Dremel CNC – an easy-to-build low-cost 3D printed CNC machine that you can make on your own! It costs around $250 – $500 depending on where you source the materials and is a lot of fun to build! You can adjust the dimensions to your needs by modifying the length of aluminum profiles, lead screws, and linear rods. On this page, you can find all the information needed to build your very own 3D printed CNC machine. Let’s start!
A CNC machine that can be easily 3D printed and assembled with easy-to-buy components, was the goal of this project, and looking at reviews of hundreds of makers all around the world I think the project turned out perfectly! I am more than happy that such a simple idea of mine can help so many makers, businesses and people. As you may know, I also created a new bigger CNC machine called IndyMill, if you need something bigger, more robust and professional you might take a look at IndyMill.
What is Dremel CNC?
Dremel CNC is an open-source 3D printed, easy-to-build DIY CNC machine. Initially as a spindle Dremel 3000 was used, hence the name – Dremel CNC. At some point, Dremel was replaced with 500W Spindle, but the name remained the same. This project is completely open-source, which means you can do anything you want with it, you can build it, use it for your business, videos, projects, and even for commercial work. You can also modify the files and create remixes. You can build it bigger or smaller, or you can put a laser or vinyl cutter in place of a spindle and repurpose the machine completely, be creative!
Where to start?
I would highly recommend watching all the videos about Dremel CNC that I made on my YouTube channel (there are quite a lot of them). That will give you a better understanding of what this machine is capable of, what you will need, and how you can use it.
You also definitely should read the Instructable that I made about this CNC machine. It’s super detailed and from what I heard extremely helpful! There is a lot to read, but maybe you will find some answers to your questions. Here is a link:
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-3D-Printed-Dremel-CNC/
Where to get the files?
The above link and videos should explain everything but just to make it super clean and short I will list here everything that you need to make this machine.
A lot of people ask me where they can get the STL files to print them. You can download files for free from my Thingiverse page:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3004773
You can also find there some remixes, some of them are really cool, check them out!
Parts
A complete, up-to-date parts list, with short explanations, quantities, and links to different shops can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kMXrG71ICJv4-k7Ib0bylE4AacfpNgEWceAIhokquVQ/edit#gid=0
That’s a Google spreadsheet that you can download, export, and whatever you want. Those are the parts that work for me, but keep in mind you may use different parts and it should work too!
Additional help
What if you have a problem and don’t know what to do? Check out the Dremel CNC builders group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/335572240572807/
As for when I am writing this there is almost 8000 people in the group so I am sure someone here knows the answer to your question!
What can you do with Dremel CNC?
Everything. Or everything that you can imagine. If you made something cool with Dremel CNC let me know, I would love to add it to this list:
What’s next?
For me IndyMill, we will see how this machine will work and what can it do. I will try to organize a small production of parts for IndyMill so that it will be easier for you to buy those custom steel plates. If you would like to support my project and see some BTS of my projects you can do it on Patreon:
You can also support me through paypal!
And of course, watching my videos and subscribing to my channel is also a great way to support my work! Thanks!
