The main reason decided not to use plans was because at the beginning i did not have much money but i did get given Hiwin 2xLGW 20 bearings, 2x 20mmx1350mm rails, 2xEGW25 bearings and 2x 25mmx240mm rail also i wanted to learn how to use CAD and this seemed as good a time as any. if you take a look at my profile pic http://www.element14.com/community/people/binarygenius i have used the alu cad model which i now have all the parts for it, the machine will have a cutting area of about 900mm x 1200mm x 160mm. if i was to buy everything in one go i know i would do things different but i had to work with what i had and i have learnt a lot making the mistakes with the MDF first But dont attempt a scratch build if you give up easy because building the machine is only 1 part of the whole project along with learning CAD, CAM, Control Software, Tooling, Feeds and Speed, Materials And much more but i would say it is all worth it in the end.
there are a lot of plans for mdf based cnc machines if you plan on doing a lot of cnc work they are ok for something to start with but you will out grow it quite fast and you will need to keep up with the calibration of the axis as they move a lot depending on the weather.
on the other hand if you get one of those cheep chines ones you can out grow them depending on its size but they can be reused for a different type of machine like a laser or 3D printer very easy, or expanded
i`m currently building a machine which i have done about 5 years of research into all kinds of CNC and have a build log here First MDF CNC 3 Axis or how not to build a CNC where i built an mdf machine to learn a few things then invested in aluminium parts for a real machine i have twice as many pics and info to still upload so if you would like help give me a message and i will answer all i can for you mate.
with what I have read on cnczone and the mach3 forum there never seems to be any problem with the frames just the electronic can be 50/50 that's why I point to the frame only.
OK then, CNC rout a perfectly square hole in a flat piece of wood with no rounded edges. Sorry, I had to bring that up. I don't actually own either machine, so this is all just based on things I have learned second hand. My plan is to start with a cheap Chinese CNC router when I have a little more cash, and then move on to a 3d printer. Your impossible cube is pretty cool though.
you sure, the head cant get inside but cutters can it would be a two piece op.
there is a big difference between how a 6 axis router and 3D printer work you just have to think out side the box with routers I have done things on my routers most people will say I cant do. routers can machine the machines imposable cube what's a ball inside a cube the ball can move inside the cube when the op is finished
yes a 3D printer can do it to and cost a million dollars less
I have now, thank you YouTube. I stand by my comment. Can it cut an extruded spiral with a solid block on each end? No, the head can't get inside. Admtidly it can do almost any shape, but a sixaxis model is far more expensive than a 3d printer. Don't get me wrong, I like CNC routers, but 3d printing can do a lot as well.
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