The Pilot Pro CNC provides an ideal solution for small companies, schools and colleges who are looking for a low cost, easy to use, and flexible single machine milling solution. The Pilot Pro CNC provides an inexpensive solution that allows several machines to be put into use for less than the cost of a single machine offered by other manufacturers. For hobbyists the Pilot Pro CNC provides a very low cost solution and an equally small footprint. For file import and control the machine uses DeskCNC, Mach3, Kcam or other CAM software, full featured inexpensive shareware applications. DeskCNC, Mach3 or Kcam accepts a range of file formats (DXF/ Gerber/ HPGL) allowing the machine to be used for a variety of tasks, supporting both PCB and traditional CNC operations.

The Pilot Pro CNC with dual drive can be used with a plasma torch or laser for cutting and shaping. The Pilot Pro CNC series is engineered and manufactured in Oregon, USA for the global market.  If you are looking for low cost desktop PCB and CNC milling, this is the machine designed for your needs and budget.

The Pilot Pro series is a low cost desktop CNC router designed for superior performance and affordable robotic machining of precision parts. The Pilot Pro has an open architecture and a generic interface allowing it to work just about anyway you want it to. Use it to cut soft metals, wood, plastics, mill and drill circuit boards, cases, enclosures and front panels, molds, patterns, 3D carvings, engraving, sign making, model making, RC projects, rubber stamps, robotics... Or use it for additive rapid 3D prototyping, probing, scanning, gluing, painting, and dispensing. The applications and results are limitless!

-Max milling area (W x L x H):
   Pilot Pro Ex Rails ~ X = 26" Y = 26" Z = 4.5"

-Machine footprint (W x L x H) - ~ X = 36" Y = 37.75" Z = 4.5"
-Max Z axis clearance – 4.5" but can be adjusted.
-Working area is unlimited In the Length.
-Rigid 8020 frame with massive gantry.
-Precision ground rails.
-12 precision linear recirculating ball bearing blocks.
-16m (~5/8") diameter precision lead screws, 5.08 TPI with anti-backlash nuts.
-X/Y/Z accuracy / resolution – Precision rolled, class 7 accuracy; JIS (0.050/300mm) (0.002"/12").
-Ball nuts are single ballnut with zero backlash (<0.015mm) (0.0006").
-All lead screws are mounted at both ends with a pre-loaded ball bearing assembly.
-Spindle motor - Porter Cable router, model number 7301 (standard - larger router optional).
-4 Stepper drivers rated at 1.3 to 4.2 Amps each
-4 NEMA 23 Stepper motors rated at 439 oz-in bipolar.
-DVD with CAD / CAM programs and setup information for operating the Pilot Pro CNC (The Pilot Pro CNC and Projects DVD).
-Surface milled stock for precise assembly.
-Diameter of tool shank – 1/4" or 1/8" (with adapter).
-Computer requirements – any PC running Windows.
-Power requirements – 115Vac at ~1380W (standard outlet) or 230Vac / router is rated for 115Vac.
-Operations – Mill, Drill, carve, 3D Route, engraving, plasma, and additive rapid 3D prototyping (with dispenser - not included).
-Control Software – Most programs will work. Lite versions of Mach3, Kcam, DeskCNC included.
-PCB Layout – Eagle Light (free for non-commercial use)
-Shipped – Some assembly required, tabletop not included

Using a floating pen holder - could also use a laser, plasma cutter, or a dispenser for additive rapid 3D prototyping. Download the Columbia.dxf file here.

 Simply the best designed and built router in its class, with features not found on the others! The Pilot Pro CNC router has been engineered for both precision and affordability. The Pilot Pro is manufactured using state of the art precision CNC equipment. The Pilot Pro has features and abilities of machines costing much more. This design is dedicated to all those who need precision parts now and at a very low cost.

$$$ $$$

*LASER CUTTING AND ENGRAVING - Adding a laser is easy and makes all this and more.

*PLASMA CUTTER - Add a plasma torch mount and plasma cutter, and start cutting metal with ease.

*RAPID PROTOTYPING - Add a dispenser and you are ready to make additive 3D prototypes.

$$$ $$$

GETTING STARTED CNC ROUTING

The CNC works on the Cartesian coordinate system (X, Y, Z) for 3D motion control.

If you have a need for high quality parts then you need a CNC. This is a computer numerically controlled cutting tool. This gives the computer a printer like ability to drive a CNC machine to make parts for you. The extra stuff you need depends on what you want to do.

For engraving and general purpose cutting all you need is some material to engrave or cut on and an engraving or cutting tool bit. The DVD has shareware programs to convert CAD files used for milling, drilling, engraving and cutting, and for controlling the router from the printer port.

Take a file of a picture or part and convert it to g-code. Clamp the work piece down and then use the driver program to zero the CNC and run the g-code file. This will command the CNC to make the desired parts for you, quickly and accurately. Use it for all kinds of projects to make PCBs, gears, molds, etc.

How To Examples

	Make Clamps	Make molds

Join in on the fun of creating your own ideas with the Pilot Pro and start building your education on robotics manufacturing today.

-Please see the GALLERY-

Videos of the machine in action (click below for videos)

Aluminum1	Aluminum2	Rib1
Rib2	Clamp1	Clamp2
Building the Pilot Pro	All Metal Version	All Metal Version Close

CNC router applications include-

Sign making - wood, plastic, foam, vinyl, and electronic LED signs.
CNC wood projects - pictures, carving, engraving, parts.
Cool projects - science projects, school projects, DIY projects, and club projects.
Multi functional - 3D digitizer, dispensing, gluing, automated testing, and additive prototyping.
PCB milling, PCB engraving or PCB routing of circuit boards. PCB drilling and PCB testing.
CNC robot and robotics projects.
Arts and crafts, cut vinyl, paper, wood, plastic, 3D carving and engraving.
Invent - build prototypes for inventing and experimenting.
Education - robotic manufacturing, CNC routing, CNC machining, science models, physics projects, machines, electronics, woodworking, CAD, CAM. Great for schools.
Electronics projects - circuit boards, make enclosures, boxes, cases, labels, panels, and parts.
Mechatronics - Electro / Mechanical parts.
Mold making for castings
Scroll saw projects - makes parts faster and more accurate.
Homemade gifts and other projects.
Hobby CNC projects of all types, RC projects, and model making.
CNC projects of all types.
Robotics projects - build parts or complete machines.
Science fair projects - CNC precision parts for demonstrations.
Fab at home - use to make parts for fun and profit
Desktop CNC routing for ease, and convince.
Science experiments of all types.
Pattern making, template making, inlays, and onlays.
Rubber stamps.
Wood clocks.
Wood furniture.
Plasma torch cutting.
Laser cutting and engraving.
Cabinet making.
Digital cutting for soft metals.
Boat building.
Plastic fabrication.
Rapid prototyping.
More productive than Carvewright and Compucarve