Income from producing parts from CNC

[rhinoman]

I have been using rhino3d since it was betta in the late 90s and would like to interface the newest version with a cnc machine to produce the parts I design. I want to know if there is a market for small parts produced in the back of a garage for the open market and what would be a good place for me to get started doing? I would idealy like to have a 2 axis CNC machine that I can build or even more advanced 3 axis CNC. To keep the cost down I would build it my self in my spare time. Idealy would like it to cut within a few thousands of a inch. What would be the initial cost of making such a home made cnc? I also worry about cheap chinese made parts and how it would affect my business. Any thoughts on that and has it affected your business?

Thanks

[devildog]

Originally Posted by rhinoman I have been using rhino3d since it was betta in the late 90s and would like to interface the newest version with a cnc machine to produce the parts I design. I want to know if there is a market for small parts produced in the back of a garage for the open market and what would be a good place for me to get started doing? I would idealy like to have a 2 axis CNC machine that I can build or even more advanced 3 axis CNC. To keep the cost down I would build it my self in my spare time. Idealy would like it to cut within a few thousands of a inch. What would be the initial cost of making such a home made cnc? I also worry about cheap chinese made parts and how it would affect my business. Any thoughts on that and has it affected your business? Thanks

Dear Sir,

I think you really have to find a market first before deciding in going into CNC machining. For example, you can build your own but if the tolerance requirement can not meet the customers expectation, you might just lose money. You also need a way to measure it. The good jobs usually are critical which requires substantial QC measuring devices. You are talking also about 2 axis and 3 axis. They have an 8 axis machining now and also nano technology. Definitely won't be done in the backyard. Now, for small projects here and there for the home or something, it might work. If you really want to make money, you have to find a captive market and supply them with a few parts. Outsource them first until you can get enough capacity to buy a new machine. Take my advice, don't build your own because its cheap... invest in a business because its profitable. If it can't pay for your machine, I don't think you would be happy in making it anyway. Just an advice.

[TOTALLYRC]

Dear Devildog, well said.

Dear rhinoman,
I have been making parts for a customer using manual machines and now the quantity is getting to where I have to spend way to much time turning handles. Because I have a customer of long standing and his market is increasing, I am going cnc.
I chose to go with a retrofit instead of a conversion because it would be faster and most likely less expensive.
I am doing the retrofit myself because I new the basic machine would keep the tolerances I want and I couldn't find a machine with a tool changer in my price range. I will probably get away for about $4k (not counting my time) and it will be with a modern pc based control that I understand completely, not a set of thirty year old electronics that can die any minute. Plus we know how hard replacement parts can be to find.

I would say if you can afford a turn key machine, go for it. You will be making parts within a few days of delivery and hopefully be making money in short order.

Mike

[blackbeard52]

I think Rhinoman gave up....his post was almost 2 years ago......


Bob

[devildog]

Bob,

Sorry. I'm New at this cnc zone thing. I hardly have the time to look at it but it seems interesting when I have the time. I guess this was a long time ago... Well... hope he finished his diy cnc...

John

[devildog]

Originally Posted by TOTALLYRC Dear Devildog, well said. Dear rhinoman, I have been making parts for a customer using manual machines and now the quantity is getting to where I have to spend way to much time turning handles. Because I have a customer of long standing and his market is increasing, I am going cnc. I chose to go with a retrofit instead of a conversion because it would be faster and most likely less expensive. I am doing the retrofit myself because I new the basic machine would keep the tolerances I want and I couldn't find a machine with a tool changer in my price range. I will probably get away for about $4k (not counting my time) and it will be with a modern pc based control that I understand completely, not a set of thirty year old electronics that can die any minute. Plus we know how hard replacement parts can be to find. I would say if you can afford a turn key machine, go for it. You will be making parts within a few days of delivery and hopefully be making money in short order. Mike

Dear Mike,

$4k. That's really cheap for a DIY. Can I ask what control system did you buy and for lathe or mill? My boss used to do that with his bridgeports but the volume I do is too high for DIY CNC. I have a few Miyano's, lots of Takisawa's, Fanuc Robodrills,etc. I buy only Fanuc controller as much as possible. I have a taiwan connection where I can get cheaper parts. PC based controller didn't work for me since they usually last as long as a computer which is about 5 years at the most unless it's a cooler weather. Here in the Philippines, its hot and humid all the time so I had to choose Industrial based controllers.

John

[blackbeard52]

John
Dont be sorry...its expected to jump in and ask questions... Anyway I am sure Mike will chime in and answer your questions about his controller...But I think I can speak for him on that he is probably using Mach3 as a contoller...Most are on here but some are not. there is a Fanuc section on this forum but I am sure you have found it.....http://www.cnczone.com/forums/fanuc/

Bob

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by devildog Dear Mike, $4k. That's really cheap for a DIY. Can I ask what control system did you buy and for lathe or mill? My boss used to do that with his bridgeports but the volume I do is too high for DIY CNC. I have a few Miyano's, lots of Takisawa's, Fanuc Robodrills,etc. I buy only Fanuc controller as much as possible. I have a taiwan connection where I can get cheaper parts. PC based controller didn't work for me since they usually last as long as a computer which is about 5 years at the most unless it's a cooler weather. Here in the Philippines, its hot and humid all the time so I had to choose Industrial based controllers. John

Hi John,
Here in the northeast, we have to fight condensation due to the heat cold cycles.
Here in the summer, we can get 100 degrees and 100% humidity during a heat wave and then get well below 0 during the winter months. I am trying to keep my machine at least above 50 all winter. It takes forever to warm up the shop when 8k lbs of cast iron (combination of all the machines and part) gets below freezing

I am using Mach3 to run my btc-1, in conjunction with a DSPMC/IP control box from www.vital systems.com

It has a nice ethernet interface.

By the way, some of the industrial based controlers have a pc inside.


See my build log here.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66994

My build log is running behind where I am actually at by a few weeks, but I won't spoil it for anyone who is reading along.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in my build log.

I sometimes just see in the new thread section somthing to respond to and then you see it is several years old after I have posted.
Maybe the administrator would consider a warning that a post is over 6 months old or something.

Hey blackbeard, exactly right. Nobody should be afraid to jump in and ask questions. We were all newbies at one point.

Mike

[blackbeard52]

Exactly....I have seen many revived, Also you just might have the answer someone who is lurking in the background was waiting for....

Bob