Want to create wooden Corbels...what route(r) to take?

[RickM]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of creating various types of decorative wood pieces such as corbels, carved table legs, applicaes etc. What advise can be offered for the type of machine to get started. I'm guessing it won't be a hobby machine. If I can't build what type of used machine would I look for? 4 Axis type? I like Rab's great handy work but I'm thinking that would be a bit too small.

Thoughts and any advice appreciated.

[ViperTX]

Any of the CNC routers can do that work either using a 4th axis to turn the work or you could manually turn the work and do 3 drawings....getting the artwork into the computer and into CAM is probably the hardest.

you'll have to experiment on the front face...since it really is 3 surfaces....2 appear to be parallel planes...

[briankeating]

In architecture a decorative corbel (or console) is a piece of stone jutting out of a wall to carry any superincumbent weight.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by briankeating In architecture a decorative corbel (or console) is a piece of stone

Wood corbels are far more common than stone, but it reall depends on the application.
Decorative Wood Corbels and Brackets - Unfinished wooden decorative corbels

How large are the corbels you're looking to make?

You'll probably want to use a 4th axis to rotate the piece while cutting. But be aware that you may have clearace issues due to tool length with larger ones. In that case, they may need to be made in pieces and assembled after carving.

Camaster makes a machine with an optional 4th axis.

[cabnet636]

i have the camaster x3 with the lathe and have made my share of corbels with it, honestly on the larger more intricate (normally 5th axis) it is far less time consuming and more profitable to purchase them from a production company,, while my machine has the capacity (and i make most all of the more shaker corbels and such with it) what happens is one usually just needs two or four then no orders for the same corbel for months if at all,, lot of file production (and i have quite a few) and machining for something that is again more profitable to purchase from a feoolw with a cnc duplicating company, virtually all other custom features are done with the camaster

[andrewrau]

If you're looking for a modest, inexpensive solution, then wood corbels or some hybrid as discussed would be your answer. However, if you have the budget and desire a classy look to enhance that new granite counter top,then Take a look if you're interested.