CNC Musings
So I have been thinking about my CNC set up and the next set of upgrades
I want to upgrade to the brush-less DC spindle motor. I might not be able to do so, it is not made to fit the older machine.
- it will be quieter, both mechanically and electrically
- it would be more powerful allowing me to mill aluminum at a practical speed
I need to update my software. I may have to try a few different demos out, that will take time.
I need to fine tune my settings for maximum efficancy. That will take a lot of trial and error.
I need to make stuff to print. Specifically some original designs.
I have been really looking at some of the other CNC systems out there.
I would really like a larger format CNC to let me do some wood working projects.
The carvewright looks like a nice introductory set up, but the reviews really scared me away. It seems it is prone to all kinds of mechanical problems and breakdowns. I already have a CNC like that, I don't need another.
The shopbot has a good reputation. But costs a lot more initially. (I suspect with all the maintenance and repairs the carvewright would cost the same in the long run) And it is HUGE! Even the "Small" one weighs 800 lbs! Of course you can build full sized furniture with it. (Boards up to 8' long!) They are coming out with a small desktop unit. But you dramatically reduce your print area. And if you are going to spend the money you might as well maximize your project size.
I am really interested in the makerbot. It is additive printing which opens up some options.
And the price is reasonable. But the printer resolution just is not quite there yet.
It would be fun to play around with, but I would not be able to make any fine detail stuff like I can with the CNC.
They make professional grade machines that do have the quality. But they are expensive to purchase and expensive to use.
A lazier cutter would be really cool. But I don't know too much about them. I need to look into that more.
Of course I need to actual make some designs to print first. So I think my plan for the immediate future will be
-look into a spindle upgrade, if it is even possible with my older machine.
-get updated design software, run through the tutorials, try some other design packages.
-look into taking a 3d design class
-come up with a project. Print it, optimize it and put it out there on etsy.
The idea is to keep making stuff. Hone my skills. Get the machine dialed in as best I can.
Then, if I am actual using it, look into getting a better / larger system.
For a project I think I will return to one of my loves, boxes.
I am limited to something about the size of a pack of playing cards. But I could make some kind of small carved dice / card box.
I should see what kind of premade boxes and tins the craft store has. I could start out with those, just carving / engraving the lids.
Then maybe making my own boxes from scratch. Better wood options and stronger construction
Just playing around with that should keep me busy for a while :)
I want to upgrade to the brush-less DC spindle motor. I might not be able to do so, it is not made to fit the older machine.
- it will be quieter, both mechanically and electrically
- it would be more powerful allowing me to mill aluminum at a practical speed
I need to update my software. I may have to try a few different demos out, that will take time.
I need to fine tune my settings for maximum efficancy. That will take a lot of trial and error.
I need to make stuff to print. Specifically some original designs.
I have been really looking at some of the other CNC systems out there.
I would really like a larger format CNC to let me do some wood working projects.
The carvewright looks like a nice introductory set up, but the reviews really scared me away. It seems it is prone to all kinds of mechanical problems and breakdowns. I already have a CNC like that, I don't need another.
The shopbot has a good reputation. But costs a lot more initially. (I suspect with all the maintenance and repairs the carvewright would cost the same in the long run) And it is HUGE! Even the "Small" one weighs 800 lbs! Of course you can build full sized furniture with it. (Boards up to 8' long!) They are coming out with a small desktop unit. But you dramatically reduce your print area. And if you are going to spend the money you might as well maximize your project size.
I am really interested in the makerbot. It is additive printing which opens up some options.
And the price is reasonable. But the printer resolution just is not quite there yet.
It would be fun to play around with, but I would not be able to make any fine detail stuff like I can with the CNC.
They make professional grade machines that do have the quality. But they are expensive to purchase and expensive to use.
A lazier cutter would be really cool. But I don't know too much about them. I need to look into that more.
Of course I need to actual make some designs to print first. So I think my plan for the immediate future will be
-look into a spindle upgrade, if it is even possible with my older machine.
-get updated design software, run through the tutorials, try some other design packages.
-look into taking a 3d design class
-come up with a project. Print it, optimize it and put it out there on etsy.
The idea is to keep making stuff. Hone my skills. Get the machine dialed in as best I can.
Then, if I am actual using it, look into getting a better / larger system.
For a project I think I will return to one of my loves, boxes.
I am limited to something about the size of a pack of playing cards. But I could make some kind of small carved dice / card box.
I should see what kind of premade boxes and tins the craft store has. I could start out with those, just carving / engraving the lids.
Then maybe making my own boxes from scratch. Better wood options and stronger construction
Just playing around with that should keep me busy for a while :)