Time, tools, and cost estimates to complete each chapter in the book. These are only estimates as your tool availability and skill level may vary.
Note that this breakdown is for the 30 x 27 Build size. For a cost estimate for each build size go to the bottom of the page.
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Cost Estimate: $0
Time Estimate: None
Tools Needed:
- None
Chapter 2: Y-beam Assembly
Cost Estimate: $419
Time Estimate: Weekend
Tools Needed:
- 1/2" Wrenches
- Drill Press
- 1/8" Drill Bit
- 3/8" Drill Bit
Chapter 3: Table Construction
Cost Estimate: $609
Time Estimate: Weekend
Tools Needed:
- 7/16" Socket
- 1/2" Socket or wrench
- Framing square
- Dry wall square
Chapter 4: Y-carriage and Rail Construction
Cost Estimate: $326
Time Estimate: 3 Days
Tools Needed:
- 2, 1/2" Wrench's or sockets
- 2, 9/16" Wrenches
- Drill press
- 1/8" Drill bit
- 3/8" Drill bit
- 7/16" Drill bit
- 1/8" Allen wrench
Chapter 5: X-beam Construction
Cost Estimate: $234
Time Estimate: Weekend
Tools Needed:
- 1/2" Wrench
- Drill Press
- 1/8" Drill bit
- 3/8" Drill bit
Chapter 6: X-carriage Construction
Cost Estimate: $137
Time Estimate: One day
Tools Needed:
- 1/2" Wrench
- 9/16" Wrench
- 13mm Wrench
Chapter 7: Z-carriage Assembly
Cost Estimate: $300
Time Estimate: Weekend
Tools Needed:
- 7/16", 1/2", 9/16" Wrenches
- Drill press
- 1/8" Drill bit
- 3/8" Drill bit
- 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", 9/64" Allen wrenches
- Framing square
Chapter 8: Rack and Pinion Drives
Cost Estimate: $593
Time Estimate: One day
Tools Needed:
- 1/2" Wrench
- 9/16" Wrench
- 1/4" Allen wrench
- Reciprocating saw
Chapter 9: KRMx02 Electronics
Cost Estimate: $462
Time Estimate: One day
Tools Needed:
- Phillips screwdriver
- 5/16" Drill bit
- Portable drill or drill press
- Wire cutters
- Wire stripers
Chapter 10: Mach 3
Cost Estimate: $12
Time Estimate: Half day
Tools Needed:
- None
Chapter 11: Cable Hookup
Cost Estimate: $75
Time Estimate: Half day
Tools Needed:
- None
Chapter 12: Basic Tests
Cost Estimate: $0
Time Estimate: One Hour
Tools Needed:
- None
Chapter 13: Router Hookup
Cost Estimate: $190
Time Estimate: Two hours
Tools Needed:
- Phillips screwdriver
- 3/8" Wrench
- 3/16" Allen wrench
Chapter 14: Fences
Cost Estimate: $20
Time Estimate: Couple hours
Tools Needed:
- Drill press
- 1/2" Drill bit
- 1-1/2" Forstner bit
- Framing square
Chapter 15: Basic Operation
Cost Estimate: $226
Time Estimate: Couple hours
Tools Needed:
- 1/4 Spiral router bit (see text)
- 3/8" Drill bit
- Drill press
- Rotary grinder
- Saw used to cut stock and waster board (table saw, chop saw, band saw)
Chapter 16: Conclusion
Cost Estimate: None
Time Estimate: None
Tools Needed:
- None
Build Sizes and Costs
The KRMx02 was designed so that it can be built to any size. We supply a "Bill of Materials" for the following sizes.
Please be advised that the 18" x 14" and 30" x 27" machine sizes can be built by a single individual. The larger machines will require two or more individuals to aid in the assembly. Please note that the 50" gantry with the Z axis installed weighs about 250lbs.
When deciding on a machine size to build keep in mind that the build sizes given are the cutting sizes. The actual machine footprint will be larger.
18" x 14"
Cost Estimate: $2800
This is the machine we take to shows for demos. Of the three machines in the lab this little beauty is a favorite. Ours is mounted on 5" castors.
30" x 27"
Cost Estimate: $3500
This is the base build described in the book. The other sizes all require changes to the lengths of certain components. These are listed in the forums. If you have limited space this may be the machine for you.
50" x 27"
Cost Estimate: $3900
This is the base build with the X axis constructed to 50". This is good starting point, as the Y axis can be easy lengthened to 50" or 96" later with no change to the gantry. The cost estimate to build this CNC is $3900.
50" x 50"
Cost Estimate: $4630
This is the most popular build size. It is large enough to support most projects, yet will still fit in most shops.
50" x 102"
Cost Estimate: $5580
This is a monster. It utilizes the same gantry as the 50" x 27" and 50" x 50" so the need for larger electronics are not needed. The stand for this machine requires six support posts with leveling feet to properly support the machine.
The above costs do not include shipping charges, or taxes. It does include all electrics, router and controller software.
Parts Bundles
While there is not a complete kit available for the various build sizes. There are extensive parts bundles available from a couple vendors. The sources for these bundles as well as a bill of materials for each build size. The bill of materials includes sources, part numbers and in many cases direct links to the actual part or bundle.