A New Mod 2006

[lookout4lpe]

Joe,

Thanks to you and the entire community, I have just completed a very satisfying project. A few final items and I'll be ready for startup. After much Zone reading and other sources, I was able to miss most of the problems and add the ideas of many to improve on the design and a create machine that I am really looking forward to using. The pictures show my product with limit and home switches to be added and the computer to be attached in a couple of days. I'll post my first cut soon.

Len

[joecnc2006]

fantastic job on the machine, and all in one self contained system.

joe

[timberwood]

Len,

Fantastic build! Looks like lots of attention to detail. Did you make it out of aluminum?

Daryl

[lookout4lpe]

Daryl,

The detail is in the design, very well thought out. No, aluminum is not my medium. Like you, I am a woodworker that needed a cnc router in my shop.

Len

[timberwood]

I see. Did you use mdf, baltic birch or some other multi-ply product? I like mdf for its machineability, paintability and dimensional stability, but don't like the way it fragments, its limited structural strength and cannot take too much wear and tear. I'm thinking of using a multiply product just to maybe have it last a little longer. Should I worry about that?

Also, I'm wondering about a little thing like time and expense vs. return on investment. I design and build custom homes and like to use my woodworking skills to build the custom stuff that goes into a large custom home, in addition to building furniture when I have time. So, I'm trying to understand what this machine can reasonably do to help in many areas, one of which would be to save me some time.

So, how does it work for:

• Mortise and tenon
• Profiles like molding
• Dados

I have never had the opportunity to see a decent CNC router work in anything but making signs. My local millwork supplier has a huge CNC unit and all I've seen them do is make signs.

Daryl

[zachjowi]

nice machine and nice pile of lumber.

[lookout4lpe]

Daryl,

I did use mdf and agree with you on its strong points. I have not experienced too much fragmentation and don't believe I have used any mdf jig or fixture to failure. I would have to defer to others that have mdf routers to comment on long term use in your type of business.

As for mortise and tenon, molding, and dados, I would stick to the traditional methods. A table saw, a hefty molding machine, and square chisel mortising machine can't be replaced by a cnc router. I see the cnc router for signs, cabinet door panel decoration, carving and that type of work. I appreciate your concern about saving time and return on investment. I hope you can figure out a balance that works for you.

Len

[lookout4lpe]

Zachjowi

My home is in the center of 150 acres of oak, pine, walnut, and poplar. I cut what I need, put it through my sawmill, airdry, get to 7% mositure in a kiln, and then into my shop for cabinets, furniture,and fun projects.

Len

[bp092]

Wow you're lucky! Nice stock pile, great machine.