Thinking about getting a CNC anyone running one?

Ben Lawrence

Ben Lawrence

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Mar 2, 2011
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It seems there is a lot of crossover with woodworking on here especially how it relates to speaker cabs. I am considering picking up a hobby CNC. 16"x32" is probably the largest size I can currently see myself spending on. I definitely see the lure of a bigger cut surface but have a couple smaller projects I have in mind. All wood based. Just thought I would put it out there for any insight. Im currently looking at the Fox Alien brand which allows swapping out the spindle with a palm router for more umph. Whats a good software? I have used Easel a few time and have gotten a few reccomendations to give Carbide a try.
Drop a comment if you have any knowledge to share.
 
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Make sure the machine is properly RIGID! We naively bought a four foot square machine which we soon discovered was based on a much smaller machine and simply scaled up using the same size rails, which will take some comprehensive work to stiffen up for heavier cuts/improved accuracy.

Don't bother using any little DC motor or even a router - fit a water cooled HF spindle of about 1kW. Your ears and cutters will thank you!
Invest in a PCD (PolyCrystalline Diamond) cutter. I know it hurts initially, however ours has already outlived the forty-odd carbide cutters which preceded it and still cuts as cleanly as the day I fitted it. The cheaper ones are sadly disposable (eventually) so you will also have to accept that it will one day go in the bin even if it looks fine...
Pay careful attention to dust clearance to reduce clogging and subsequent cutter failure. I have found that air pressure is much better than vacuum to clear the groove ahead of the cutter.
Finally, don't expect micron accuracy from a hobby machine or you'll be pointlessly chasing your own tail for ever!

FreeCad is a very good option and well supported through excellent YouTube tutorials - it's how my wife learned CAD, and it also works for 3D printing (using a slicer program).

Finally finally, what is you budget?
 
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