Introduction

The R-Max CNC Router/Engraver/Plasma Cutter is designed to be a versatile, reliable, and accurate CNC machine. The R-Max is ideal for the small shop that requires CNC wood routing/engraving capability as well as CNC plasma cutting capability.

 The R-Max design is scalable to enable creation of a larger capacity machine if desired. The length and width can easily be extended by simply adding additional lengths of 20 mm fully supported linear rail.

 This set of plans and construction manual will allow anyone with basic machining and welding skills to build the R-Max CNC Router/Engraver/Plasma Cutter for less than $900 in parts and materials cost.This includes all motors, electronics, controllers, software, etc.

 The R-Max is constructed from commonly available materials and parts. This construction manual includes a complete parts list with prices as well as part numbers for many of the parts. There are detailed CAD drawings for all parts and assemblies, as well as many photos of the individual parts and assemblies.

 The Assembly Notes include many important details about building, assembling, and adjusting the R-Max. The R-Max CAD drawings, screen shots and parts list shown in this manual are also included as separate pdf files for increased clarity at higher resolutions.

Machine Specs

Designed & Manufactured By Desert Hybrids Precision Engineered Products

 Routing/Engraving Area:               25 in. x 27 in.

 Plasma Cutting Area:                      24.5 in. x 24 in.

 Z-Axis Travel:                                6 in.

 Router Table Size:                          36 in. x 40 in.

 Plasma Cutting Table Size:            27 in. x 31 in.

 Water Tray Size:                             26.5 in. x 31 in. x 4 in. Deep

 Exhaust Port Size:                          4 in. Diameter

 Table Leveling:                             Independent Leveling Adjustment

                                                        for Cutting Grate & Router Table

 Manual Motion Control:               Hand Wheels for X, Y, and Z                          

Overall Dimensions:                       50 in. x 44.5 in. x 43 in. Tall

 Machine Weight:                            Approx. 175 lbs.

 Max. Cutting Capacity:                  24.5 in. x 24 in. x 1 in. Thk. Plate Steel

 Max. Weight Capacity:                  Approx. 250 lbs.

 Max. Router Size:                           2.5 HP

 Primary Construction Material:    Steel/Aluminum

 Stepper Motor Type:                      NEMA 23

 Stepper Motor Torque:                  269 oz.-in. (280 oz.-in. optional)

 Linear Rails:                                    20mm Fully Supported

 Linear Bearings:                              Re-circulating Ball Bearing

 PC Interface:                                   Windows  USB

 Stepper Motor Control:                 Arduino UNO R3/GRBL v1.1

 Interface Software:                         Candle Version 1.1.7

 CAD/CAM Software:                     Fusion 360 or       AutoCAD/dxf2gcode        

 Mechanical Drive System:             0.5 x 10TPI    5-Start RH Precision Acme Lead Screws for X-Axis and Y-Axis

                                                          0.5 x 10 TPI      2-Start RH Precision Acme Lead Screw for Z-Axis

 Drive Coupling:                              Delrin Anti-Backlash Nuts

 Motion Accuracy:                           Approx. 0.002 in. per 12 in.

 Step Resolution:                             Adjustable: 0.0025 in. to 0.00062 in. for X-Axis and Y-Axis

                                                          Adjustable: 0.010 in. to 0.0024 in.

                                                          For Z-Axis

 Max. Cutting Speed:                      Approx. 250 ipm

 Height Control:                               CNC

 Table Surface:                                 Plasma Cutting: Replaceable Steel Slats

                                                          Router/Engraver: 0.75 in. MDF

 Input Power:                                   120 VAC, Can Power From Same Circuit as Computer