CNC Router Recommendations

AdamantiumOgre

Looking to pull the trigger on a CNC router. Thinking shapeoko at this point. What do you guys think? Anything else i should be looking at?

Also it calls for running this with an Arduino Uno. Has anyone used propeller instead?

Thanks in advance

AO

LoopyByteloose

The Shapoko2 looks delightful.

I really wish that the Parallax Propeller had as complete a CNC controller as the Arduino. This is an embarrassment, but even though the Propeller has a lot to offer in terms of performance (maybe even better than the Arduino)... the code in OBEX maybe less sophisticated.

Try here...
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/145237-3-axis-CNC-control-packages-uploaded-to-the-OBEX-by-Don-Starkey

It could be done in Forth. I suspect that in Tachyon Forth with an SDcard, it would all be rather powerful. Files could be fed via USB from the PC to the SDcard.. then run.

These days, everybody just wants a package that is ready to import a CAD file and produce a finished project.

GordonMcComb

Your choice really depends on what you want to cut. Any router that uses a sub-HP cutting tool will only be able to do softer woods and plastics, unless you slow down the cutting speed so much that it's a chore just to make a donut shape.

The Shapeoko is a common design for low-cost CNCs, but by its looks it might not provide high accuracy because of flexing in the rails. The best way to determine if it's right for you is to test one out, or talk to other users who are cutting the same materials you are.

Don't underestimate the value of robust cutting software. You ought to be able to verify their software workflow by testing out what they offer. As with similar rigs, there's a lot of steps to make a cut. My CNC uses custom software that is $500 for that part alone. But I can design and cut all-in-one (as well as import files from CAD apps). I value the ease of use so the expense was worth it for me.

Finally, review any side-projects for turning the CNC into a 3D printer. That will extend your investment into other exciting areas.

PS: From what I can see, the $299 price for the Shapeoko includes only the frame parts. It's still upwards of $700 for a fully-working system.

rjo__

You asked for opinions. So, I won't flower this up. Factor into your thinking that you are going to wait up to eight weeks for your kit to arrive.
Then you are going to build it. By the time you get done building it, I think you will already want something else:)

The belts are a turn-off for me. I recently saw a new, really cheap kit with all metal fabrication, proper screws, etc, etc. But for the life of me I can't find it now.

I have (and love) a 3020 from MIB_instruments (Hong Kong). It is under $1000 (including shipping) has a hand wheel, which let's you to control the machine without a computer attached. I use it to move my zero point without the machine knowing it… which for a new bee like me is pretty handy.

Ordering something so valuable from someone in another country is a bit disquieting. I had a problem getting my credit card limit increased and ended up screwing up my own order. I called MIB and was put directly through to the owner of the company! My machine arrived weeks ahead of schedule, and except for a problem with one of the
cables has been problem free.

The limit to what you can cut is really determined by the power of the spindle and how fast you want to cut. I have a 300W spindle, and I have cut aluminum and iron, but I wouldn't recommend it.

For about the same money you can get a 4-axis machine, without the hand wheel.

And for a little more you can get a 6040 with an 800W spindle, which is what I should have purchased in the first place:)

Let us know what you do and how it works out.

Rich

LoopyByteloose

Now that I have done some reading on what is available, Forth is NOT the way to go. The software that Don created is very powerful, but depends on the Propeller being able to do floating point.

And it seems that people have had some success with the existing code in OBEX. It is not perfect, but it is much further along than I imagined.

+++++++++++
The dilemma with CNC is that the first time user has quite a bit to learn, and any XYZ device might just be adequate to get started --- But we all seem to get greedy and want a heavy-duty precision device as a platform. These can get quite costly.

One begins to dream of a CNC milling machine that might require a forklift to move into your shop and 3 phase power to drive the full power of the motors.

In sum, let's not let all that get in the way of empowering learners to get started on a rather long course of study..

AdamantiumOgre

Thanks for all the advice. I'm not going to build Robots, so 90% or more of what I'm doing will be in wood. Most likely wooden gear clocks. No interest for a 3D printer at this point. I'm not really interested in Robots and can probably access what the school has if I just ask. Looking to get an entry level CNC Router. If this one craps out, then I have an excuse to buy a better one....

My friend Susan calls this a retail opportunity.

LoopyByteloose

These tables may be what you are looking for... 2nd hand NASA salvage.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TSI-9500-LDV-Traverse-Table-w-Manual-Controller-HUGE-XYZ-Linear-Stage-will-ship-/251429500512

X 21"
Y 41"
Z ?

Here is something new and much saner

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-PRECISION-CNC-ROUTER-DRILLING-MILLING-6040Z-3-AXISES-ENGRAVER-MACHINE-F1-/161107850531?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2582c6b523

And there are other listings for more $$$

tswarehouse.com/TSI-9500-LDV-Traverse-Table-wManual-Controller-HUGE-XYZ-Linear-Stage-P2126397.aspx