12/19/2025 - Created V1 of the design

I want to get a feel for sturdiness so ill start with the bare minimum and then build up from there. Its some 2020, and 2040 extrusions. It uses linear rods and lead screws for the gantries, and uses a dremel for the spindle. Im not very confident of this design but it should work. Im also thinking of adding some kind of modularity for a laser. So it should be interesting.

12/20/2025 - Optimized V1

This CNC project is being developed as an iterative experiment rather than a one-shot final build. Version 1 is intentionally focused on testing ideas using mostly PETG printed parts combined with aluminum extrusions, linear rails, and lead screws. Early in the design process, it became clear that the original model was far from rigid enough, especially if aluminum machining was a future goal. That realization pushed a major redesign: linear rods were replaced with linear rails, the lead screw placement was rethought to follow better load paths, and the side plates were replaced with aluminum extrusion structures tied together using custom brackets. These changes reflect a shift from “what is easy to print” toward “what actually makes mechanical sense.”

At this stage, the main goals are to stiffen the bed assembly and refine the Z-axis head, both mechanically and visually. The head design is being kept compact and symmetric to reduce flex while also aiming for a cleaner, more intentional look inspired by machines like the Genmitsu Cubiko. Ease of use is treated as a design constraint, not an afterthought, which is why the machine is planned around simple, repeatable manual tool changes rather than a complex automatic system. The current plan is a modular spindle/laser mounting approach using magnets for alignment and screws for clamping, allowing quick swaps without sacrificing rigidity. The entire machine is controlled by an MKS DLC32 MAX, chosen for its CNC-oriented features, probing support, and expandability as the design evolves.

12/21/2025 - Optimization (part 2)

I started looking for designs of other common diy cnc machines to try to get some inspiration, I liked the enclosed type cncs since I am aiming for a quiet yet powerfull cnc, an enclosure is probably my best bet to do it. In these 4 ish hours I managed to make a design for the head of my cnc being compact and easy to build, I also added end stops and started designing the bed for the cnc, im thinking of maybe a combination of metal extrusions and a plate to clamp the pieces this is a more pcb orientated cnc desktop machine. Ive decided on 500W 48V spindle which should be enough for small aluminum jobs and pcbs and incorparating a 10W laser later. I also started my BOM as of 12/21/25.

12/22/2025 - Finished BOM now Github

I finished BOM took me a while to find cheap parts from a mix of amazon and aliexpress depending on good deals. I also searched for more common parts since it could make iterating much harder to do. I also started to think more into how should I put this in my room, and decided making a custom table table for it, totally optional but definitelyx worth while.

12/24/2025 - Created GitHub and started some simple changes for code

I finished the first small Github page, I am going to slowly build more and more information as the project evolves. I also added a few simple commands for the MKS DLC, including optimization for cnc and lazer changes. No worries its going to be more refined later. Sadly I am not so available this week so I will try my best to evolve the project as efficient as possible.

12/28/2025 - New Description! (and started working on blender renders)

I decided to update the design description so it alignes a little more to me views about the project here it is: (I also worked on the blender files for it too)
Protofab is the machine built for tinkerers and engineers who want more control. This project started as a way to see just how far you can push everyday materials and simple parts with good mechanical design. Instead of chasing raw power from the start, I focused on keeping things honest—building something you can upgrade, something you actually learn from as you go. The plan? Prototype the whole thing in PETG first. That way, it’s quick to test out shapes, check how the loads run through it, and see how everything fits together. Once it all works, you swap in aluminum or steel for the parts that need it.

I looked at machines like the Genmitsu Cubiko for inspiration—they’re small, smart, and solid—but I didn’t want to just copy them. This CNC leans into stiffness, using aluminum extrusions where it matters and supporting the linear rails properly. I went with a lead screw setup for smooth, reliable, and surprisingly quiet motion. Instead of chasing huge spindle power, I dialed it back so you can actually use this thing at home—on a desk, in a bedroom, or a tiny workshop. And as the frame gets stiffer, it can still handle some light aluminum work.

In the end, this isn’t just a tool, it’s a way to keep pushing my design skills, challenge myslef, and build something that keeps evolving. I care about making every part count, understanding why things work (or don’t), and aiming for thoughtful engineering.

12/29/2025 - Fixed Github Page

I understood how I had some issues with GitHub since its my first time using it, so my formatting was not the best, let alone meet your requirements so I took the time to try to make everything better. In addition I added pictures of my CAD from blender. I'm still working on more better looking blender pics but I'm still learning. But what I really did not understand was that my read me was AI generated, I wrote that by myself with the help of Grammarly, but I guess its fine. I made it a little shorter and removed all the unnecessary content. I added how it all ties together and everything.

To ensure we don't have another false AI flag, I ran through 3 AI checkers which I constantly use in school, It includes Quillbot, ZeroGPT and Scribbr, and as of now, my Readme is flagged as human by all three of them, so we should not have any more issues there. The PCB is a MKS DLC32 so I believe it doesn't require a picture but I added it just incase. The code on the MKS is text based since I do not have a MKS as of now and the code is untested, I did little changes (since the original firmware takes text commands) before I start working on the real custom firmware, and flashing.
Any other modifications required, please tell me and I will be happy to fix them with swift timing! :)

1/8/2026 6 PM - Added Wiring Schematic

Ok, so lets start with the schematic, it took me a while to to make the custom profiles in kicad, but it looks pretty good so im happy with it. Afterwards I added a few small safety changes to my wiring like hard, and soft stops incase of an error or huge problem, I also added a few slides explaining each and every piece and why. (wiring side) Im working on the code as of now and im going to switch to FLUIDNC due to its higher capacity to change settings(a main point of my project). I also made sure everything is color coded, and added it to GitHub alongside my slides and what not.

1/8/2026 7 PM - Overview from V1 to V2

Ok so lets start with the beginning Version 1 had some issues over strength and ease of use, lets be honest a PETG frame is not strong enough to mill or engrave, especially if we want to beat bought CNCs. Now just a note most of my V1 files corrupted as I changed and downloaded the new design

As you can see, the plastic is in an L joint and isn't correctly restrained in any other way. When I did my first model since I already had some aluminum there was a large amount of wiggling on the Y axis. So the first thing I decided to change is the columns of plastic and switched them to some more aluminum and look more like a 3d printer since those usually have more stiffness, not a lot.

Afterwards the head was the next thing to tackle since it was the second most unstable thing in my project, also I used the 2020 extrusions on the Z axis, so I decided to use a 3060 extrusion to hold the entire gantry system instead of it flying on linear rods which are pretty weak which I will get to soon.

Now we had to change the linear rods, since in general they are not great for cncs they have a lot of play, if you don't lube them they don't work well and have a lot of friction, sure better than belts but really not great. So I decided to change the rods to MGN12 linear rails, easy to find, cheap, very documented and perfect for cncs. Especially for the Y axis. But this brought a new problem where to put the leadscrew? Its meant to be in the middle of both rails. So in theory as long as the point of movement is the middle of the object it should move without that much of an issue, I planned on moving it maybe above or change the aluminum to a 2040-2050 but that raises cost and bulkiness, the main point of this project is that its meant to be able to be a desktop cnc. So I decided to put the leadscrew in the back not only should it work better, its more compact and puts the center of mass closer to the aluminum body compared to further in front.

1/8/2026 11 PM - Overview from V1 to V2 Part 2

After we fixed the gantry I wanted to add some brackets since one thing 3d printing is great is by making brackets for complex geometry so I modeled a few brackets, they are just meant to hold it in place and make everything nice and stiff.

So we added the brackets the frame is officially done! Afterwards we require to start designing the head or spindle holder. I made a bracket and a hole for a small leadscrew, I also added a hole for the z axis leadscrew and some short MGN12 rails, although normal carts are to long so I decided to use 3d printed nylon brackets, strong, small and efficient. Now the spindle and laser bracket, the main attraction. I really liked the professional feel of magnets and how it gave anything its used on an ease of use and normally a tool change takes a while for a quick job so I decided to try make it as easy and as quick as possible without sacrificing strength.

Then I just added some simple screw brackets and finished with the spindle holder. Almost done, In the back of the Gantry I added some lead screw nuts, a Lm8uu bearing for the end of the linear rod and added a nema holder on the other side.

After that I added a 15180 aluminum extrusion and 6 points of contact 4 for linear rods(since the are actually good for a bed) and 2 for the leadscrew.

And that pretty much sums up my thought process for the project

1/21/2026 - AI test and soon wiring diagram in git

Thanks! I really worked hard on the design. I changed a few things in the GitHub again, this includes some vocab words, expressions etc. I also I already added the wiring diagram in the journal a while ago but I'm guessing you were talking about it being in the git hub so I will add it when i return from school since all my files are there.

I also double checked with some AI detectors and here is the results

I was mainly getting flagged by the picture links since it looked like a chatgpt URL.

As of 9:56 CDMX time the github has been updated to have the wiring schematic.

2/10/2026 - Fixed BOM

I completely forgot I added some modifications to V2 and forgot to update BOM so that would be my bad, I also started working on a video since I don't have the parts it would be hard to explain how every part goes together with visual presentations. So in theory It will be great. Keep you updated

2/23/2026 - Added First assembly video

I almost forgot to add it to my journal but the first assembly video is done still need a bit of tweaks but it should work great, in addition I had to start learning the workflow with autocad animation since im used to blender.

3/27/2026 - A new step! and BOM updates, sadly :(

Thank you so much for the grant! I cant wait to build my project. But I have to fix my BOM thanks to inflation and taxes. Like I mean its crazy right now almost 35% tax on Mexico??!?!??!?! I designed my grant with some headroom just incase especifically for this very reason, including changing politics. But I mean this is insanity! Almost 100 dollars worth of taxes I need to pay so I might have to remove some features for now especifically the laser since that seems to be the biggest culprit here, so I will change it right now.