Couple Questions

[coleasterling]

Hello, I am new here and pretty new to the cnc world. I am looking to either bulid or buy a cnc machine for a specific application and am just hoping yall can help me out.

The application consists of cutting 4x8 sheets of 1/4'' thick lexan and the occasional piece of 3/4'' mdf or plywood. The cuts need to be straight and square to within about a 1/32 of an inch, which I know, is very sloppy in terms of machining. I will never need more accuracy than that. It doesn't have to be very fast, either. 100ipm is plenty.

I would just buy a cheaper machine such as a shopbot or a dynacnc, but even those are more accurate than what I need. I am not opposed to spending 15k on a machine, but the fact is that its much more machine than I will ever use. So, does anyone have any ideas on something that will fit this bill?

Thanks,
Cole Easterling

[coleasterling]

Come on people...22 views and no comments??

[ger21]

I don't quite understand what your asking. A shopbot is better than you need, but you're willing to spend more??

Are you looking plans to build your own?

[PowerCNC4u]

Have you looked at the table top router tables being sold by DynaCNC? They would be way under your budget and I hear the customers are getting great accurate cuts from them. Just a suggestion.

[coleasterling]

I am not opposed to spending more, if I were going to use it all. It is just that I won't ever use a shopbot it to its potential. It would be a huge waste of money in my opinion. I am just wondering if there are other alternatives that are (gasp) actually a little less accurate, not as fast, and maybe not as finished. Because, if there are, then that means I get a machine that is perfect for what I need and is a heck of alot less money.

I looked at dyna cnc stuff, but I have to be able to do a full 4x8 sheet, so that throws them out.

[jmytyk]

a used machine with more precision that you need speaking from experience, i passed up this specific machine becasue it was out of my price range- but looking back, the time i have spent and am 'still' trying to finish mine- could have paid for the price difference.

what part of the country are you in?? this machine has the capablity of cutting MDF to those tolerences at 4x8ft cap. it's has rack and pinion drive, made with Al extrusion, with linear bearing on precision rod . it might be a good solution for you. the machine is in las vegas. if buying a used machine is not what your looking for, then i'll get you details on the plans for this one. let me know

[Tom Brown]

Originally Posted by coleasterling I am just wondering if there are other alternatives that are (gasp) actually a little less accurate, not as fast, and maybe not as finished. Because, if there are, then that means I get a machine that is perfect for what I need and is a heck of alot less money.

If I wanted a fast build, economical, great machine, I'd buy a full kit from Joe2000che. For 1/4 sheet wood working, I don't see how you could beat it.

I have no doubt he would ship it to you pre-assembled and painted, for a price.... if you need that level of completion.

[coleasterling]

joe2000che eh? A forum member on here? Does he have a website?

[Tom Brown]

He has a thread, here.

He has a design that looks like this:




He has a kit that looks like this:




The machine looks like this (almost finished but bed not yet painted):




He can be reached by PM.

[coleasterling]

Well after looking at Joe's plans, I am wondering how scalable it is...As in can it be reliably scaled up to a 4x8 machine?

[Tom Brown]

Originally Posted by coleasterling Well after looking at Joe's plans, I am wondering how scalable it is...As in can it be reliably scaled up to a 4x8 machine?

I wouldn't.

He's working on a 4x8 design right now.

If you need a 4x8 machine that is pre-built, perhaps you should consider a ShopBot.

[coleasterling]

Its certainly been considered. Just looking to you all for some more opinions

It doesn't have to be pre-built though. I have access to a very nice shop and considerable experience, so plans are definately an option.