Not sure if I can build it

[nydheart]

Hi all, I just signed up as a member today to try and get some ideas on building a CNC machine. I manage a golf course and primarily want to use it to build nice looking signs. I understand there are plans available to purchase that show you how to build a machine but Im not sure which one would be best for me. I have a minor background in woodworking but no background with CNC whatsover. Are there any plans out there you would recommend to someone without a CNC background? Do you think I may be in over my head? For those of you that have built these machines, what is the average build time on them? I appreciate any advice you could offer. Thanks in advance.

Nyd,

[tajord]

hey there, this forum is full of newbies, and i can assure you, as long as you have a will to learn, you will make it, any questions you have just ask away, more than likely they will be someone here that can and will you, plans are available for purchase or free, or you can buy a ready cut kit and assemble it yourself and learn something along the way, but be cautioned, this can get very addictive.

Some plans:

Solsylva

Jgro (free plans, well detailed)

Joe's 2006 (also sells the kit)

[nydheart]

Hi Tajord, thanks for the reply. I would like to be able to build something relatively quickly so I can get working on building wood signs. Do you recommend any DIY plan over another in terms of simplicity of build? At this point in time with the deadline I am under to get some new signage the machine does not have to be top of the line. Also, I have seen a couple of pre-built CNC units on ebay but they do not come with the stepper motors, software or spindles. Are these parts hard to find? The seller says the machine travels x-10.5, y-10.5, z-4.5, I assume this would relate to the size of sign you could make? Again, thanks for any input, it is greatly appreciated.

nyd,

[snoyce]

Originally Posted by nydheart Hi Tajord, thanks for the reply. I would like to be able to build something relatively quickly so I can get working on building wood signs. Do you recommend any DIY plan over another in terms of simplicity of build? At this point in time with the deadline I am under to get some new signage the machine does not have to be top of the line. Also, I have seen a couple of pre-built CNC units on ebay but they do not come with the stepper motors, software or spindles. Are these parts hard to find? The seller says the machine travels x-10.5, y-10.5, z-4.5, I assume this would relate to the size of sign you could make? Again, thanks for any input, it is greatly appreciated. nyd,

I can recommend the rockcliff router if you want something simple to build with limited tools. Theres a couple of threads about them here one is mine.

[tajord]

Originally Posted by nydheart Hi Tajord, thanks for the reply. I would like to be able to build something relatively quickly so I can get working on building wood signs. Do you recommend any DIY plan over another in terms of simplicity of build? At this point in time with the deadline I am under to get some new signage the machine does not have to be top of the line. Also, I have seen a couple of pre-built CNC units on ebay but they do not come with the stepper motors, software or spindles. Are these parts hard to find? The seller says the machine travels x-10.5, y-10.5, z-4.5, I assume this would relate to the size of sign you could make? Again, thanks for any input, it is greatly appreciated. nyd,

The rockcliff is relatively quick to make, only problem is it might be a little too small for your needs, i don't know, but check it out anyways.

Steppers and software is easy to find, just check out the second post in this thread:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34183

[Jason Marsha]

You might also want to check out lionclaw's kit.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14331

Jason

[ger21]

Also keep in mind that with no CNC experience, the software end may require a steep learning curve, unless you purchase something like V-carve for $500

[jcc3inc]

Nyd,

The starting point would be what size sign you now need, and some expectation of what you might need in the future. Once you have decided on the size, then you look into which design fits. Next, you must consider the style of the sign and where you can get the software to assist in generating the artwork. Last, you get into the mechanical/electrical aspects of the job.
Conceivably you could find someone who can construct a machine for you and then your task is operating it to do what you need.

Regards,
Jack C.

[widgitmaster]

You could also buy one of the Sears CompuCarve routers, it's fully assembled and ready to run! It's designed to make wooden plaques, signs, moldings!

It's the easiest path to take, and has the shortest learning curve for the money

Widgit

[snoyce]

Originally Posted by widgitmaster You could also buy one of the Sears CompuCarve routers, it's fully assembled and ready to run! It's designed to make wooden plaques, signs, moldings! It's the easiest path to take, and has the shortest learning curve for the money Widgit

Agreed looks like a nice little unit not available on this side of the pond though

[nydheart]

Yeah, I looked at possibly going with the sears unit intially but I thought what the heck, why not try and build my own unit to make the signs. I am just looking at a 6x10 wood sign with a hole number (using it on my golf course) We started doing some by hand and they came out not to bad but when you got up close you could see the imperfections. Anyways, I decided to go with the rockcliff and I have the plans and the materials. I just picked up the motors, controller, power supply and software off of ebay. They came from stepperworld. Does anyone have any experience with these guys? Hopefully they are a good outfit.

Anyways, the next thing I need to ask you guys is what type of software would be best to do these routered out number signs? Do I need to do a CAD design and then program it into a software package like mach3? I don't think I will have any trouble building the unit but the software and programming is where I really have no idea of how to get to the finished product. Your guys help is great and really appreciated. Thanks again.

Nyd,

[guavafruit]

I have been looking quite a bit and reading about a number of different cnc machines. I would have to say your best bet (IMHO) is the Joe's 2006 model. If you buy the kit from Joe then put it togeter from his plans it will give you the ability to make signs. The plans are free so you can look at them and see if you are intereseted. Joe is a great resource and very responsive. Two things. Make sure the table is big enough for the signs you want to build and that you can get a good speed out of the stepper. A few models I have looked at are in the 20ipm range whereas Joe's machine can run at 80ipm.