Newbie: Looking for plans

[jeff1424]

Hello all,
Is there a good source of plans out there that will allow me to build a slightly bigger unit? Maybe a 3'-4'X4" table.

Thanks
Jeff

[GeeksGoneBad]

There's the Joe's Hybrid 4X4 - but they're not free... were you looking for free?

there's also Solsylva.com I think that sells plans for larger sizes

[gfc62]

When I was looking for a larger machine the best design I could find was Joe's 4x4. The plans aren't free but the cost includes access to an excellent support forum with contacts for parts suppliers and a great community of users willing to help you out.

[jeff1424]

I'm not looking for free, I would just like plans for a decent size system, and in a perfect world all the proper componets that compliment it.
I'll check out Joes plans.

Thanks
Jeff

[dmoore]

Originally Posted by jeff1424 I'm not looking for free, I would just like plans for a decent size system, and in a perfect world all the proper componets that compliment it.

Maybe a little more information will help get you going in the right direction:

• Material you will be cutting
• The maximum size item or description of items being cut
• Hobby or commerical work
• Acuracy
• Budget
• Space you have to work in (including materials storage, etc)

[jeff1424]

Maybe a little more information will help get you going in the right direction:

Material you will be cutting : Plywood, MDF, Acrylic, and maybe very thin aluminum
The maximum size item or description of items being cut : I would like to be able to cut up to 24-30" X 36-40"
Hobby or commerical work: Hobby, but more like a pro LOL
Acuracy: 9-10
Budget : Open
Space you have to work in (including materials storage, etc): Space is not really an option, I have about 600 sq. ft that is usable

[High Seas]

Space & Budget Not a problem?! -- Why not move to 4x8 ft? "You build it...."
CadCut, MechMate are two good ones for that. (Or did I mis understand the comment on space -- but still thats only 32sqft out of your 600.
Jim
Welcome aboard! Hope you find some answers you can use.

[jeff1424]

Well now, I can't say budget is not a concern. I'm just somewhat open in that area (if need be)

Space is much more easy to come by

[dmoore]

Originally Posted by jeff1424 Well now, I can't say budget is not a concern. I'm just somewhat open in that area (if need be)

As it's already been said, Joe's CNC Hybrid may be a good choice. You could go the mechmate - the real issue would be your fabrication skills. Joe's Hybrid is a garage bolt together - you can even purchase the HDPE and MDF parts already cut. Joe's forum (which I am a member of) is very good and helpful, you may find geralds mechmate forum a little more combative. Of course the plans for Joe's Hybrid is not free and the mechmate is. You can also build the mechmate in a 4x4 or 4x5 unit, though it's only a few hundred more to build a 4x8 or 5x10 unit. Joe's unit - 2500 to 3000 in 4x4, the mechmate in 4x4 is 4000 to 6000. Joe's unit will be something you built in your garage, mechmate will be something you look like you purchase (if you do it correctly). The mechmate will NOT have a problem with the aluminum, the joe's it's iffy. With the geared motors on the mechmate, the accuracy is very good, joe's less so. My prior shop was 600 sq/ft, so I'm pretty sure even a 4x8 or 5x10 would not be a problem (moving sheets around, storage).

It really seems to be an issue of the aluminum cutting ability and the overall cost. I think most people would say 4-6k is a bit high for hobby but that may not be your case.

[jeff1424]

dmoore,
Thanks for your input. I think I might have a little trouble with the Mechmate, since it seems to be fabricated out of metal. Joe's hybrid looks like a good 1st CNC choice.
As far as cutting aluminum, that's just on my wish list. No real need there.


Jeff

[LeeWay]

On cutting aluminum, you need to consider where all the flakes will go. I can cut aluminum and have done so. Sheet and plate as well as some 80/20 extrusions.
I only do this now when absolutely necessary. The router can suck in these flakes and it would just be a matter of time before a short occurs.

Not so bad if you have a decent dust collection hood. I find that I must drench the aluminum in WD40 though, so the stuff really sticks to everything, so the DC doesn't catch it all.

This was just a heads up, so you can plan for these issues.

[jeff1424]

Leeway,
thanks for the heads-up. I'll try some WD40 if I ever get brave enough to cut aluminum.
I guess I need to start building something first.