If you want to learn how to build a CNC machine from scratch, you can purchase blueprints, parts lists and everything else needed to build a complete Raw Creative CNC machine. This package includes over 10 years of development to produce a stable, precise and very capable machine that can cut in a professional environment.
Please note that all instructions are in millimeters, but you can easily convert all measurements with a calculator.
We guide you to the right or similar product using a list of parts and quantities that is updated regularly. The list will take you to the right product so you can see what is needed. Most parts can be found on Amazon as an example.
Building the machine is not difficult with our comprehensive instructions. No personal support is included, but you will find everything you need to know on the website that you get access to after purchase.
Size of machine You can build the machine in any size you want, but our drawings only extend to a machine in the dimensions 935x1000mm, 1180x1000mm and 1180x1500mm machine. Machines over these lengths require a bit more parts, you can see what is needed when you have access to the drawings.
How much does it cost to build a Creative machine? A Raw Creative is built from quality parts and no cheap plastic wheels or timingbelts. Expect your machine to cost between EUR 900-1800 to build, depending on size. If you can cut the plates yourself and choose cheaper electronics and maybe some used parts, you will come in under EUR 1000. The machine you build is of high quality and can cut in tough environments.
Building an Avantic machine is fun, educational and very satisfying as the result is very good. You can visit the website dedicated to this machine here:
Video Instructions and drawings for building a Raw Avantic Creative CNC machine
Access to website with drawings, instructions and upgrades.
List of the parts needed and where to buy the parts, The list contains real links to the correct product. (also available as a finished product)
Guides on how to set up and operate your machine
Guides for both Arduino and professional electronics.
DXF files for all plates so that you can cut out the parts yourself or with other help (also available as a finished product)
Installation files for Mach3 (control software)
Our own more modern user interface for Mach3
+ more…
Note, we create accounts manually. If you buy the drawings during the weekend or in the evening, in some cases it may take until the next weekday before you get access. Otherwise, we will activate your account as soon as we can.
This product has no refund as it is virtual and provides access to years of work.
A CNC machine for professionals and hobbyists
15mm Guide rails
Raw Creative is built with guide rails that gives the machine the stability and strength that a proper CNC machine requires.
There are 12 bearing blocks on the rails that can be lubricated individually.
Wasteboard
You can choose to have rails or “hole slot” tables. Instructions to build a consumption table is included
The picture above shows a consumable table in black moisture-resistant MDF.
Stepper motors
We have chosen to use 2.5-3 Amps nema 23 motors instead of the weaker Nema 17 that many other machines have. The motors are so strong that a full-grown person could stand on the X-axis while the machine cuts.
The speed of Raw Creative is an incredible 40000mm/min, compare it to 4000-6000 as other hobby/semi-professional machines
Spindle/mill
We have adapted the machine for different mounts so that you can choose which cutting head you want. Raw Creative has such a strong Z-axis construction that you can also have a more powerful 2.2kw spindle. The machine can handle the weight without any problems.
The Z axis has both ball screw and rail guidance for maximum precision.
Calibration, Switches
Raw Creative comes with 5 limit switches. Limit switches can drive the machine back to its “home” position and act as safety switches, so that the machine cannot damage itself if it goes too far.
If you choose more professional electronics, the switches can also calibrate the machine 90 degrees at start. With Arduino electronics, this is done manually.
The machine has limit switches in all directions so that it stops in the event of an error
Precision
Precision is a balance between user and machine. It’s about how good your drawings are, spindle, rpm and how fast you cut. At a normal speed of approx. 2-4000mm/min, the machine has the same accuracy as expensive industrial machines.
Repeatability: +/- 0.01 mm – 0.005 mm, Backlash: +/- 0.01 mm
The machine is built to mainly cut wood, plastic, soft metal and similar materials.
What is the machine made of? The frame is made of aluminum profiles, reinforced with steel tubes over the X-axis. The linear steel rails and racks on all axles act as extra reinforcement of the profiles. The plates are made of 6mm powder coated steel for the more critical parts. The non-load-bearing parts are made of 3mm steel plate (former composite). Creative uses 4 motors instead of 3 so that each axle has its own motor for strength and accuracy. Together with industrial electronics, the machine becomes a workhorse that is built to work with. Feel free to compare the structure and price of this machine with other “hobby” machines and you will immediately see that a Raw Creative is in a completely different class. Raw Creative is probably the most well-built and strongest DIY kit on the market.
What can I cut with a Raw Creative
Soft wood, hard wood, chipboard, Mdf, plastic, aluminum, Sign manufacturing, 3D cutting and engraving, etc. Note that aluminum are difficult to learn no matter what machine you have. We ourselves have cut 1000s of meters of aluminum with the machines, but it takes a couple of tries to learn.
Software
Cutting with a CNC machine requires 2-3 different software such as drawing, CAM (set up the files you drew) and Control software (to run the file). You can find free CAM software or use Estlcam, which we can highly recommend. With Estlcam you can cut both 2D and 3D.
A slightly more expensive alternative is Vcarve, which is both a drawing and CAM software. We use Vcarve ourselves and can highly recommend it
You need to read up a little on the subject yourself via our guides or, for example, YouTube. Once you know what to choose, the rest is easy. The hard part with a CNC machine is learning the drawing software, the rest is pretty easy.
Specifications
5x Limit switches for safety, zeroing and calibration
Control: PC with Estlcam, GRBL, Mach3,4, UCCNC, Linux and many more.
Ball screw: On the Z axis
Rack and pinion drive: On X, A and Y axis
Nema 23 motors 2.5-3 Amps
Linear control on all axes, HIWIN type
Repeatability: +/- 0.01 mm – 0.005 mm
Backlash: +/- 0.01
Voltage: 230V / 10 amp single phase
Size of 745x990mm machine
Machine footprint (W)925x (L)1005mm
Working area: (W)650x (L)1000mm (the material can be longer)
Max cutout: (W)500 x (L)720mm
Weight: (to be updated)
Height below Z axis: 145mm
Size of 990x990mm machine
Machine footprint (W)1170x (L)1005mm
Working area: (W)890x (L)1000mm (the material can be longer)
Max cutout: (W)760 x (L)720mm
Weight: (to be updated)
Height below Z axis: 145mm
Size of 990x1500mm machine
Machine footprint (W)1170x (L)1505mm
Working area: (W)890x (L)1500mm (the material can be longer)
Max cutout: (W)760 x (L)1470mm
Weight: (to be updated)
Height below Z axis: 145mm
Features (only for Mach3, all features can be set in other software, but we only support Mach3)
90-degree calibration at start
5 safety, home and calibration switches
Probing
“Homing” of machine with Proximity switch for extra accuracy
Speeds up to 40000mm/min (sounds incredible but see our video)
Cuts wood, plastic and soft metal
LED lights below the X-axis
Light weight and suitable for plastic and wooden floors
Compatible with anything that controls Nema 23 motors.
