 125W Power Supply (Isolated Electronics) - 8 x 'NPN NO' Proximity Switch. - M5, M6 & M8 Marine Grade Stainless Steel Bolts. - Mach 3 Breakout Board (For inital testing, may change). Files ## Download the files. As promised, I have provided all the resources for this project completely free of charge. Thank you for your patience. The reason I started this project was to enable myself to build a capable and sturdy CNC machine for as low a cost as possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and problem-solving required to make this machine a reality. I believe that by providing this information completely free of charge, I am delivering a larger impact in the community and allowing more people the opportunity to get involved with CNC. If you find value in my work, please kindly consider donating. This helps me to financially undertake similar projects in the future. Thank You, -Gareth Total Cost: £2,655.80 Download the files and parts list below, free of charge. Includes: Fusion 360 Project File, Bill of Materials, Technical Drawings, STL’s for 3D Printed Parts, Mach3 Profile & Plugin, Additional Resources. By downloading the files, you agree to and acknowledge everything in [this document](https://d9662a02-2435-467e-af78-c6cf7b7df625.usrfiles.com/ugd/d9662a_d6a5c9fa1e2e4cfc80b5d574019864e0.pdf). You can support me by shopping with my [affiliate links](https://www.thehardwareguy.com/links). (Discount for you, and I earn a small commission) [Download](https://d9662a02-2435-467e-af78-c6cf7b7df625.usrfiles.com/archives/d9662a_06a3ea48acbd407fb522eb8bb20ebada.zip)[Donate](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=gareth%40thehardwareguy.co.uk&item_name=thehardwareguy¤cy_code=GBP)[Discounts & Sponsors](https://www.thehardwareguy.com/links) This project is for hobbyist use only. 0 downloads Release Version: 1.1. Last updated: 5th November 2026. [Release notes](https://www.thehardwareguy.com/diy-cnc-release-notes). Discord ## Discord community. If you are looking to build one of your own, I highly recommend joining my community Discord channel, where you can ask questions and share your build experience with others. [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/QsC6AE8) ## Gallery [All projects](https://www.thehardwareguy.com/projects)