Here is a vid showing some basic initial tests with the new CNC router.
Vector logo created in Corel Draw, then exported as a .dxf and imported into ArtCam Pro where toolpaths were assigned and outputted to G-Code which Mach3 translates and runs the router.
Here comes the Z dimension!
I think I am understanding.
I have not played with aluminum yet, still learning how to crawl, but I have cut acrylic with no problem. As far as 'etching', all I have right now are basic cutting bits. I have seen engraving bits, but I have not bought any. I have 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch endmill's. I have ballnose endmills on order, but I won't get them for a week.
I still am learning right now, so the fancy stuff will have to come later.
Sorry if that's disappointing, but I have to start somewhere.
not disappointing at all, like i said i think i got ahead of myself out loud for a moment. i just need clear plex, which i can provide in excess, with the according holes cut out of it =]
ill ship it with the chip. and some cash, just let me know how much =] todays the 25, how about i ship on the first, giving us a few days to attend to our own distractions?
Don't worry about money, no charge! The first works, or sooner is fine too.
Like I said, just drop me a line and I will email you my address.
Just finished cutting some 2 inch thick styrofoam, looks great!
I have spent the last 10 days working on .125" aluminum sheet. I can cut it, but the amount of stress it puts on the machine is too great. So, I did a search and I found a company that is less than a mile away that has a waterjet and will cut my metal stuff for a really low price. I am only going to work hard plastics, like Delrin and lexan's and nylons, as well as polycarbonates, foams and woods. I initially was bummed, but I really don't cut that much metal stock anyway, so not too big a deal.
If you guys need those materials worked, let me know. My knowledge base is growing!
awesome =]
and i have no excuse, but i had totally forgotten to send that chip, and plexiglass. shoot me an address in a private, and ill do that this week.
As you all know I'm just learning how to use this CNC router. I for some silly reason thought to use regular end mills to cut out aluminum, this was a bad mistake. Typical end mills spin between 600 and 900 rpm. The average router spins at speeds over 25,000 rpm. DO NOT USE END MILLS! Use single fluted CNC router specialty bits. Amana Tool have a special line for aluminum, plastics and hard plastics. Single fluted bits make a HUGE difference! With the right bit, I am able to cut out 1/8 inch aluminum in one pass with no cooling.
Check out the vid, NOW IN HD!
A couple of peeps were asking for pics of the machine setup.
that is way too awesome. So I take it this means you're able to handle 1/8" aluminum now eh?
btw, that setup looks awesome too. I know its just plastic making the walls, but I feel like I'm watching some serious operation with in quarantine area, lol. I think you need a huge bio hazard decal, lol
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
A bio hazard decal makes sense lol.
Routers spit out so much material, I had to do something as so everything would not be covered with dust and particulate. I have a special shop vac with an extended hose that lets me vacuum between cuttings.
I think I have a good understanding of aluminum, but I am still learning 'plunge rates', so many different variables for different materials.
I have already started contracting out the router to a local sign and props shop. My good friend Bill over at eyecandyprops.com. I am cutting Sintra for him. It's a plastic composite material.
that's pretty awesome. I was wondering from seeing that video, are you adding a vacuum to it? I've seen models where they have a shop vac nozzle attached at the end near the drill. lol no idea what the life is on a vacuum once you do that, but if it's a profitable project, then I could see the mess being something annoying me enough that I'd consider it, hahaha
I know my latest project involved some plexi and lexan and essentially making my own test tube rack (lol essentially, it wasn't used for science ), but man, it left my basement a mess. I can't wait till I get my garage all built so I can start trashing that place instead, hahaha
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
I have a 'dust shoe' for it, but it kind of gets in the way. Especially for 2" plunge cuts.
The shoe connects to a vacuum, and if I was cutting all thin stuff, it would be a no brainer, but I'm cutting thick stuff too.
I hear ya about the garage. I have the machine set up in my basement. I was concerned about the stepper motors freezing in the garage in the winter, so that explains the 'bio-containment' apparatus.
