Try typing Dremel CNC to Google or Youtube, the internet is filled with my videos and tutorials about building 3D printed Dremel CNC. I kind of feel just like repeating over and over the same content and that is creatively hard for me because I like creating new stuff the most and not focusing on past projects.
At the same time, I understand that a lot of people want to build DIY Dremel CNC because it’s simple, cheap, and inexpensive, totally understandable! A CNC machine that can be easily 3D printed and assembled with easy to buy components, that 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 am working on a new bigger CNC machine called IndyMill, that’s why I created this website to share all the info about this machine, release files, and maybe even create a small business out of that! But I don’t want to forget about Dremel CNC and I know there is still a lot of people that want to build it but don’t know where to start. That’s why I made this post, actually, the first one on indystry.cc, I hope to make some more in the near future 🙂 Let’s start!
What is Dremel CNC?
Dremel CNC is an open-source project of a 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 everything 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, 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 videos about Dremel CNC that I made on my YouTube channel (there is quite a lot f 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.
PS After adding all of this video I realized there is seriously a lot of that, I encourage you to watch all of them, but if you don’t have time definitely check out at least the first one.
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/
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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
Complete, up to date parts list, with short explanation, 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 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!