CNC Machine
 

Holla,

I would like to get a small cnc machine (or a 2d cutter) to help me while building my airplane, something in the 14 inches and more.

Thanks,

RE: CNC Machine
 

Not sure on prices, but these units seem well built from having seen them at various rc shows.

marcs

[link]http://www.step-four.at/e_index.html[/link]

RE: CNC Machine
 

How much you want to spend ,,there are several makers of these machines ,,Okmua,Hardinge,Haas
man oh man forgot to use lower caps..LOL,
good luck

RE: CNC Machine
 

I bought a Zenbot 1216 with a Bosch Colt spindle controlled with Mach 3.

It is a solid low cost 3 axis machine with a footprint (12' x 16") that is perfect for model size projects.

www.zenbotcnc.com

Phil

RE: CNC Machine
 

Price doesn't really matter ;-), I mean something under 3500$... would be ok, but the less I paid, the better it is if the quality is there...

Zenbot web site doesn't work for me (at least a my office), I will check it later...

For Step-four it's look nice, but no price are displayed, so I will have to contact them...

Thanks, any other suggestions ?

RE: CNC Machine
 

Is there a reason to go CNC rather than a laser cutter?

Mike

RE: CNC Machine
 

Why not build your own ? I did !

RE: CNC Machine
 

Not sure what you are going to be using it for, wood or metal but if you are going the wood route then I would build your own. Its cheaper in the long run and you end up knowing your machine inside and out. Wood also allows more forgiveness on tolerances but metal needs to be precise to something like .002 at least. When I pool some cash I am highly considering one of these:

[link]http://buildyourcnc.com/blackToe2x4v40.aspx[/link]

They are relatively inexpensive for the precision they offer and it will cut up to 2' x 4'. More than enough room.

RE: CNC Machine
 

Well I want one to save time, so building it will take me time... lol...

I finally got acces to the zenbot website, and that the best price so far...

I think I will buy one (the 1216 or the 1624)...

Thanks

RE: CNC Machine
 

Phil, do you have a video of it ? (Zenbot)

How do you like it ?

Can it cut balsa, is it compatible with autocad or Solid Edge ?

Thanks

RE: CNC Machine
 

I am positive it will cut balsa, not sure if there is a CNC machine out there that cant.

Robin, AutoCAD and SolidEdge are design programs, you will need a CAM program that will be able to translate the design into GCode and then you will need controller software, most likely Mach3, thats what I use. Your biggest hurdle to overcome will be finding the right CAD/CAM combination that works with your machine and machine software, trust me, I know!

RE: CNC Machine
 

You can build your own much cheaper than what they show, I built mine for under €500, my table is 300x600, cutting balsa, ply & MDF is easy, I also cut a lot of polycarbonate upto about 6mm.

I have cut alum plate upto 3mm but it is very slow, I do intend to build another much more rigid and a smaller table specifically for cutting alum, for making retracts, etc.

RE: CNC Machine
 

I am just getting used to it, I bought it for light ply but the colt is 1hp and very solid so it should be able to do think ply and thin aluminum. The only issue I have had was the XY belt was a little loose and needed some adjustment.

So far I have been using ilUstrator to make simple outlines which can be ported to Mach 3..

The znbot is An inexpensive way to start and see if cnc fits into your workshop.

Phil

RE: CNC Machine
 

Buy a StepFour 540 Basic.
It's not only the machine what counts, but much more important how user friendly the software is.
When you're making and trying bulkheads you want to make small adjustments as easy and fast as possible.
All the rest is just discouraging your creativity. And the result clearly shows the difference.
It's maybe not the cheapest choice but definitely one you will not regret.
I have mine now for some 12 years, spent already thousands of hours on it, it never let me down and also their after sales service is prompt and first class.
I had also CNC Sherline tools (metal parts), CNC Haase (foam cutter), StepFour CNC Foam Cutter... but StepFour always is a class on its own.

Nicolas.

RE: CNC Machine
 

I have a home made unit, they are fairly easy to build. Currently run it on Mach 3 and use Bobcad to translate the files to G-Code. Quick, easy and within .002.

RE: CNC Machine
 

lov2flyrc

What are you using for your rails that the gantry moves on

RE: CNC Machine
 

Looks like Todd is using pipe or drill rod like many other designs. Roller bearings in a "V" configuration, not a bad setup Todd.

RE: CNC Machine
 

My Machine is built from extruded aluminum box rails with aluminum plates for the gantry and steel tubing for the slide rails. Aluminum angle and roller bearings where used to create the slides. Although this system works perfectly, If I where to build another I would probably go with linear slides for the gantry just to add additional precision. I can cut 1/4" ply at about 20-25in/min, balsa can be cut as fast as I desire. I have cut aluminum with this machine but it is hard on the router.

RE: CNC Machine
 

Todd, upgrade that rotozip to something a little more manly!! :D:D;)

RE: CNC Machine
 

LOL.... Well, I would if I needed too; but that rotozip has cut literally thousands of parts and cuts just fine for my needs. If I was cutting some real heavy material I would change it out to a router with more grunt but the cheapo rotozip does just fine for me ;)

RE: CNC Machine
 

I will try again, is there such a thing as an inexpensive Laser cutter?

Mike

RE: CNC Machine
 

You can get some cheapo China laser cutters for about 4-6K on eBay. Not sure I would trust them though.

RE: CNC Machine
 

I will have a look, thanks for the reply.

Mike

RE: CNC Machine
 

Not really.... the laser is the expensive part. The "Cheap" ones just dont last; they are half the cost of a quality one but burn out in about 1/8 the usage. Expect to spend a min of 10K for a decent, reliable laser unit.
For basic hobby usage, CNC router is far more economical.

RE: CNC Machine
 

Agreed Todd, lasers are super cool but only for BIG budgets!

RE: CNC Machine
 

Yes for home use CNC router will do all you want.

I am using the same roller bearing setup on my CNC as well, except on the Z axis where I used Igus slides

RE: CNC Machine
 

Yes laser are expensive, I just received a call from a rep (dont even remember wich one....lol..) the price for their basic one is 9k.... lol... a bit to much for my home budget...

Question ? I try to find the contact email of step four, and on their english web site, I can't find it ? Any of you was lucky then me ?

RE: CNC Machine
 

Ok, I know, it's expensive, but check the video on this page... Imagine how fast you could cut you airplane parts...

it look like a toy (of 9k $) but it's neat and fast... ;-)

http://www.rayjetlaser.com/fr-FR/Mac...er_Rayjet.aspx

RE: CNC Machine
 

Has anyone seen plans for one with a 4th axis?

Thanks,

RE: CNC Machine
 

Try CNCzone

RE: CNC Machine
 

Thanks for your input on the laser option chaps seems the CNC route (sic) is the way to go.

Mike

RE: CNC Machine
 

The one great benefit to laser cutting is square inside corners, but thats about it.

RE: CNC Machine
 

Never thought about that, but obviously the corners can only be the dia of the cutter, must pay more attention in class. LOL

Mike

RE: CNC Machine
 

It is not a problem I tend to use a 2mm cutter which only leaves a 1mm radius and if I need it square 2 secs with the scapel sorts that.

Most of the time with formers and general weight saving holes you want the corners rounded anyway for strength.

RE: CNC Machine
 

Your right, square corners act as crack inducers a nice curve looks better anyway.

So which one of you home build guru's are going to do a tutorial on building one of these? the kits do not seem very good value compared to retail bought one.

Mike

RE: CNC Machine
 

If there is some interest then why not, I do have all the pictures etc from when I built mine about 5 years ago

RE: CNC Machine
 

I might be interest to see a tutorial to (even if I really don't have to time to one myself...), it could be very cool to see how you did/do it...

RE: CNC Machine
 

Actually can be built fairly easily, I built mine really to learn about them and had planned to build "a better one" but found that apart from thick alum it done all I wanted.
I am using it now all the time, in that it makes me money as I produce various items on it for my business.

My machine can be made by any modeller and was built from easy to obtain materials and many second hand bits like the stepper motors etc bought on ebay.

There are many ways to produce the toolpath (commands for the machine to cut the part) I draw it first in Autocad outline the drawing to suit cutter size (autocad feature) then convert the drawing to Gcode with a program that is freeware called ACE converter then I use Turbocnc (which is shareware program with a reg fee of $60) to cut the part out on my machine.

There is other software available that you just draw the item and it converts and runs the machine all in one but can be expensive to buy.

Most expensive single item I bought for my machine was the stepper motor driver board at about $65 as far as I remember, that includes the PC I use as I bought an old win98 machine for £30 which is perfect to run the machine.

RE: CNC Machine
 

Xairflyer

I think the interest in a tutorial would be great, if it could be kept simple, not everyone uses Autocad or even knows what it does, I think you would have to assume we are all Demigog Morons. ;)

Mike

RE: CNC Machine
 

I never used autocad before hand either and still only know the basics, but easy enough to learn how to do simple drawings