CNC Machine

[droid_ca]

A friend of mine is looking at getting a CNC machine is there any kind that you would recommend he would like to be able to use it for doing carvings....Thank you

[GPW]

Get one Big enough to carve trailer parts ...

[mikeschn]

There's a lot of questions to be answered before a CNC question can be answered. How about if we start with, what does he want to do with it? And just for fun, how much money does he want to spend?

Mike...

[droid_ca]

There's a lot of questions to be answered before a CNC question can be answered. How about if we start with, what does he want to do with it? And just for fun, how much money does he want to spend?

Mike...

He said yo be able to do door sizes and have a carved 3-d door...if that helps I told him they would be a few thousand

[mikeschn]

That's a good starting point. The machine should be at least a 4x8, and the cheapest cnc router machine is going to be plywood, and cost a few K. Don't forget to add the cost of the software.

Here's a couple to look at...

http://buildyourcnc.com/blackFoot48v40.aspx

Tim (Turtle49) has a 4x4, which he bought a few years ago. Maybe he can offer some advice.

brb

Mike...

[droid_ca]

I showed him the link that you sent Mike and I think he is looking to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of 6-8 thousand

[mikeschn]

Check out a shopbot.

http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/prSstandard.htm

Mike...

[Turtle49]

Sorry for not getting to this sooner. This time of year is very busy in my shop with Christmas coming up.

Mikes suggestion for Shopbot is a good choice for this price point. In particular I would consider the http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/shopbot_buddy.htm. You can get into the 48" machine for about $8795 and with power sticks expand the length up to eight feet. Although with shipping and add ons I would expect to be into it more like $10,000. But if you are frugal you can keep the costs down. The buddy is a nice option for a smaller shop. It has a small footprint and can be extended later if you don't have the money upfront.

For software, I believe, it comes with partworks. You should verify that. Although I do not to use partworks, my understanding is that it is Vectrics Vcarve pro but packaged and rebranded for Shopbot. To do carvings I would seriously consider purchasing or upgrading to Vectrics Aspire. This package will allow you to do organic modeling of 3D Bas type reliefs.

Do not underestimate the value of a very good piece of software. It can make or break a CNC purchase. Vectric is a company that I completely endorse. Excellent product and great service.

I will watch this thread, let me know if you have anymore specific questions.
Tim

[LarryJ]

http://www.torchmate.com/

[capnTelescope]

I have a CNC Router Parts CRP4896 with a 4 x 8 bed. I like it. It is serious hobby quality and goes for about $6,000 for a complete kit, including motors, wiring, electronics. Everything but the base. But I used the machine to make a base. great first project.

Guess what I want to make next?!

You all know you want one.

[droid_ca]

I think my friend found one that he likes so we'll see I'll keep you posted