Best thing to make on a CNC Router

[sanddrag]

I'm looking for suggestions of something awesome to make on a CNC router. I can do up to 30x30 inches size. I have an immediate need to make a couple parts on this machine, for no real reason at all (too much trouble to explain). The parts need to be either visual or functional, or both. I wanted to see what the Garage Journal folks would make if you had access to a CNC router (and the skills to do the CAD design and CAM programming to go with it). Thanks.

 

[kmacht]

The parts for a bigger and better cnc router of course.

I built a very modified JGRO router and have used it for things like signs, patterns, even cut some sheetmetal wing ribs out of it. Currently I am working on a larger cnc plasma cutter and have used the router to cut some mock-up parts out of mdf. I have also used the router to machine some patterns out of foam and then used a lost foam casting process to turn them into aluminum. Check out the forum for vectric software. They have some interesting projects and even some tutorials. Also check out cnczone.com. There is alot more than just routers there but it is a great place to get ideas from.

Keith

 

[NASTYZEN]

Yes cnc zone is the place to look hands down.

 

[RCStocker]

Garage Journal signs.

I have a large one in the shop that will take a full 4x8 sheet.
I have made plans for rocking horses, cradles, bookcases, cabinets, toy cars, and trucks.
I use it to make patterns for curves on cabinet doors. I use the templets to mill the curves on the shaper. When I go to restore an old antique piece of furniture I make patterns for the curved moldings. It takes a bit of figuring out but I get it done with auto cad or my drafing table. I have used it to make jigs to make other tools and machinery.
I have used it to make guards for machinery. It cuts out the parts, drills or mills the wholes. 101 uses. I can't say anyone thing is cooler than the other.

 

[rslaback]

Hows about something like these. It is a bit hard to tell but the designs are all V carved with a paint fill.

 

[rslaback]

Real pics of the two. I never actually made the bells.

 

[nine4gmc]

I saw a how its made or something last night that showed a company making 3d signs, real nice work.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

You could make large signs that say "Help Your Neighbor ... Buy American" with US and Canadian flags. That would look really, really nice.

 

[brianh]

Your not limited to 30" you can break up the tool file and index, I have done 16' signs on my 4'x8' table, use your imagination, sometimes I just draw stuff up and cut it out for the hell of it.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Where would one look for info on these CNC machines? I'm gunna go start with a forum search and google, but if you guys have some cool links I'd appreciate it. Basically where to buy, different types, avg. cost, and like this thread... cool **** to do with them.

 

[NASTYZEN]

Every thing you need and don't need here.


http://www.cnczone.com/forums/index.php

 

[BobWarfield]

CNCZone is awesome. Lots of other good sites on my page here:

http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCResources.htm

If you get tired of those, here's a bunch of sites from individuals:

http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCResourcesInd.htm

Cheers

Bob Warfield
www.cnccookbook.com