Which Wood CNC?

[Pingel85]

I may have gotten permission to purchase a wood cnc. I am looking for suggestions on brands and models, based on real usage. I understand that the projects I am doing dictate the size of the table, router hp etc, but also with the realization my budget is approx 3k. I am looking to stay around 30”x30” minimum. Projects would include signage, Curved/designer furniture legs, designs in small coffee tables, etc. I think the availability of this tool would take my woodworking to the next level.

I know xcarve and shapeko are the big names in the diy market, but willing to look at lesser known brands if the service availability and value is there.


I’m sure it’s been discussed 100 times before, but search wasn’t giving me the results I was looking for.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I have a x carve. It's a little light duty but I have done lots of different projects with it and haven't really run into anything I want that it can't do. I am only limited by my ability to cad.

 

[Pingel85]

Thanks for the reply Doug. Is it the original version or the newer one with the desalt spindle?

 

[niget2002]

I think this would be stretching your budget, but I have access and have worked on a Platform CNC quite a few times. It runs really well for it's size and has no issues chewing through just about everything.

The friend of mine that owns it will be selling it in the near future and I'm trying to convince the wife I 'need' it. He just upgraded to a 5'x10' machine that's HUGE.

Right now I have a MPCNC, which is a 3d printed CNC machine. It works really well, but is definitely on the light duty side. It's also only 24"x24".

Here's a link to the platform CNC:

http://www.grunblau.com/PlatformCNC.html

And if you're curious, the MPCNC. He also has a machine called the Lowrider that could be built in the size you're looking for.

https://www.v1engineering.com/

All 3 of these machines are more of a DIY type where you'd have to build it yourself. Unlike the x-carve or shapeko. Personally I prefer this type of CNC as when something goes wrong with it, it's easier to troubleshoot. But I'm also an electrical engineer and like to get into the nitty gritty of CNC machines.

 

[jdm5]

Consider Avid CNC - used to be called CNC Router Parts. I got a 48x48 initally and was able to expand it to 48 x 96. Uses 8020 for much of the structure (you assemble it yourself - not hard, well documented).

 

[steel 35]

As you can see thing's change, lot's of them change. Mine it's 4X8 and either to big or to small, and it use to be a plazma. Sure it changes easy but sparks in my shop
For me I have full access to a 5' X 10' Very heavy machine so I don't need one any more
My suggestion take your time shop, study as you are, Find programs to buy or find the free ones and practice.
Some give up right there never turn them on and they come up for sale, software may be out of date, none transferable cheaper to buy new then upgrade ect.
Glad I started with a plasma it's so much easier.
I would look into the light duty looking machines that can do a full sheet and lean against a wall when not in use; I have seen someone that has cut aluminum with this style router in very light passes, and the big one above that's why he bought it
Look for someone local and try drawing and pay someone to help you finnish a time or two but don't wait thing's change.

 

[BearsFan315]

these are pretty cool, i know some of the smaller ones are built on similar architecture as 3d printers. i love my 3d printer, but since i am a CAD Designer by trade, i like to tinker with it, things i do for work i like to printed out and make desktop size models to show off, and everyone loves them.

our local makerspace has a small desktop one that uses a dremel, built on a 3d printer platform, and have done some really cool things with it !! they also have a large 10x20 or so one that is really nice.

what file format do you use from CAD to input into conversion software ?? and what format does the machine read & use ?? g-code or other ??

 

[steel 35]

What file format do you use from CAD to input into conversion software ?? and what format does the machine read & use ?? g-code or other ??

I will bite; lots of free drawing programs but you nailed it need something to run, move, better have the g code, there are people that just do it with a keyboard
I personally use sheetcam or vcarve pro, these are very good programs that are helpful for both processes i use.
I drew auto cad prior at work because I **** at math and usually it was much easier and i could print patterns Or have pieces water jet cut years ago, watched that machine a few too many time I guess These machines can easily hold a pen, sharpie, drag blade. Some of the ones that stand against the wall can etch/scribe concrete havent seen much of that

 

[btonns]

I had a Shapeoko XXL and it was pretty user friendly. I upgraded to a OneFinity and it will be arriving in a few weeks. It uses ball screws instead of belts and can be assembled in under a half hour.

https://www.myerswoodshop.com/blog/onefinityvsshapeoko


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[majerus]

I have been looking into this quite a bit and am in-between Longmill, or the Mega V XL. The Mega V looks like it is built a bit better, and there is a plasma option. I kinda lean towards the Mega V, but the Longmill community seems super active on facebook.

https://sienci.com/ (longmill)

https://millrightcnc.com/product/millright-cnc-mega-v-router-bundle/ (mega v)

 

[Pingel85]

I had a Shapeoko XXL and it was pretty user friendly. I upgraded to a OneFinity and it will be arriving in a few weeks. It uses ball screws instead of belts and can be assembled in under a half hour.

https://www.myerswoodshop.com/blog/onefinityvsshapeoko


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For the research I’ve done, this is the range I’m in, and I am between the xxl and onefinity. Both seem to have pros and cons. Do you mind telling why you decided to switch? We’re you having slippage issues with the xxl? That seems to be the biggest drawback I’m finding to the shapeoko.

The onefinity seems rather new with not much info out on it, which is where my hesitation comes in...

 

[Pingel85]

I have been looking into this quite a bit and am in-between Longmill, or the Mega V XL. The Mega V looks like it is built a bit better, and there is a plasma option. I kinda lean towards the Mega V, but the Longmill community seems super active on facebook.

https://sienci.com/ (longmill)

https://millrightcnc.com/product/millright-cnc-mega-v-router-bundle/ (mega v)

Oh I missed the mega V xxl. This is one definitely to look into more.

The long mill seems like it would have the same issues that shapeopko has with the belts, but the shapeoko customer service has been proven to be top notch, which is a huge selling point for me.

 

[jake00]

Had a zenbot 24x48 I was happy with it. I bought it for a few specific projects, when they were over, I didn’t use it much and a freind wanted it, so away it went

 

[banjopete]

I've worked through two version of low rider2's getting my feet wet and am right now building up my third machine, an openbuilds lead 1510.

If you haven't looked at open builds they're right in the price range and sizes you're talking about. Lots of options, pretty simple so far, some proprietary bits which hopefully means ease to starting. They have controller software as well so all in system stuff.

I've seen lots of mods to them but these lead machines as the name suggests are all lead screw driven, nema 23 or high torque nema 23 steppers, and all aluminum extrusions.

There are many great options out there these days.



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[majerus]

Oh I missed the mega V xxl. This is one definitely to look into more.

The long mill seems like it would have the same issues that shapeopko has with the belts, but the shapeoko customer service has been proven to be top notch, which is a huge selling point for me.

The longmill uses an acme rod instead of belts from what I am seeing.

 

[brianh]

The most important part is how familiar are you with design software? there are many used machines on the market from people that bought one and realized the hurdle of the software was too much.

I was working with computer aided programs long before I got my CNC in 2003 made the learning curve much easier. It is a shopbot 48x96 I bought it when they still sold kits. It paid for itself in the first year I have upgraded the drivers for increased accuracy and speed.

I use mine for all kinds of work for furniture and signs. With air clamps at the end of the table it will cut all the mortises and tenons for furniture along with cutting parts on the table.

There are usually several on the shopbot forum for sale some at really good prices.

I built a second smaller machine running Mach3 with gecko 540 drivers, both use rack and pinion drives simple and rigid I would avoid belts, except for stepper motor speed reduction.

Without a good grasp on design software it is just a glorified copy machine.

 

[Pingel85]

The longmill uses an acme rod instead of belts from what I am seeing.

You’re right, I looked at another tab I had up before replying.

 

[Pingel85]

The most important part is how familiar are you with design software? there are many used machines on the market from people that bought one and realized the hurdle of the software was too much.

I was working with computer aided programs long before I got my CNC in 2003 made the learning curve much easier. It is a shopbot 48x96 I bought it when they still sold kits. It paid for itself in the first year I have upgraded the drivers for increased accuracy and speed.

I use mine for all kinds of work for furniture and signs. With air clamps at the end of the table it will cut all the mortises and tenons for furniture along with cutting parts on the table.

There are usually several on the shopbot forum for sale some at really good prices.

I built a second smaller machine running Mach3 with gecko 540 drivers, both use rack and pinion drives simple and rigid I would avoid belts, except for stepper motor speed reduction.

Without a good grasp on design software it is just a glorified copy machine.

Thanks for the reply, I haven’t used any of these specific design programs for Thea machines (fusion, vcarve, carbide 3D, etc), but I used to run autocad in the past as part of work, and I enjoy messing around in sketch up.

I assumed the principles would be the same, but was going to download a couple of those programs and design some items before pulling the trigger on the machine.

That is if I can keep my excitement and wallet in check

 

[brianh]

Thanks for the reply, I haven’t used any of these specific design programs for Thea machines (fusion, vcarve, carbide 3D, etc), but I used to run autocad in the past as part of work, and I enjoy messing around in sketch up.

I assumed the principles would be the same, but was going to download a couple of those programs and design some items before pulling the trigger on the machine.

That is if I can keep my excitement and wallet in check

Those programs are fine. Any program that outputs vector base exports, dxf being the most common will work with just about any cam program. For 3d exports like stl are a common format. There are many free file converters online.

An interesting human form program I found is Make Human it is open source http://www.makehumancommunity.org/ it is designed for game developers it exports OBJ format I convert that to stl and machine whatever i create in it.

The face on the doorknocker was modeled on it.

 

[zeeway]

I built my cnc router based on Joe's CNC design - it is based on 8620 stock aluminum shapes primarily. My electronics are based on a Gecko 540 controller (I really do not know much about electronics - but I can connect wires). You can google Joe's CNC, and it will get you to the website. My machine is now about seven years old, and I have made many signs, parts for rocking chairs, stools, children's toys, etc.

The software I use for CAD and generating g-code is Aspire from Vectric software, but I started with VCarvePro, and that can do most everything you need. I also use a machine control software called Mach 3, by ArtSoft.

While I occasionally use my machine still, I have slowed down a lot as I have a lot of birthdays under my belt. But I enjoyed building the machine, learning how to use it, and making a lot of wood projects that were far beyond my medium level skills.

I suggest you take a look at the websites for Joe's CNC and Vectric.com. Both have forums and you can learn a lot there.