How To: Connect the x and y-axis motor wires for a CNC router

A CNC router machine is probably the most useful tool a hobbyist can own, but the price for a CNC machine on the market is way more than the average hobbyist is willing to spend. You can build your own CNC with very basic tools, little knowledge of machinery, mechanics, or electronics, but be warned, these machines are inherently dangerous, so wear the proper protection and use common sense. At the very least, read the instructions and precautions on every tool you use.

Now, a CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, but that is gibberish. It does hint you to the fact that something is controlled, and probably by a computer. It's really a mechanism that interfaces to a computer to control its movements, similar to a robot, but this machine has a specific function. It cuts or shapes things with this control. In essence, a computer precisely controls a cutting tool, like a router for instance, to cut materials such as wood, plastic or metals into shapes only bounded by your imagination.

This video tutorial will show you how to connect the x and y-axis motor wires for a CNC router. First, connect all the wires at one time, then solder them, like simple mass production. Then heat shrink the connections, just like the y-axis motor wires. You will also see an interesting method of stripping the insulation off of sprinkler wire.

To put this all in perspective, this video completed the simple wire connections from the motor to the longer cable that will eventually be connected to the driver.