Re: cutting glass ? and router costs

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "turbulatordude" <davemucha@j...> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> two questions,
>
> first, has anyone cut glass on a CNC table ?
> is it worth the effort ?
>
> I'm looking at odd shapes for stained glass windows.
>

I have seen glass scribe cut via machine manual break off. I'm not
up on the details as it was a while ago when I just thought it was
cool. Here is one site for a commercial example.

http://www.tlcinternational.com/index1.html

>
> second question, different topic.
>
> I have to put together a large router table to cut out parts in
> aluminum, up to 1/8 thick. I've researched routers and plasma
> cutters and am wondering if I would be better buying a table.
>
> Techno-isel offers a 4 x 8 router table for $14,000. ready to run.
> I figure my home built unit would cost about half that, but it

would

> take lots of time and effort and trial and error.
>
> http://www.techno-isel.com/CNC_Routers/LC_Series_CNC_Routers.htm
>
> and you offer any suggestions ye sage group ?
>
> Dave

That would be hard to say? Do you really need 4x8 is a good
question. Half sheets on a 4x4 are much easier to handle and can drop
the machine cost quite a bit.

8 foot travel is a large machine you neeed considerable patience to
get a bed that large built level and solid. Not to mention it's dang
hard to find anyone who can machine custom components that length.

For a plasma machine I would say build it the demands are not that
high. For a router capable of 1/8 aluminum under a production load
not a hobby environment it's harder. I have seen plan sets available
as well as component kits as a middle ground. I would check a few of
these out and see if the spec's meet your need.There are only so many
ways to make a wizzing sliding thing with standard components. The
plan guy's should be able to provide costs and build time
requirements up to a point.

As it seems you have an application in mind I will assume you have
little interest in surplus scrounging and ebay raids for parts. This
is some days great for building on the cheap but not with a time
constraint.

Most folks who build have a hobby, dream or vision. You build what
you can't get or don't have the funds to spread around as the idea
grows. In a pure business idea the choice is budget. Where is the
time best spent for the dollar.

Any how I can't answer that. With a few more ideas as to the
application requirements you can get better answers. There are some
sharp folks out here.

Brian S Punkar
BSP