Product Description
We sell a lot of this product and the delivery time is longer than usual. Right now the delivery time is 2-3 weeks
Now it’s finally here, the Ball screw version of Raw 1.5 EXTENDED. Ball screw has an incredible precision and a much smoother flow.
Custom Size
A standard Raw machine is 990x990mm in size. If you want to make the machine bigger or smaller then this is the product for you. We don’t recommend building a Raw ball screw machine bigger than 1300mm in any direction. The reason for this is that a ball screw starts to wobble after a certain length. The thickness of the ball screw we use is 16mm. You can probably modify the machine for 20mm ball screw, but this is untested and we do not have any support for that.
This kit comes without ball screw
We can’t include ball screw to this kit since it must be exact in length (see example below). We have ball screw in the shop and you can also find them on eBay for example. We recommend 1610 ball screws (16mm thick and with a 10mm pitch) The ball screw must be standard machined on both ends. (most of them are) so that the screw is 10mm in diameter on both ends and then 12mm a bit down on one end. We will fasten the ball screw with 10 and 12mm lock bearings and then use a 6.35-10mm coupling for the motors.
Here is an example
If you have 2 ball screws that is exactly 1000mm long (for the length of the machine) and 1 ball screw that is 800mm long (for the witdh of the machine) then the machin has to be 15mm shorter. In this case the length of the machine should be 985mm and the Width of the machine should be 785mm. Fill in Width 785 and Length 985 in the form below for the example above. Contact us if you are unsure.
If you need custom ball screw
We sell standard lengths of ball screws here: Ball screw 1601 (opens in new link) If you need custom length of ball screw you can contact us for a quote.
This is how you place an order
Fill in the form below to se the exact measures of the machine you need. In the drop down menu above we ask if the machine is longer than 990mm in any direction and the price will be calculated from that. When you check out, please leave a comment of the exact size you want. We will confirm your desired size in an email after order (it may take 24 hours) You can also send us an email with your order number and requirements.
NOTE, Use MM not CM for example 990 For a 990mm machine
Note that the plates are not painted. We have treated the plates in a drum so you can paint them directly. You may need to grind the edges a bit as they are laser cut which gives a slightly coarser edge. If you don’t want to paint them, you can just brush them.
To describe a machine like this requires a lot of text so here is a summary, more advanced text below
- This is a CNC machine DIY kit that comes with everything you need except for ball screw and a waste table (The black table seen in the picture above) We don’t include this due to high shipping costs. We have a guide on our site on how to make your own once the machine is ready.
- You can buy the machine with or without electronics. If you choose to include the electronics, everything you need for the electronics is included. The cables are cut to the right lengths and mounting the electronics is very easy, just follow the instructions. The electronics are low current after the transformer itself and completely harmless. Read more about the electronics below if you are new to this. You can use whatever electronics you want if it is for Nema 23 motors.
- You will also need a router or a spindle with inverter. You can use any router if it has a round shaft. You can even use a Dremel or another engraving tool if you are cutting soft materials.
- If you choose the kit without electronics then no electronic parts will be included like cables, cable chain and other parts. LED light and switches are always included in the kit. Without electronics you will get a complete machine but without any electronics at all.
- All plates are threaded and grinded in a trommel and ready for painting. The profiles are sent directly from the factory so we can’t prepare them for you. You will need to thread the holes of some profiles with a M5 tap. We will include a tap and instructions for that, it is very easy..
- If you buy any other DIY machine on the market it comes in pieces just like this machine. We call this machine a kit, because that’s what it is. This machine may have more parts and requires more assemble, but it’s worth it. You will get a machine with quality parts and much stronger than others.
That’s all, if you choose machine and electronics from us you will have a complete machine except for the parts mentioned above. Once you purchase a kit you will get access to all the articles and video instructions on the site. It will take a few days to assemble the machine but it’s easy with instructions, just follow along. If you get stuck, we are one e-mail or phone call away to assist you.
Steel Reinforcements
Raw is designed so you can reinforce your machine with steel to make it super strong. We include all steel reinforcements needed in this kit. When the steel reinforcements are in place, a Raw 1.5 is so strong and robust that an full grown person can stand on the X axis while cutting.
Ballscrew
This machine is buildt with 1610 Ball screws. The precision of this machine can be compared to expensive industrial machines. Choose ball screw if you need extreme precision and if you cut a lot of aluminum. A ballscrew machine is slower than a machine with racks but the speed of this ball screw machine (4000mm/min) is enough for most users. Standard cutting speed is between 1500-3500mm/min for most machines.
What can i cut with a Raw 1.5
Soft wood, hardwood, particleboard, Mdf, plastic, aluminum, copper, 3D cutting, engraving and much more.
Whats included in this kit?
The kit contains everything needed except for a waste table. Due to high shipping costs we ask you to make your own once the machine is done. The waste table is just regular 12MM MDF or Valchromat that you can find in any hardware store.
Spindle or router
You will also need a spindle with inverter or a regular edge cutter from Bosh, Makita or Dewalt. You will find plenty of these on ebay.co.uk for example, search for 1.5kw air cooled spindle with inverter. These are shipped from Germany without any additional taxes. We sell these but have to add high import taxes, so buy them yourself and you will save a lot of money.
Is it difficult to build the machine?
If you’re something handy, it’s not difficult at all, follow the video instructions as well as the illustrations. The electronics can seem daunting but it’s very simple, look at our video and you’ll see what it takes to assemble the electronics.
Video instructions and illustrations
All steps are carefully documented with illustrations and video instructions. You will find all instructions on how to build the machine in our article section.
Is it difficult to operate the machine?
It’s always tricky to do something new but after cutting your first part you will understand how to do it. Once you know how to do it is very easy.
Below we list the different options. There is a lot to read and can look complicated but it’s easy. If you are confused or do not have the time to build a machine, we also sell assembled machines.
Different options (Click on the tabs)
A consumption or waste table is the table itself where you tighten the piece, and which is replaced occasionally if it is worn. We don’t include a waste table to this kit due to high shipping costs. You can easily cut your own waste table once your machine is buildt, look at the instructions over at the article section. We have clamps (to fasten the work piece to the table) as a separate product or make them yourself.
Valchromat is a more durable MDF that is translucent. If you treat Valchromat with oil, it will become waterproof and perfect as a table for a CNC machine that can get wet when you cut aluminum, for example. Valchromat is sold all over Europe and you should be able to find that. If not, you can use regular 12mm MDF
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We use drivers for this machine, Arduino is too weak.
Driver elektronics
Drivers with Breakout Board are the most professional electronics you can have for these types of machines. They are more expensive and require an older computer with printer port and 32Bit Windows operating system (if you run Mach3 software) or a special USB adapter that converts the LPT signals to USB. (click on the link for more info).
Some of the benefits of drivers are that the machine gets much stronger and has many more features like advanced touch-off plate (reset plate), calibration switches, on and off spindle, laser and plasma functions. The range of software is much larger and you can also use software that the industry uses.
If you choose Driver Electronics, you will be able to calibrate your machine so that it starts at 90-degree angle and you can also have an advanced touch off plate that we offer as a separate product or you can make your own. Read here what you need to run drivers electronics https://rawcnc.com/set-up-mach-3/
You can look at our website which drivers we use.
Driver elektronics with USB
There are not many adapters that can handle this and we only know one that works well, read more here
Power supply
We only use 1 Power supply of 14.5A. Each motor is 3A so together it will be 12A.This is at the limit of what is recommended.We have always used only 1 power supply which is sufficient for a standard Raw machine as we do not run the motors at full speed.If you are running the machine hard and at high speed, then it may be a good idea to split your motors into 2 power supply units. We have never needed 2 for one machine but if this is something you think is needed then buy one more.
Drivers
Has a more advanced box with the possibility of having DIN connectors and power switch. We do not include DIN contacts and power switches in the basic package, but they can be purchased if you want it. You can do well without this and is only an option for anyone who wants it. The only thing to keep in mind is to be careful and if you happen to break anything you have to buy new parts. We have no warranty on electrical components as it is beyond our control of how it is mounted.
Choose between trapezoidal screw and ball screw. Ball screw makes your Z axis stronger and has a softer movement. The screw is changed from the trapezoidal screw to a 16 mm ball screw with nut and housing. The block bearings are more widely spaced in all directions to stabilize the unit. The new Z-axis unit is 4-5cm longer than the standard Z-axis. Choose trapezoidal screw if you cut at hobby level while ball screw is for you who cut more professionally.
You need a spindle with inverter or a regular edge cutter from Bosh, Makita or Dewalt. You will find plenty of these on ebay.co.uk for example, search for 1.5kw air cooled spindle with inverter. These are shipped from Germany without any additional taxes. We sell these but have to add high import taxes, so buy them yourself and you will save alot of money.
Software for Drivers
For drivers we use a software called Mach3, there is also a newer version, Mach4, but the 3rd is sufficient. To set up your files, you can use Estlcam as mentioned above or a more professional program such as Vcarve. Read more on this page: https://rawcnc.com/set-up-mach-3/
Precision
Precision is a balance between the user and machine. It’s about how well your drawings are, spindle quality, spindle speed and how fast you cut. At normal speeds, the machine has a precissin compared to expencive industrial machines. This machine is the result of many years of development. We have cut several thousand meters of material with machines like these and done it daily for many years. An aluminum machine cannot be compared to a 1-ton steel machine for 100000 Eur so do not have too high expectations. You should also not underestimate a machine like this. We have several large Swedish and foreign companies that cut with our machines in professional environments from cross country skis, hokey clubs, boats and car parts, speakers and aquarium manufacturing. We also have companies that have replaced their professional machines with ours since you can buy 50 machines like these at the price of one and if you only cut simple parts, this machine is at least as good.
Who buys our machines and kits?
We have customers from all over the world from Asia to the United States and down to Africa. Those who buy our machines range from Hobbyists, companies, schools and institutions.
Payment, tax and delivery (Please read, important)
We accept bank payment and Paypal
As a EU member you need to pay Swedish tax of 25% if you don’t own a valid company. If you own a company, you will need to enter your VAT number at checkout and the tax will not be added to the price. We will check with the registry to see that you have a valid company, if not we will charge you the tax even after delivery. If you have trouble at the check out, pleas untick the box for “Ship to a different address?” and try again. Your packet might come in two or 3 separate deliveries.
Non EU members in Europe (Norway, Switzerland for example)
The tax is not added in our shop but you will be required to pay your tax at the border. Please contact your customs for more information.
- 2x 8mm side plates in Aluminum
- 4x 6mm corner plates in Aluminum
- 1x 6mm Z-Axle plate in Aluminum
- 1x 6mm X-Axle plate in Aluminum
- 2x 4mm extra side plates in steel
- 20×40 aluminum profiles
- 20×60 aluminum profiles
- 20×80 aluminum profiles
- 1x Steel bar for the X-axis
- 2x Angle bar 40x40x4x1800mm
- Steel bars for u-track bearings
- All screws in different sizes
- All nuts in different sizes
- All washers in different sizes
- T-nuts
- 4x block bearing 20mm
- 4x axle support 20mm
- 2x 20mm steel axles
- 1x Delrin nut with anti-backlash function or Ballscrew nut
- 1 x trapezoidal screw 32cm or ballscrew C7
- 16x high quality U-track bearings
- flange bearings
- 4x coupling
- spacers and screws
- brackets
- Hole plates
- Z-axis LED
- Instructions in digital form
Electronics and box with cables (Drivers)
- Cable Chains
- Cables 4 conductors for motors
- Shielded cables 2 conductors for switches
- 4x Drivers
- Breakout board
- 14.5A power supply
- Printer Cable
- 4x Nema 23 motors
- 1x Electronics Box
- 6 x switches
This is included in all machines with optional electronics package (compare with other manufacturers in the same price range)
- Strong nema 23 engines
- Driver Electronics
- High quality cable chains
- Strong aluminum and steel plates up to 8mm in thickness
- Ability to upgrade electronics
- Ability to upgrade machine
- Ability to upgrade size up to 130x180cm
- Ability to steel reinforce the A and Y axis
- Steel reinforced X-axis
- 100% steel bearings and steel parts and not plastic like other machines
- A real Z-axis construction that can withstand real work. Our Z-axisis are expencive and of quality parts
- Universal spindle holder for standard routers or spindles with about 65mm shaft
- Shielded cables for the switches!
- 6 Switches with cable depending on electronics
- Led light for Z-axis with cable
- support
To build the machine you need
- A stable table at least 130x180cm
- Saw to cut steel (racks)
- Power screwdriver/drill
- Drills 4-8mm
- Solder pen
- A set of Torx keys
- A set of hex keys
- A set of screwdrivers
- A set of wrenches or pliers
To operate the machine you need (Driver Version):
- Software such as Mach3
- Software to draw (Inkscape and Google SketchUp are free)
- A table of the same size as the machine. Make the table a little longer for the keyboard and the screen
Here is an example of the illustrations
All video instructions can be found on YouTube. As a customer you will get additional instructions only available on our home page.
Link to YouTube videos (opens in a new window)
Example
First cut with the machine from the instructions
Building a radiator cover with a Raw CNC machine
Instructions for electricity. The difficult thing for many is to connect electricity. Watch the video below to see how easy it is.