New guy and I need suggestion.

[dmgdesigns]

I have a small wood, mosaic, and ceramic craft supply business that started out as a hobby making supplies for my wife. I have been looking to invest in a CNC machine. I checked out the Cheap CNC site and this is a little small for my needs. BTW I am a retired machinist. I worked as a jobshop machinist and CNC programmer/operator for 20 yr. then back to school for a computer science degree now retired once again.

After reading these posts I must say I am quite impressed with the machines you have built. You guys have done some outstanding work! My hat is off to you and I hope my machine turns out half as good.

The basic design I think I understand although I would not be opposed to buying plans. I do have questions about servos or stepper and size of the motor needed. Best controllers and software to use. I have several old PCs lying around. I will be machining up to 1 inch MDF, Oak, Pine no more than 30 X 18 inches.

Any suggestion about quality plans, what size motors you think would be best are very much appreciated.

Man what a long post. Sorry.
Mark

[Mr.Chips]

Welcome Mark,
With that background it's a perfect match. You only have to decide which plan to buy or which design to start from scratch.

This forum doesn't have a section with all the basics answered, Just ask questions or check out many of the builders threads and you will find lots of information, and the people will freely offer suggestions.

Here are but a few of the many machines being built or completed on this site.

Couldn’t find many fixed gantry, the one I knew about was mine.
MDF Machines
Fixed Gantry
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=2695

Moving Gantry
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=2804
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=2032
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=2763

All Aluminum Machines
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=1355
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=646
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=694


Hager

[Robocop]

Mark,

When I was looking to get involved with CNC I checked everywhere I could on the internet and my search led me to www.data-cut.com This is Chris Lubke's site and I can tell you I was not disappointed. His plans are second to none. His customer service is very professional and goes way beyond what one would/should expect. I recommend him highly and his web site is loaded with photos that I think will stir your creative juices.

Wayne

[AJ_Mac2001]

Just a thought... I would use 3/4" plywood instead of MDF (in fact I did for any moving parts (gantry)... the base of my machine is MDF b/c I'm "thrifty"). I say this for a couple reasons. Ply is strong/stiffer, more dimensionally stable, and far lighter than MDF. It also takes fasteners in the edge without splitting. Where I live Home Depot carries a 3/4" 7 ply plywood. I believe it is Radiata Pine. Even more upscale is the Baltic Birch (13 ply I believe) although it is a bit denser than the radiata.

Added bonus: plywood sawdust is much nicer than mdf

Cheers and good luck.

[AJ_Mac2001]

forgot to mention... you're looking at about double the cost if you use ply over MDF (39$ vs. 26$ at my Homedepot C$) But that turns out to be a very small part of the budget and worth it IMO!

[pminmo]

It's my understanding the MDF (not particle board) is significantlly more dimensionally stable. True, depending on axis, strength except compression isn't as good as plywood. Most of the Birch plywood I see isn't that good internally. Baltic birch aircraft ply to me is the best solution if your going to use plywood.

[dmgdesigns]

Thanks for the response. I am sure it will have to be MDF table, frame, and everything else machined fro now maybe upgrade later.

Hager thanks for the links I had seen a couple of them they are an inspiration. I miss Austin I lived in Oakhill while attending SWT in the late 90's and moved here 2000.

The design of your machine is what I am looking for. Is it your design or plans? It seems to me the machine would be more stable with a stationary gentry. It would take more room though I guess.

Mark

[Mr.Chips]

I didn't have any plans, just a lot of mentors in this forum.

Mine started out as a movable gantry, but I had to switch to a stationary gantry because of my obsession with making it rigid. All the gantry is made with two layers of 3/4" MDF, and it is heavy.

I'm really building this first machine that will hopefully be accurate enough to make my movable gantry all metal machine on.

Haven't made a balsa model in over 50 years, so I won't be cutting balsa wood.
Hager