Sandbox CNC

The Sandbox CNC

The Sandbox CNC is my largest personal project to date. It’s a custom built, opensource, CNC milling machine that’s made out of low cost off-the-shelf components and plastic 3D printed parts.

I designed and built the original Sandbox CNC back in high school. I used it for awhile, but ultimately decided that it could be improved upon. While in college, I built the second version of the Sandbox CNC, which included a complete overhaul of the CNC’s motion system.

*The original Sandbox CNC machine that I designed and built in high school.*

Specs and Features

Large working volume – 30in x 50in x 3.5in (width x length x height)
Side slots for cutting larger material (can cut 4×8 sheets)
Two NEMA 23 stepper motors per axis with external stepper drivers (TB6600) for each individual motor (4A current max)
Low cost materials – linear motion enabled via EMT conduit rails and skateboard bearings (608-2RS), frame is 2x4s and 2x6s
24V 20A (480W) DC power supply
Opensource control board
Runs on a custom configuration of Marlin firmware (opensource 3D printer/CNC firmware)

Poplar Jewelry Box

I designed a jewelry box that I machined on the Sandbox CNC out of poplar.

A video of the poplar jewelry box being machined.

3D Printer Enclosure Panels

I designed and machined some enclosure panels for a large 3D printer out of 5mm plywood.

*Front enclosure panel being CNC machined.*

A video of the front enclosure panel being machined.

Wooden Catch-All

I designed a basic catch-all that was machined out of domestic walnut, cherry, and poplar. Each of the pieces were milled separately and then glued together.