Mentor in Los Angeles

[Smokin32]

Hello all!

Im new here and am searching the net to find all the info I can about building my first CNC machine. I want to build something that can make beautiful carvings and I know this is going to be a tall order with my limited knowledge in this area.

A bit about myself....... I am a true Jack of all trades with a broad set of interests and skills. My bread and butter comes from construction and remodeling where i do everything from plumbing, welding, electrical, framing, masonry, drywall and plastering....(all to code and with quality), but my passion and interests are in the arts and creative processes like painting and sculpting. This passion has led me to extensively learn Photoshop, 3dmax, other 3d software right along side the more traditional mediums like oils and charcoal so I believe I have a solid foundation to be able to use a quality CNC machine to great effect which is why I want one.... to see what I can make!

Someone on the interweb (youtube) posted a beautiful 3d carving being done on a homemade CNC machine (ZachCnC I think) and a comment was made from the user that he spent 6000 on parts alone for his machine. $6000 is tough to swallow for me, but I am prepared to spend that much if it means I can have quality CNC machine at my disposal capable of carving out intricate reliefs. But before I pull any trigger, Im going to need alot of questions answered and hopefully there is a mentor out there that can help me along.

Questions I have just to start are......
What are quality parts and how do I avoid getting bad ones?
Is there a way I can take my extensive knowledge in 3dmax and obj / 3ds creations and have them transfered to a cnc machine to card out that model?
What a realistic expectation of a homemade CNC vs a commercial CNC machine?
Are there tricks and tips to performing long carving sessions like leting machine cool down or realigning the piece to start over or redesigning to cover up mistakes?
What common mistakes should I try to avoid when building a CNC machine?
What software is a waste of time to even consider vs a quality CNC software that will perform the task I am hoping to do?

My hopes....... Someone in my area with a machine or shop that can produce high quality 3d carvings can teach me a little something and in exchange I can do whatever my skillsets allow. I can help in the shop or if there is anything else I can do with my construction related skills I can offer that as well. One more seriously possible incentive for a quality mentor is that i could drum up some future business though I cant guarantee it at this point so it shouldnt be a main motivator. More details about how I can do that can be done in person, but the company I work for deals in furniture and props and has deep budgets for creating and repairing pieces.

Sorry for the long post, but here is hoping someone out there can help me out! Even if its just for me buying some lunch and having a little convo, Id greatly appreciate it.

Frank

[txcncman]

Here's some info you might want:

CNC Router Prices: A Look into what it costs to own a CNC router

[Smokin32]

Wow, thank you so much for that link. Lots to absorb ponder and figure out now!

[cutter100]

Hi Smoking32, and welcome to the best place for info. Keep an eye on the classifieds here and you never know what you'll find. I picked up a joes2006 2x4 router table complete with computer, vertric software and all that for $2500.
It works real good and I'm starting to get into litho's,

Where abouts in LA are you (pm if you want) I live in Kingman AZ. and get out there a couple times a month or if your doing a river run you could come by here.