CNC router 101

[vavet]

Who can help me with a CNC router purchase?
We've started thinking it would be a nice thing to have in-house for my work for engineering prototypes. It would save a lot of time compared to sending things out. Once we have the machine in-house, it also frees up a lot of latitude for trying different things instead of trying to have it nailed down prior to prototypes being made.

We use a lot of baltic burch plywood for our projects. We also use some plastics. I'm guessing anything that can cut wood will be fine with plastics, right?

From what I've seen so far, we'd want something on the high end from a size perspective. A 60 inch x 48 inch travel would be ideal. A 5 axis would be nice, but I'm not sure it would be a firm requirement.

What else do I need to know? Are there big players in this market? Are there companies to steer away from?

What about dust collection? Is it a requirement? Can we enclose it and clean up afterwards?
Do they include the software needed? Can you import Solidworks files?
Can we get what I'm describing for $10k? Almost? A lot more?

 

[EZ_Garage]

Who can help me with a CNC router purchase?
We've started thinking it would be a nice thing to have in-house for my work for engineering prototypes. It would save a lot of time compared to sending things out. Once we have the machine in-house, it also frees up a lot of latitude for trying different things instead of trying to have it nailed down prior to prototypes being made.

We use a lot of baltic burch plywood for our projects. We also use some plastics. I'm guessing anything that can cut wood will be fine with plastics, right?

From what I've seen so far, we'd want something on the high end from a size perspective. A 60 inch x 48 inch travel would be ideal. A 5 axis would be nice, but I'm not sure it would be a firm requirement.

What else do I need to know? Are there big players in this market? Are there companies to steer away from?

What about dust collection? Is it a requirement? Can we enclose it and clean up afterwards?
Do they include the software needed? Can you import Solidworks files?
Can we get what I'm describing for $10k? Almost? A lot more?

CNC routers will typically have a variable speed/spindle router that can be adjusted for different materials when coupled with the appropriate tooling and feed rates.

Yes, dust collection will be a requirement otherwise you will run into tons of unneeded issues. You don't need anything elaborate though, a small 1.5-2HP unit will be adequate. Even the HF unit would be enough to meet the demands. I've even seen folks set-up shop vacs on CNC's but I would recommend a true dust collector.

There are several software components. CAD for design. CAM for converting models to machine code. Finally, controller software which takes the machine code and communicates commands to the actual CNC hardware. Some software will have CAD/CAM bundled together so, you can design as well as import models. You can literally spend thousands of dollars on just software alone.

There will be some units that are sold with and run proprietary software. I would avoid those units and purchase a unit that is more open source so, you can pick which software best meets your needs.

 

[slodat]

My two cents, after owning a 5' x 8' cnc router for almost three years. I highly recommend Camaster. My next machine will be from them. A five axis machine tool of any kind is a six figure proposition. Not something you would use with Baltic birch and composite sheet goods. A three axis machine is a great place to start. A vacuum table is a must in my opinion. I have one and I'd be lost without it. Tooling is another significant expense. Dust collection.. very good dust collection is a must. A lot of people, myself included, use Vectric's software for their CNC router. It's quick to learn and purpose built. I recommend it.

Based on what you said, I'd look at the Camaster Stinger line and see what you think.

I'm happy to answer questions.

 

[broken003]

For something a little less “industrial” and a lower $$ than the CAMaster look at the Avid CNC (Pro Series).
On CNC forums they come highly recommended with great tech support and offer turn key solutions.
You will have to assemble the machine, but the pro series is also expandable should your needs change down the road.


As with anything you will have to choose the correct balance your cost vs. performance needs.
For my home shop the Avid CNC Pro fit my needs and budget pretty well.