CNC needed for cast stone company....

[knight2255]

We are in the preliminary stages of looking for a cnc machine to help us make 3d letters out of wood composite for our molds. The largest letters needed would be 18" x 18" x 4". We would also like the machine to make globe molds 24" in diameter.

Can the machine be controlled with autocad? We already use that software. Budgetwise, we would like to stay below $5,000.

Was wondering if you guys could point me to the right direction on what machine would work for us.

Thanks.

[awerby]

It won't directly control a CNC machine. You need a piece of software that will translate the AutoCAD models into G-code that the machine controller can execute. VisualMill is a relatively inexpensive program that does this; I sell it for $800.

Finding a CNC router with the capacity to do your 24" globes will be a challenge, especially for the budget you state. Even assuming that you're doing these molds as halves, you'll need enough height in the Z axis to allow your tool to clear the high edge, so even if you can do this with a 3" tool and assuming the mold is 1" thick, that comes to 16", which is considerably higher than most routers' stock configurations. Your best bet might be to find a company willing to build you a custom machine.

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[Joe Crumley]

Knight,

I've been cutting letters for several concrete manufacturers for the past three years. I'm not sure a small machine could keep up. My unit is 5'X10' and we load up a 4'X8' sheet of material for most of the week.

I've invested a considerable amount of money in the bits to which cut specific angles. I'm running ArtCam for my 3D work but Aspire would be my choice today. My present router is an EZ. Good equipment but I'm not sure about the support.

Joe Crumley
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[huiteng]

We are in the preliminary stages of looking for a cnc machine to help us make 3d letters out of wood composite for our molds. The largest letters needed would be 18" x 18" x 4". We would also like the machine to make globe molds 24" in diameter.

Can the machine be controlled with autocad? We already use that software. Budgetwise, we would like to stay below $5,000.

Was wondering if you guys could point me to the right direction on what machine would work for us.

Thanks.

Dear Sir

Hope you are very well. as your said you wat to cut wood composite 18"x18"x4", so we would like to recommend our CNC router with working area 600x900x10mm(24"x35"x4"), you can visit www.ht-cnc.net. and the price of the machine under your budget, it is suitable for you, you can contact us by :chinacncrouter@yahoo.com.cn.