Newbie- Least expensive way to get into this hobby?!

[error404]

Hey guys, I would like to get my own CNC table router, as a hobby and wanted to know what would be the least expensive option (and what would be its limitations).

I would like to be able to cut plexiglass, wood, and thin sheets of aluminum.

example:



I also, if possible... I would like to be able to carve small pieces of copper

example:


any recommendations?
thanks a lot!

[wcarrothers1]

Is no cheep way to get into the hobby (in my mind). The trick is to make it help pay for it self..

Those 2 metal items are not going to be the easiest things to cut. Typically I'd suggest a real mill for cutting metal. Sheet stock can be cut on a router mill effectively given the right tooling and feed/speeds

How ever I would never want to be with out my cnc bridgeport for those times i have to do real metal work..

b.

[Benonymous]

I saw a 3 axis router made with ordinary threaded rod, wood and aluminium, powered by three cordless drills. The chap who built it used it to make a car body buck out of foam and once this was completed he dismantled the machine and got on with buiding the remainder of the car (a Porsche 550 spyder replica).

He made the controllers himself and a breakout board for his computer. Very cheap and very resourceful. However, cutting foam equals very low cutting forces (the thing was slow as hell too)

For the items you want to make, I'd think that you'd want an aluminium framed machine (80/20) at a minimum. Also, to get precision and repeatability you'll want decent drive parts, no backlash and plenty of power. All up I'd say you'll top out at around $3000 with software.

That cheap enough??

[error404]

Originally Posted by Benonymous I saw a 3 axis router made with ordinary threaded rod, wood and aluminium, powered by three cordless drills. The chap who built it used it to make a car body buck out of foam and once this was completed he dismantled the machine and got on with buiding the remainder of the car (a Porsche 550 spyder replica). He made the controllers himself and a breakout board for his computer. Very cheap and very resourceful. However, cutting foam equals very low cutting forces (the thing was slow as hell too) For the items you want to make, I'd think that you'd want an aluminium framed machine (80/20) at a minimum. Also, to get precision and repeatability you'll want decent drive parts, no backlash and plenty of power. All up I'd say you'll top out at around $3000 with software. That cheap enough??

$3,000 is a little steep for a toy, If I could lower my expectations a little...

lets scratch the idea of carving pieces of copper

and lets concentrate in:

cutting plexiglass, wood, and thin sheets of aluminum

I have spend more than 10x that amount in camera equipment (but it has paid for itself ).

I also just spent that amount building a computer... but I use it for 3D modeling (it's currently paying for itself)










Sometimes I feel I'm restricted by my craftsmanship. If I could have a machine that builds everything that I model in 3D then I would be in business

[Khalid]

I think the parts you have attached are small... IMHO you can easily make those parts with accuracy... Aluminum and Copper are not hard materials and can be cut with right chice of toolings and Gcode parameters... Now as far as machine is concerned, I am also collecting the parts for very small router (not Mill) the cutting area will be only 300mm x 300mm and i want to cut Acrylic, aluminum and Copper etc...

I will build the complete machine with ball screws and Linear Rails and will use G540 and the 380Oz-in steppers (Both i collected last month)... On comming weekend i will go to my big city where i will purchase second-hand salvaged Linear rails and ball screws.. I have seen some linear rails last visit but if i not found the ball screws i will go far ACME screws with Anti Backlash nuts...

As soon as i got these parts i will making drawings for complete machine.... Hope i will get that workable in coming couple of months....

I will keep watching this thread... I will check out you will go for Mill or Router

[harryn]

By the time you do everything, it is expensive - no getting around that. OTOH, while pure independence is nice, sometimes cost sharing is handy and useful.

Since you already have some skills in modeling in 3-D, perhaps you can find another hobbyist that does not have the 3-D cad skills, but has constructed a hobby router or has a cnc mill.

In my own case, I am planning to build up the router, and primarily run it with G code for simple stuff, then find someone with the CAD / CAM skills to do that part as needed. Would I be willing to share / work together with someone that can complement my weak areas - absolutely, so my guess is that others that live close to you might be willing as well.

Just keep in mind, that naturally, they will be a bit nervous about their machine, as you would be about your own equipment.

I suggest posting some info in your local craigslist site, or perhaps just adding the city you live in to your info.

BTW- copper is deceptively challenging to machine, especially as the purity rises. Sort of like trying to carve a piece of used, damp chewing gum accurately.

[Boltz]

Hey error404, nice 3D rig. What's your favorite modelling software?

-Jim Hart

[error404]

Originally Posted by Boltz Hey error404, nice 3D rig. What's your favorite modelling software? -Jim Hart

I'm an Architect, so I spend a lot of my time using AutoCAD (2D). Because of the type of work that I do, I find sketchUp to be the ultimate tool to do most of my 3d work.

If I need to do something more challenging, I would use Rhino3D...


I'm still in the process of checking older post in this site and figure out what has been done in the past. From what I understand there are plenty of plans of CNC Routers done with MDF.

Is it possible to create those MDF pieces using barbaric tools like a jig-saw and a drill ? or do they need to be precisely done/cut?

Does anyone know of a CNC Router DIY that matches my intentions? (link?)

[holyjewsus]

Hey, nice computer build. I'm an architecture masters student. You should search on here for microcarve's machine. I just got one, it's been pretty solid so far. It's a smaller desktop machine though and inexpensive. You do have to supply your own motors and electronics though. I've cut some plexi, foam, and .25" basswood sheets.

Theres a video of someone on the forum milling aluminum with it.

[beermkr]

Originally Posted by error404 Is it possible to create those MDF pieces using barbaric tools like a jig-saw and a drill ? or do they need to be precisely done/cut?

Patrick at buildyourcnc.com built his machine with a handsaw and miter box. It can be done but the more precise tool you use, the more precise it will be.

I built my first one with a table saw and drill press. It is reasonably accurate but required some shimming and tweaking to get strait. I am using it to build a second slightly larger machine now.

R/