wanting to build a 2' x 4' or 4' x 4' to cut MDF

[nikbrewer]

Ok, i am fairly new to all this. I have studied and downloaded alot of free plans for the homeuild cnc's. However I am trying to figure out exactly what i need.

I need a machine to cut up to 3/4" mdf (possibly ythicker with more passes, i am looking to use 2 1/2" mdf.

I make custom speaker boxes. I need the thing accurate, but reallyonly to a 1/16" in reality, as everthing get sanded and carpeted.

i was hoping to either have about 24" x 48" up tp 48" x 48" of travel.

I am not sure what plan to use to build my first machine, what size router to use, or what size motors.

basically, if someone could point me in the diretion of either free or cheap plans for a machine like this, it would be great.

Oh, i also have a large 4' x 20' cnc at work to machine the parts for my cnc. i was thinking of using baltic birch ply, is this a good choice?

[ger21]

What's your budget?

[nikbrewer]

budget? lets think. I can get all the wood ect for a good price, so lets not inlude that in the cost. I was considering using a modified gas pipe track system. We have some chrome closet rod tuding here, 1 1/4" dia, 1/8" wall thickness, super strait. I want it to run good and parts be able to be moved over to a better machne in the future.

I looks like motor/drive kits are about 400$?
decent router for spindel -250$
not sure what software i need.

would 1000$ be enough to get me started, again, not counting the wood, or a PC?

[ger21]

Imo, there's only one set of plans for a "good" mdf machine, and that's Joe's 2006 model. The plans are free, and it'll be close to your budget, but it's probably a little smaller than you want.

[nikbrewer]

i already have joes machine in solid works. I have seen a few machines that had tall sides the x-rails sat on, so the gantry then kindo hung down instead of being so tall.
these plans right here
http://solsylva.com/cnc/rack_pinion.shtml

just wondering if there is another set of plans similair to this running around.

also, what hp would i need, i was thinking 2 hp plus, but do i need the huge porter cable?

[Hirudin]

Joe suggests (and uses) a Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4 hp router (Here it is on Amazon.com for ~$135).

[lsalme]

For cutting mdf and you have access to a cnc router you might look at Joes 4X4 hybrid. I think detailed plans are $75.

[Glidergider]

I second the motion for Joes Hybrid. The plans are easy to read and understand. Some guys are making modifying it to a smaller 4x2 with great success. I have the 4x4 and it's great. Plus after you buy the plans, you will have access to the Hybrid build forum.

[nikbrewer]

well rats, i decided to go with the rack and pinion machine. its a 2 x 4, maybe after i try this, ill do the 4 x 4 hybrid.

any recommendations on a stepper/controler kit? how strong? i think i will need 4 motors looking at pics of the plans