looking for my first cnc

[lwizardl]

I am looking to build my first cnc mill machine but I do not know which design I should go with. I need to be able to cut full sheets of plywood/mdf but would also like to not spend a ton on it since this will be my first time using a cnc and expect to make mistakes. I have used lathes etc in shops but never a cnc.

I purchased a book called "build your own cnc machine" and plan to read everyones build threads to see what I can use towards my own.

What build would be most affordable while allowing full sheets to be cut?

James

[A_Camera]

Your questions are not possible to answer.

What size is a "full sheet"?
How much is a ton of money?
What sort of precision are you aiming at?
How much space do you have?
Do you want to buy everything locally (USA) or are you open for eBay as well?

I don't know that book, but if I'd buy it I'd read it and start from there.

You must be more specific. Every CNC can cut MDF and plywood, some better than others. I have built a CNC but not mainly for MDF and size was not on the top of my list but rigidity, accuracy, repeatability and suitable speed (for the size of table). I don't think you'd like my build for your purpose (guessing from your words) but have a look at the specs I have and look around on my blog to see if you find something interesting.

https://adapting-camera.blogspot.se/...nt-status.html

[plcamp]

Do your research first, read the book that you purchased to get an idea of whats involved. There are numerous videos on YouTube on building a DIY router and these are good sources of information. Also, a machine capable of handling full sized sheet stock is quite large and requires some walking distance (work space) around it. The physical size of the machine will be considerably larger than your sheet stock simply to allow the router to reach all of the work area. And of course you need to be prepared to carry the financials for the project, larger machines simply cost more.

Most importantly you need to target your machine needs, is it a hobby or business machine?

[lwizardl]

Looking to use the cnc mainly for hobby uses, and most of the stuff I plan to cut will be game cabinets, full sheet being 8ftx4ft sheets you can buy at say lowes.I figured it would take 1-2ft larger then the sheets I want to cut for it so figured it would need a large space. I would prefer to buy locally what I can but understand ebay tends to be cheaper for stuff and also have stuff in stock instead of waiting for the stores to get in stock.

[awerby]

Take a look at the Mechmate design - it's suitable for the kind of cut-out work you're talking about, and it's fairly economical to build, using steel rather than aluminum parts. Look in the Forum for kits of pre-cut parts, etc. MechMate CNC Router - Build your own with our detailed plans

[A_Camera]

... full sheet being 8ftx4ft sheets you can buy at say lowes.I figured it would take 1-2ft larger then the sheets I want to cut for it so figured it would need a large space.

I think that is a huge machine, will cost a lot and will be a big challenge to make it. I think it is out of my competence and I can not give you any useful advice on it, except that read the book you bought before buying anything else and don't hurry. If you hurry you will need to make the same machine more than once before you can start using it. Give it time and design it well.

Good luck.

[DonKes]

Buy a $400 machine and learn all about it BEFORE you spend $2500 on your big machine and waste it.
You will save money.

Don

[jckstrthmghty]

Buy a $400 machine and learn all about it BEFORE you spend $2500 on your big machine and waste it.
You will save money.

Don

Keeping in mind that even a modest hobby cnc entry point will be over $1000. There are so many extras, like software, hold downs, tooling, cutters, and the list goes on.

[fretman_2]

I designed and built my own machine and I have around $1,200 - $1,300 in it as it sets right now. My cutting area is around 24"X34". I'm still adding things like homing switches and hold downs, etc.

[A_Camera]

Buy a $400 machine and learn all about it BEFORE you spend $2500 on your big machine and waste it.
You will save money.

Don

Keeping in mind that even a modest hobby cnc entry point will be over $1000. There are so many extras, like software, hold downs, tooling, cutters, and the list goes on.

...and my 100% own design and build cost me more than $2500 yet it is far from that size. Never the less, if someone is a total newbie I think it is a good idea to start small and learn before building something that huge and expensive. Mistakes can be made cheaper that way.