Compass is a DIY handheld CNC router designed to make CNC machining more accessible.
Unlike traditional CNC machines that move a cutting tool within a fixed workspace, Compass relies on users to guide the device around the workpiece directly. It automatically adjusts the cutting tool to stay on the programmed design path, enabling a significantly smaller device footprint while still handling large-scale cuts.
This is all accomplished using optical flow mouse sensors to track the position of the device, as well as a lead screw driven gantry to adjust the tool. The brains are a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller.
This repo contains all of the source to build a Handheld CNC Router: the firmware, CAD files for 3D printing/manufacturing, BOM, and cable diagrams.
Internal
- main - main firmware (written for PlatformIO usage)
- cad - custom hardware (3D prints, laser cut sheet metal, cable harnesses)
- pcb - printed circuit board designs for motherboard and sensors
- dev - development folder for debugging and testing
External
This project is a work-in-progress. Development is rapidly occurring, so design files and firmware may change.