Couple Questions

[PowerCNC4u]

I am certain DynaCNC can get you into a 4x8 table for less than 15K. Mine was less than that. Just my opinion, but it seems that it would do the trick. I'm not sure what you are after if you can get the table for under the 15K and it is accurate enough what else? There are several other machines out there that would also fit the bill for under 15K pre-built.

[coleasterling]

I don't need and won't ever use something that has a resolution down to .001 and lower or that cuts over 100ipm. If there's not anything worth having that's cheaper, then I'll plop down 10-15k on one of the nicer machines without hesitation.

BUT...If there is a cheaper option that satisfies my needs and will be a reliable solution, then there isn't a reason to spend that much. Hope that makes sense.

[Torchhead]

You will probably not find a "sloppy" cheaper machine. There is just no market for them. The problems is that the electronics and power components (motors, drivers rack and pinion, etc) are the same for a sloppy machine VS a one with tighter tolerance. There is very little cost savings to be had in those components. Your only real cost savings will be in the linear motion components (rails, bearings, etc) and so the price differential will be a lot less than would seem logical at first.

Your challenge is that you want to cut thicker material in one pass at fairly aggressive cut rates. If you need to make multiple passes you will have to have the tighter tolerances or the cuts will look like crap. Your choices are:

1. Buy a more accurate machine that has the power and working space you want.
2. Build your own machine out of hardware store parts on the cheap and get the tolerances and speed you want and invest your time.


Also have a look at the machines from EZ-Router. They are built to last (steel tables, heavy duty gantry, big motors) and GREAT electronics (Mine (:-))

Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com

[project5k]

if you have the facility, i would just build it to suit your needs, it'll be way cheaper, and you'll have exactly what you need... my one suggestion is that if you do build the rig yourself, and since money isnt too big of a problem, go ahead and get the good stuff, get real ball screws in whatever pitch you feel necessary for your needs, they will (or at least to my understanding) out perform and outlast a leadscrew/plastic nut combo... what you spin the screws with is up to you, but since your not looking to rip a hole in the space time continum with the gantry, a nece stepper system geco or others...should serve you well for many years... the way i see it, if you build it, then if it breaks you know it well enough to fix it, if you decide to change it for higher resolution, then you know where you are and how to get where your going...

just my 2 cents worth...

[coleasterling]

Thanks guys, All this stuff is great. Does anyone have a suggestion on some plans that are particularly good? If not, I'll probably end up designing my own on solidworks.

[project5k]

thats what im doing, only in rhino...i havent seen any plans, so i cant speak on them, but for me the bottom line is i just dont wanna pay someone else for something that i can do...

[coleasterling]

Getting off topic a bit...How do you like rhino compared with parametric programs? I have used the demo for a few years, but never have gotten the workflow down correctly, especially for skins and such.

[project5k]

well actually i was first introduced to cad through rhino, so its all i know, and i love it... it is true that it takes some getting used to, but considering how powerfull it is, i cant imagine trying to use anything else... i can draw anything i can imagine... modify it, manipulate it, just go in any direction... my biggest complaint about it is its price...

check out www.jpcustomcrafts.com/shopmachines.htm to see what i have drawn up so far for my plans....

[coleasterling]

Thats awesome man. Do you it with your mouse and stuff or command line? In my experience with it, command line seemed easier.

I love the drive idea for the x-axis by the way. Also love that A&M business card holder.(I'm Aggie class of '09 )

[project5k]

hehe yea, a buddy of mine ordered thoes custom from me for gifts... aggie huh? GIG 'EM AGGS!!! are you in colege station?

i do about 75% mouse, and 25% command line, things like copy, paste, rotate, array, join, group are all easier to type than to navigate the menus for...