Open Source CNC Router for rough cut wood slabs
I am attempting to build a 8'x4' CNC router specifically designed for rough cut wood slabs. I have launched the project on kickstarter.com. Any feedback, positive and negative is welcome and needed. Support is always welcome!
Here is the link:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...-for-rough-woo
Thanks
Last edited by canyonsam; 10-17-2012 at 05:11 PM.
Senior Member
The link did not work for me.
Senior Member
Senior Member
I don't quite understand how the program works. I did alot of carvings on tree slaps , 14in x about 4 ft or so,and 3ins. I used to have a chainsaw that allowed me to take slaps the thickness I wanted. If I remember about 3ft or so wide. I would use cut-offs that were left to rot around my camp in Maine when they were cutting wood.
Capt Barry
sorry for the wrong link
I included the correct link. I started with the carvewright machine, and then built my own cnc. This machine design will allow for large rough cut wood slabs to be loaded by forklift onto a table with spaced 2x4's for attachment and sacrifice material.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...-for-rough-woo
Senior Member
Very nice looking product line you have.Originally Posted by canyonsam
My concern about use the 2X4 cross members is wrapage and twisting. Seems to me if you are building that caliber of a machine you may want to consider using steel tubing. I can visualize a pneumatic clamping system and pneumatic levelers.
I have been researching a water cooled spindle for one of my machines. Looking at a 1.5K spindle (all that's needed for me). Did you build your own VFD or was it purchased? http://www.ebay.com/itm/230715508514...84.m1438.l2649 are pretty reasonable and may go that route.
BTW>>>> Welcome to the forum.
The 2x4's will provided a point of attachment as well as sacrificial material. It will be replaced on a regular basis as needed. The VFD I am currently using was purchased. The spindle I am currently using is a 1.5k water cooled spindle with a er11 collet. The new machine I am building will be using a 3k water cooled spindle with a er20 collet. I will be making a dvd video that will detail the construction and use of the machine....It is offered for pledging for the kickstarter project.
Thanks
Senior Member
What you need is a 24" Z. Have you been over to CNCzone? Lot of folks well versed in this area.
Not sure if your seeking help or funds.Maybe I should get a kickstrarter account Hmmm. I know the folks here will support my habit.
Best of luck on your new build.
Last edited by PCW; 10-17-2012 at 07:37 PM. Reason: sobered up
I am considering a 12-16" Z....I have not decided. A 24" would be awesome...What you need is a 24" Z. Have you been over to CNCzone? Lot of folks well versed in this area.
Not sure if your seeking help or funds.
Best of luck on your new build.
I am seeking advice, feedback, funds, and help....Just trying to put this project together. I am on CNCzone and getting feedback from there too.....join kickstarter! It is great to get support for jump starting a creative project.
Thanks
Sam
Junior Member
I have been in the CNC Machining business for 12 years or so, mostly metals and plastics. I would say that one of your hurdles is flatness, the definition of rough cut is not flat, at least it is to me. CNC's hate "not flat". Looking at your initial table design I would guess that your table looks a bit flimsy, the spans between the legs are too far for a large heavy work piece. I can do a study on the design and make suggestions for reinforcement. Any flex in the table will be transfered to the workpiece and to the spindle head.
I've installed several CNC's as well and I dont think your going to have issues in certain places if the right steps are taken.
You posted "Vibration of the table must be kept to a minimum and additional bracing may be necessary to address vibration issues." first, I think your table should be lower, is there any reason not to have the work piece top surface at about 24"? Lower the center of gravity will help eliminate vibration, also mounting it directly to the concrete slap ould help, and don't forget about adding dampners or shocks. "Matching motor power and speed to the material to be machined will be a real challenge due to the nature of rough cut wood slabs." I think your over thinking this, speed and feed for years was a single value based on what material your cutting, its only recently and for economic reasons, that variable speed/feed heads have made an impact on the market. In my experience with wood (which is limited) speed and feed can be narrowed down to 1 constant, or possibly 2. There are plenty of programs and equipment that can do this automatically based on load, but I dont think that necessary. The area that I would be more concerned with here is Flute design and helix degree of the cutter. Down cut vs upcut vs compression. An issue with the carvewright is its difficult to control a climb vs conventional cut, being able to control that would help eliminate clean up and aid in chip ejection, but the cost, time programing and design time would be way out of the average hobbyists realm, also it wouldnt be realistic for 1 or 2 projects. Now if you plan on production, keep that in mind because there may be benefits to having control over that.
Well thats my quick .02
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