Anyone use a CNC routers here?

RickWilliams86

Here's one that might be consider a hobbyist CNC
They say you can build for about 600 bucks with parts that are easy to find.

Check out the address below they wont allow me to port urls until I have 10 post

oomlout.com/cnc1

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cdndave

Another place that has an inexpensive CNC build is buildyourcnc dot com

The site has a series of videos showing how your can build a CNC with basic hand tools.

Dave

Don Butler

I have a CarveWright.
I haven't done a LOT of work with it, but I like it and have no regrets in buying it.

But then, I never saw a tool I didn't like.

d

__________________
Best regards,

Don "Dances with Wood" Butler

laurence

I have owned a couple CNC routerd on found that most routers work fine. It's the software that can be the problem. Routers are stupid a do what there are told. The software has to do what you want it to, 2D, 3D, Carving, or? All routers will do these things. If the software is to hard to use, or there is no training, you will be pulling your hair out.

Don Butler

My little, baby's toy (by comparison) is a CarveWright.
People interested in commercial applications will have little regard for it and, of course, that's normal.
Although it certainly is a CNC machine, it is so simple I have no idea what machine language lies behind the design software that comes with it. I design with visual concepts, not numbers. The work size is tiny compared to the big machines.

Still, most people who come to my shop are amazed that one old, retired-for-years, ex techno geek would have such a machine. I guess they expect I do my work with a bowsaw and hand planes, not things like CarveWright and Legacy Ornamental Mill.

Counting the CarveWright, I have 5 or 6 routers, so I guess I fit with most of the members on this board.

Don "Dances with Wood" Butler

__________________
Best regards,

Don "Dances with Wood" Butler

Woodprof

Check out the designs we can make on the web based sign design system. Some samples are given in my gallery.
Cheers
Sanjeev

Woodprof

To make an object on the CNC router you need a CAD model and a CAM software to produce a tool path. We have a web based sign design system for making designs and tool paths. The user goes to the web and designs the part they want (limited spectrum of part can be made) and once satisfied they can make a tool path automatically.
The parts in my gallery were designed using this system.
If people have interest I will open my website for viewing and testing.
cheers
Woodprof

FatFreddysCat

Really? Most woodworking CNC routers are used to machine/drill panel components (we use ours to mill Corian and MDF retail stand parts). That means most are 2-1/2D machines, in othger words that 3rd axis interpolation is rarely required, so most CAD-CAM is done in good old-fashioned AutoCAD or similar products. We do a small amount of 3D work, but about 2% of our total output. For serious work you start at $50k (new) and up which is hardly a place many people will go. Even a secondhand machine like our Rye MG (4 head/8 drills) will cost $15k and upwards. I've had experience with Rye, Wadkin, SCM and Biesse so if you want to talk CNC I'll chime in

Arcticfox46

HUH??? -- Freddy -- Did I miss something here??

"MOST" CNC routers are used for mill drill circuit boards?? 3D is not necessary?

Most Cad "cam??" is done in AutoCAD?? AutoCAD does not even do CAM.

I can do some "serious" work on a benchtop 3 axis machine.

BTW - I have just spend the last 30 years in industrial CNC manufacturing.

For simple drilling of hole locations - I don't need any CAD or CAM. I can do all that with a pencil and paper.

Heck - for that matter - I am currently programming a $400,000 8 axis Mill/Turn without CAM.

Particularily in the hobby woodworking setting - there is AMPLE opportunity for 3D routing. I would venture to say - Sign Making in itself is a 3D world of routing.

Yes, there is a lot that can be done in 2-1/2 D, but I would not shy away from the 3D world.

Just curious -- where do you get your statistics from??

Woodprof

If you note the parts displayed in the gallery offer embossed letters. These result in a 3D model of the part. Also all the parts shown inthe gallery have a textured background. This also requires 3D modelling and 3D tool path planning. We are testing tools that allow automated modelling based on user selection and user specified text. In addition we are also testing automatic tool path creation. This is aimed to simplify design and machining of signs. Our site is called Watsign (try in two days).
Cheers
WoodProf