Hi,

I'm an architectural model maker and would like to upgrade our Model Shop with a CNC Router.

Does anbody know about small 5-axis machines? Everything comercially available out there seems to be overkill at least sizewise. Not to talk about the $100.000 price tag....

I saw the machine that Rab of Rainnea.com build, and that's pretty much what I'm looking for.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Hi 9RRD33,

Rab's machine is pretty much it unless you want something bigger and as you said cost too much unless you are using it for production. I'm pretty sure Rab has a build diary on his site. You could build one like that quite inexpensively compared to the commercial units. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Mike

Hi Mike,

thanks for your reply! Yes the Rab-machine is what I'd like to have.
I'm not a machinist, just a modelmaker, it's hard for me to imagine
to build such a machine.

I'll try to contact Rab and see what he thinks.

Ever heard that he's selling or custom building machines?

Thanks,

Jörg

Unless you plan on using Rab's CNC Toolkit, you'll probably find that 5 axis CAM software is much more than you'll be willing to spend.

Hi Gerry,

I've been looking into 3-axis and software so far, my knowledge about
5-axis software is quite limited. I just would like to have the true simultaneous
3D capability of a 5-axis...

I will see if Rab's machine + software is an option for me...
However he's not selling those machines, right?

Jörg

Jorg, I couldn't figure out how to get those two little dots above the o so this will have to do. :) Rab doesn't build the machine for sale.....but you know the saying.......everything has it's price. I have to ask though, exactly what are you modeling. Is this like the models for proposed buildings, malls, etc that needs the surrounding area included so those that look at it can tell what the project will end up looking like? If that is the case, I don't think you need 5 axis. I'm curious why you wouldn't model it in 3d cad and show renderings? To see what a 3 axis machine can carve go to the gallery here in the zone and look up whiteriver's album. He has a couple of foam cuts he did of some topo's.

Mike

Hi Mike,

yes we do these little models for proposed buildings, usually including the surrounding landscape and context buildings. We also do 3D renderings, but the effect of a physical model to the client is always surprising, everybody can "read" it..., and when made properly in nice materials like mahogany and plexiglass they can be quite a piece of art.

We used to make them "old school" in a "regular" shop with a table saw and some sanders ;-)
Our first Hi-Tech addition was a laser cutter some years ago and it has changed the way we work dramatically, but of course that machine is purely 2D.

Now we are ready to go CNC, and I visited a manufacturer to see what they can do. I guess with a 4th Axis attachment you can do a lot already.
But after seeing how a 5 axis works it's kind of hard to go back to "just" 3 axis....

What makes the 5-axis so much more expensive?

Is there really only DIY for small shop 5-axis?

Thanks for your input, it's really appreciated.

Jörg

ö = oe, in case you don't have a german keyboard ;-)

Now we are ready to go CNC, and I visited a manufacturer to see what they can do. I guess with a 4th Axis attachment you can do a lot already. But after seeing how a 5 axis works it's kind of hard to go back to "just" 3 axis....

What makes the 5-axis so much more expensive?

Is there really only DIY for small shop 5-axis?

Thanks for your input, it's really appreciated.

Jörg

ö = oe, in case you don't have a german keyboard ;-)

Jorg I'll answer to the best of my ability but this is not one of my areas...yet.

I want a couple of 5 axis machines for completely different reasons. One to carve foam models of cars/ boats and other larger items. I really can afford one that size. The other 5 axis I intend to build sometime this summer. It is a very small machine that will fit inside a 2 ft cube so as to be easily moved. I want to use it to demonstrate in the local schools and take to small craft shos etc.

Now I told you all that to show a point. That big machine is something I want but may not necessarily need! I understand the "wow" factor 5 axis brings, but if you intend to use this for making a living, and don't really need a 5 axis, it's going to cost you money in the long run.

5 Axis is expensive for a few reasons, and one of them is the wow factor! :)

Another reason is the vendors can still get the large amounts and some of those high prices are justified by what you get with your purchase.

Third is the fact that diy is just now getting started for 5 axis.

The only real reason I could see the need for a 5 axis in your situation is if you build any models that have to have an undercut. Otherwise I can see a 3 axis doing most everything you need. Now admittedly I haven't seen your models, and that might change my mind.

Check this link for used machinery including a periodic 5 axis offering.

www.exfactory.com

At one time we had an advertizer here that sold used Thermwood 5 axis machines but i can't find his link.

Mike

Jorg there is a 4X8 with a 24" z by Motionmaster on exfactory right now. Look under routers-production.

Mike

Thanks Mike,

I looked at the Motionmaster, seems to be a kind of reasonable price if compared with the new ones. Still it is too big (and to expensive) I guess as long as Rab is not going into business selling his small machines, I'll have to look again into 3Axis + rotary, will be perfectly fine for Model making.
It's just that once you have seen what's out there and posibble...

Thanks again for your input,

Joerg