New Member - Hello everyone!

[ClemsonGirl]

Hey everyone,

I am a Clemson (SC) student, 22 years old, and am really considering purchasing/building my own CNC router to start up my own small business.

I've been researching for the past few weeks on what I really need to get started. I have a fairly small budget, but am willing to work hard to build what I need.

My idea is to primarily use wood (maybe metals eventually) and design college related nick-nacs to sell at local shops. I have a background in old cars, woodworking, and have operated a local CNC machine.

So, if you only had around 3-4k to start up a small shop, what would you recommend to invest in?

Of course I want the most area for the mony...but, am I insane to think I could acquire a 5 axis setup??

[Hawkeye]

Welcome ClemsonGirl,
These guys are great and can help you out with just about anything.

Again, Welcome to one of the most addictive hobbies around.....LOL

Hawkeye

[buscht]

ClemsonGirl,
You have the right approach. You have a product and want to have the CNC to help you produce the product.

First you need to define the parameters of your needs.

What is the maximum size of your parts?
How complicated are they?
Wood and/or metal might not be compatible with the same machine. You can do wood and aluminum, but not wood and steel. (very well at least.)

Did you look at these machines? http://www.k2cnc.com/KT-2514_detail.asp

They got mixed reviews at first, but seem to be getting better.

Since you want to make a product and are a student, I would recommend you stay away from the do-it-yourself CNC approach. This approach eats up hours of time and could take months to get you to being able to make a viable product. Focus on what your business needs are.

I doubt if you can get a 5 axis machine for you budget numbers. If those are truly your numbers, I assume that they are for the entire shop or are they just for the CNC?

You'll need sanding, painting equipment. Plus a saw or two. It all adds up fast. Router bits, computer, CAD/CAM software, etc,etc.

I'd budget roughly $1500 for misc and the rest for CNC router.

Good luck
Trent

[ViperTX]

Hmmm.....welcome....what sort of college related knick-knacs....certainly not bong pipes....

[ClemsonGirl]

i think bong pipes would be a bit difficult to do....espically since most are glass. I would like to do table-tops, valve covers, wood signs, etc.

[ClemsonGirl]

http://cgi.ebay.com/CNC-Router-Engra...QQcmdZViewItem

did a few searches...no results, which prolly means its no good

[ViperTX]

ClemsonGirl...that would be my take...looks like it's made of delrin or some white plastic.

Signs you'll be able to do, table tops (like engraving, marquerty stuff?) doable, valve covers like for automobile engines? While the valve covers are doable...there is alot of material to remove...which is the reason most are cast.

Look at the K2 stuff, also read the local forum on the problems encountered with the K2 machines. Even with the problems...I don't think you can do much better for the price....you just have to be willing/able to address the problems.

Figure out what size of cutting volume you'll need.

5 axis for under $5K......that's a challenge...

[ClemsonGirl]

Thanks a bunch Viper!

This unit seems to do everything I need, and is low cost...what’s the catch??

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Servo-Taig-c...QQcmdZViewItem


The valve covers will be engraved with the CNC, not actually produce covers.

Also, I enjoy painting and wanted to begin producing my own figurines. There is just so much you can do with these wonderful machines!! I don’t understand why every kitchen is not without one!

I am starting to read up on the K2 stuff, but what do you think of the eBay auction I found??

TIA!

[kong]

Hi CG, don't forget to consider software in your budget too. For decent sign or CAM software you are probably looking at $1000, obvioulsy depending on the complexity you need. Just don't make a common mistake and blow all of your cash on the router and using sub-standard software will you cost you in the long run.

Welcome aboard anyhow

[buscht]

Originally Posted by ClemsonGirl This unit seems to do everything I need, and is low cost...what’s the catch?? http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Servo-Taig-c...QQcmdZViewItem I am starting to read up on the K2 stuff, but what do you think of the eBay auction I found?? TIA!

I have bought from that guy before, can't remember what it was but doublechecked my feedback and I didn't have any problems.

That mill seems pretty nice to me. It's mainly for metalworking. The RPM's (10000 MAX) are slow for router bits.

Again, you'll need a computer, cables, and MACH 2 to run this machine. Figure $200 for a used computer, $20 for a parallel cable, and $150 for Mach 2.

The biggest problem with a machine like this is the size 12" x 5.5" isn't much travel. It all depends upon your needs.

If you are doing rotary axis work (figurines), you'll need some fairly sophisticated CAD/CAM software.

[ViperTX]

If you think that the Taig will allow you to cut the parts you want to do, then I would buy from the manufacturer: taigtools.com

It's a good unit, read the info on the manufacturer's web site. Look at the x, y and z axis and the weight of the unit.

[DieGuy]

I bought one from this guy for well under $2K but did have to tweak the Xylotek controler myself by adjusting the vref and adding a cooling fan to the case. It has good strong automation direct 276 oz/in steppers and a 4 axis controller with a extra stepper to add a rotary table at a later date. Be selective on your bid and with a bit of sniping I suspect you could save enough to buy that rotatry table + get the stepper adapters from JFettig machines. You might even have enough left over for some tooling.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Taig-cnc-mill-mi...QQcmdZViewItem