Best CNC for around 2k for 3d modeling

[crumbaker]

I've been reading everything I can for the past two days about cnc machines and 3d printing, but still have no idea what the best option for me would be.

I'm wanting to spend the least amount possible but could spend around 2k, maybe slightly more if something is really good, but would prefer way less.

I'm a zbrush 3d modeler and want to create small recreations. Size is not too important just wanting something with decent quality. I don't have a problem with creating 2 halves of an object and gluing it together if needed but would prefer not to. Was looking at the carvewright but was concerned about the reliability of it.

Any idea what the best option for me is? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[crumbaker]

I've been looking also at the sherline which might be a better option specifically the 2000a package featured here at the bottom of the page packages

Basically I'm trying to find a machine that will be able take in 3d models (I can figure out the software needs/file type conversion later). And put out toy sized objects with good details and relatively easy to use for a good price. Plastic is my preferred material. If there's anything I'm leaving out please let me know.

The main issue I'm having is watching all these videos and just seeing basic machine parts being produced, I need something that could make a human head with decent detail and I have no idea what basic machine could output that quality or have the capability to make such an object in all 3 dimensions or if it has to be done in pieces.

[awerby]

But I'd recommend the 5400 model over the 2000 for CNC work. The extra tilts of the 2000 are handy for manual setups, such as drilling holes at odd angles, but there's a certain sacrifice of rigidity with every extra degree of freedom added, and it's more work to get everything orthogonal, which is what you need for CNC operation.

I'd also suggest getting the rotary 4th axis with it, since it sounds like you want to do 3d carving "in the round". This might push this a little over your budget, though - if that's a problem you can add it later.

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[crumbaker]

But I'd recommend the 5400 model over the 2000 for CNC work. The extra tilts of the 2000 are handy for manual setups, such as drilling holes at odd angles, but there's a certain sacrifice of rigidity with every extra degree of freedom added, and it's more work to get everything orthogonal, which is what you need for CNC operation.

I'd also suggest getting the rotary 4th axis with it, since it sounds like you want to do 3d carving "in the round". This might push this a little over your budget, though - if that's a problem you can add it later.

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

Thank you that advice helps greatly. Is the 4th axis addition hard to setup? Also say I'm working on the same material over and over and on objects of the same size but different shapes. Would the process be fairly automated with this setup?

[awerby]

Sherline makes a 4" rotary table which can mount in a vertical position on the mill bed (with the addition of their right-angle mounting plate), and which comes with a mount for a 23-frame stepper motor attached. It lines up parallel to the X axis, and a right-angle tailstock is available that mounts on the other side of the bed to support the far end of your workpiece. Sherline also has 3 and 4-jaw chucks that thread into the rotary table, which make it pretty simple to hold onto your stock. Their standard controller has 4 drivers, so it's no problem to upgrade a 3-axis system to 4 axes.

If you're changing similar workpieces, you'd prepare them all to fit in the same chuck, and have an angled divot drilled on-center at the far end for the tailpiece center to nestle into. While I wouldn't describe the process of removing the finished work and loading a new blank as "automated", it's not too difficult, especially if the zeros don't change. (You typically zero Y and Z to the rotary axis center, and set X=0 near the chuck end so that there's enough room to make the part without impinging on the chuck.)

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[mcphill]

If you aren't cutting metal, then go for a router and save a ton of $$. I Fireball V90 will do what you want. Or go with the Microcarve MV3 for a larger footprint and current design and rigidity (same person developed both). These systems are MORE than capable of cutting any wood or plastic part you would need in the "toy" size range.

[crumbaker]

If you aren't cutting metal, then go for a router and save a ton of $$. I Fireball V90 will do what you want. Or go with the Microcarve MV3 for a larger footprint and current design and rigidity (same person developed both). These systems are MORE than capable of cutting any wood or plastic part you would need in the "toy" size range.

those machines would be able to replicate a human head with decent quality? I'm concerned about the lack of an additional axis.

[mcphill]

Depends on the head, but you can add a 4th to them anyway. The MV2/3 would be better if you want to add a 4th, as you can remove the spoil board and mount a 4th that runs from front to rear of the machine. This would be less turn key, but way less expensive and more than capable. Depends on if you want a slightly easier or cheaper solution...

[blierso]

You may want to check out this desktop CNC setup from TownLabs
much more rigid than the Sherline. I'm using one but without the 4-th axes.

[dugpits]

those machines would be able to replicate a human head with decent quality? I'm concerned about the lack of an additional axis.

Don't know much about routers, but looking up online puts the one carving this at about $2,200.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYpkpGfmPgE]human head in maple - YouTube

I would imagine if you compare specs you could find something similar for much cheaper...maybe the microcarve or some other small router.

Actually, searched youtube for 'fireball cnc' and found this (I think it might look better in plastic):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sh8kl5AsBE]V90 CNC 0001 - YouTube

Good luck!

Doug