posted
I work with an electrical engineer who dables in woodworking, he knowing I make signs asked me if I'd be interested in going in on a set of plans to build a cnc router, the plans were $200 and the table was an estimated $4200 to build. I don't know much about CNC routers and was content carving stuff by hand but this idea sounds very interesting to me. my question is would I be naive to think this machine could do the kinds of things the expensive $40,000 gerber routers can do. has anyone built there own before and where you happy with the results?
here is a link to the website that sells the plans CNC ROUTERS
posted
The short answer to your question is yes, you would. And probllay called some othings to. Don't have cnc router, I have a cnc rotatry table for a table top 8 axis milling machine, it is great. problem with stuff on the net is the same as the adds in the back of magazines, and software. Whay they promise to deliver and what you get are two different things. the home made cnc routers are popular with the RC plane crowd for cutting out wing forms and such from foam. I know 5 or 6 more cnc machining site from all over the world that sell plans. they use from a dremel up to 4 hp router. small beds to 4 x16 feet cost to build from a couple hundred bucks to thousands. Some were on the site or in the plans will be a disclaimer that. the plans are for informational use only and may or may not function as claimed just like with software. Oh we couldn't get that feature to work right, refund? No you agreed to our no fault license when you broke the shrink wrap.
I have purchased plans for a couple of items, off of websites. They are good if you have some knowledge about the subject matter. But unless you want a new hobby trying to get the stuff to work. I would do some more searches and check out other websites. try the link page at www.sherline .com and www. hobbycnc .com they have links to allkinds of stuff. If you want plans how about building a steam powered car out of a VW bug and using the engine convereted to steam power. The guy has spent over twenty years, working on it but he will sell you the plans. let me know. Hope this helps. From what I here about gerber products from people that own them on this board. The only question I can ask you is what were you smoking when you dreamed up the as good as in your post. And do you have anymore? becuase it sounds like the good bud from the 60's
[ October 02, 2002, 04:07 PM: Message edited by: Glen Perye Jr ]
-------------------- PTSideshow, been there, probally done that. Wizard Works Show Supply Magic Props FX Signage Banners Ect. Posts: 120 | From: Mount Clemens,MI,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I have to agree with Glen--you get what you pay for. If you're looking at a router as a glorified panel saw with some flexibility, go for it! Don't expect to get too fancy on it however.
I have worked Gerber AR600 and 408 Sabres, as well as seen the AXYZ and MultiCam lines at work. All excellent machines. Tolerances of thousandths of an inch that allow auto-inlay of different colour substrates. Accurate enough to make parts for real aircraft!
You have to ask yourself what you want this "table" to do for you? If it's simple cutting, try it out. If you want accurate reproduction of logos, colour to colour registration, etc., start saving your $$$$ to invest in a high-end system!
My dad was only 2 in 1960 I wouldnt know and don't think I ever said as "good as" are you sure you weren't smokin the bud, besides I never touch the stuff I heard it makes you lose your hair. HA HA HA I'm just foolin with ya
I kind of figured the do it yourself router was a bad idea I had to ask about it anyway. maybee I'll let the guy buy it and build it on his own and if it works then i'll hop on board later. and if its a piece of crap I'll keep hand carving
posted
Building a CNC router is not difficult. I built one in 1993 with no plans. Today there is tons of information on the net and control electronics and software is cheaper than ever.
Looking at the site you listed, their mechanical design looks good. If you buy the plans, have the Aluminum extrusion vendor (80/20 or Item) cut your parts to length and do the drill and tap for a couple of bucks more. That way you get a kit ready to bolt together.
Don't bother with their approach of a DXF file to G-code conversion for true 3D control you need to get Casmate 6 with the routing option. You can output G-code directly and do anything that Gerber does.
The stepper motors will limit your maximum speed. Make sure you can cut at a rate of 50 inches per min. Anything slower gets to be a drag.
Feel free to contact me.
ernie
Tim - your email bounces all my replies as spam Maybe you are a little too secure -eb
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