CNC 101

[tippie53]

after having and using my cnc during this pandemic I have learned a few things.
A is cnc perfect? it is only as good as the programing
B is the machine complete? No the things they don't tell you about are the fixturing and holding. As a machinist
I was aware of this but is often a major concern . I use MDF as a spoil board , and use that to attach my work. Often you have to pierce your work so learn about using tabs and understand the mechanics of what you need to do.
C tooling not all cutters are the same. Some woods machine better than others plywood's are especially tricky and can tear out with out the proper tooling.
D dust collection often the dust boots included or sold are below par. I retooled mine as the brushes would get caught in the cutter and block the vacuum.
E software this is trick as some manufactures will have proprietary software, so do your homework
F collets I hate routers on cnc they are loud and hard to control speeds so I opted for the RF water cooled spindel, I wish I would have done more homework as this came with er 12 collets that limits my tooling shaft to 5/16 in an ER 20 would have options to 1/2 in.
G temperature with electronics you don't want to use the machine where you get too cold or condensation can accumulate and damage your electronics.

So all in all I am happy with the machine and I have learned how to program. It took about 8 hrs till I got the first piece of the machine and I am learning all the time. It was a major investment but it is helping me be a better supplier.

[Morecowbell]

John,

Thanks for the updates and please keep them coming! These are very interesting machines and I love hearing about the real world experience of setting one up and running it. I had my canoe forms CNC'd and it was great to know that whatever happened, I was starting from an accurate foundation - seems very similar in guitar building.

[Skarsaune]

Just bought a small one Wednesday. Made my first sawdust with it yesterday.

Using V Carve for the CAD/CAM side. Reasonably easy and a lot cheaper than MasterCAM which we use at work and school.

I have the opposite collet issue - I need to use 1/8” collets and the router is 1/4”. I’m considering mounting a dremel for the spindle while I get a correct sized collet.

Inlay and small parts are my main goal. My brother in law is getting a 48x48 machine in January for the big stuff.

[tippie53]

look at these the rf spindels are much better than routers and when you slow then
down they still have lots of power
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3301386 ... 5614%23597

[MaineGeezer]

Depending on your router brand, there may be 3rd-party collets available. See http://elairecorp.com/routercollets.html
I got 1/8" and 3/16" collets for my DeWalt router, and they're top quality.

[rcnewcomb]

Likewise PreciseBits has top quality collets in various sizes for routers and for ER tooling.

[rcnewcomb]

I’m considering mounting a dremel for the spindle while I get a correct sized collet.

For hand work they are fine, but the Dremel has too much runout and flex, particularly with side loads, for use on a CNC.

[AluminumTop]

Hello,
New to this forum and i see you all getting into CNC ! Love it !
IF you need anything in this field from an old-timer just ask.
Been doin this waay to long and still loving the craft.
Anybody here remember vacuum tubes and Ampex tape drives?

I really like to teach cad advanced splines and complex surfacing.
Everything i have learned was on the taxpayer's (your) dime. i owe you.
attached pict.
And have a 1999 cad system that does everything once one learns it.
Still having fun !

[MaineGeezer]

I have a primitive 2D CAD setup that I cut outlines with. On occasion I've done 3D by doing my own G-code programming, but that is pretty tedious.