🚀 Assembly Guide for a Small CNC Laser Engraver (Budget not more than 5,000 baht)
This content provides a detailed guide for beginners who want to assemble and operate a small Computer Numerical Control (CNC) laser engraving machine, which is characterized by its low price (under 5,000 baht or approximately $140 USD). This guide will help turn a complex kit into a real working tool.
📦 Introducing the Kit
The most affordable CNC laser kits found on the market usually consist of the following main parts:
Frame: Usually made from aluminum profiles (Aluminum Extrusion) and plastic/acrylic parts.
Motion System:
Stepper Motors: Small motors (such as NEMA 17) for controlling movement in the X-axis (left-right) and Y-axis (front-back).
Belts & Pulleys: Used to transmit power from the Stepper motor.
Rods/Rails: These are the guides that allow the laser head to move precisely.
Laser Module: Low to medium wattage diode laser (e.g. 5W - 15W) suitable for engraving on wood, leather, paper and some plastics.
Controller Board: A GRBL board (open source CNC control firmware) is usually used, which must be connected to the computer via USB.
Power Supply: For supplying power to the motor and laser head.
🛠️ Assembly Steps
The assembly is divided into the following main parts:
Structural assembly:
Assemble the aluminum profiles together to form a square frame according to the instructions (emphasizing perpendicularity and tightness).
Install the slide rails and shafts for the X and Y axes into the structure.
Installation of the drive unit:
Fasten the stepper motor to the designated location (usually at the corner of the structure).
Install the belt and pulley to the proper tension so that the motor can drive the X and Y axes accurately.
Laser head installation:
Attach the laser head to the X-axis structure assembly (the assembly that will move back and forth).
Connect the laser power cable to the correct port on the control panel.
Wiring:
Connect the wires from all stepper motors to the control board (be careful not to connect the wrong pins).
Connect the power supply to the control panel and the home power outlet.
💻 Basic Software Setup for Beginners
For a CNC machine to work, two types of software are required:
G-Code Generation Software (CAM Software):
Function: Convert the image/design that we want to engrave into a set of numerical commands called G-Code (a language that the CNC machine understands).
Examples: Inkscape (with the J-Tech Photonics Laser Tool extension) or LightBurn (for those who want simplicity and full features, but may be costly).
Control software (G-Code Sender):
Function: Receive G-Code from G-Code generating software and send the command set to CNC machine control panel via USB cable.
Examples: LaserGRBL (free and very popular for beginners) or Universal Gcode Sender (UGS).
Basic usage steps:
Install Driver: Install the USB driver for the CNC control panel.
Connect: Open the control software (such as LaserGRBL) and select the correct COM port, then click Connect.
Calibration: Test the movement of X and Y axes to ensure the machine moves as per command.
Start the job: Load the G-Code file created in the control software, adjust the laser power and speed settings (Power & Speed) and start engraving.
📌 What users will get from this guide
Understanding the basic parts of a cost-effective CNC laser machine
Clear assembly steps and reduced errors
Guide to choosing and setting up the right software for beginners (with an emphasis on free options)
You can create your own laser engraving tools on a limited budget.
| main | CNC Laser Engraver , DIY Kit , Laser Engraving Machine , Craftsmanship , Technology |
| Budget/Target Group | Budget , Beginner , Beginner , Not more than 5000 baht , Low Budget |
| Assembly | Assembly Manual , Assembly Steps , CNC Set Up , Machine Setup |
| software | GRBL , G-Code , LaserGRBL , Software Setup , Software Settings |
| language | Thai language , manual |
First image: Shows an overview of the kit and the limited budget.
Caption: "BUILD YOUR OWN. AFFORDABLE. POWERFUL. (BUDGET: <$140 / 5000 THB)"
Second picture: Shows the steps for assembling the frame and installing the motor.
Caption: "ASSEMBLY STEPS - Build the Frame & Mount Motors"
Third picture: Shows the wiring connections and installation of the laser head to the control panel.
Caption: "WIRING & LASER SETUP - Connect Motors, Laser, & Power to Control Board"
Fourth picture: Shows the software settings and actual use with the computer.