Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Starting Out With ~$2000.00

Hi matt;

The cost of the PC is out of the formula for you but do understnad that
there are software options that you may have to budget for. This can
range anywhere form Free for somehting like EMC/BDI to a few hundred
dollars. By the way EMC is a Linux based approach and BDI is "THE
BRAIN DEAD INSTALL". That is BDI is a linux distro that has the
modifications for realtime and EMC. EMC being the enhanced machine
controller.

Saving money where can PC wise is a very good idea as your budget will
quickly be allocated for other things.

Frankly I do not know of a prebuilt solution for the size you are
looking at. They might exists I just don't know about them. In any
event there is a prety huge differrence between what you can build
yourself and what you can buy. Apparently the chinese have yet to
focus on the router market with their mass production capabilities
;). What I mean is that you can end up with a very nice machine going
the DIY route relative to buying ---- if you have the skills and
interest.

You don't seem to have the interest thus you will likely need to buy
atleast a frame to implement your machine on. Not a bas idea but
sitll a considerable DIY experience. I'm not sure if there are any
suppliers that sell just frames for a gantry type machine. The other
option is to buy somebodies elses project. A final option is to build
the machine out of 80/20 extrusions, if you design the fram ans send
them drawings they will cut everything to size for you. This becomes
bolt together asembly - sort of lke Christmas time.

Once you have a frame then you need to mount the motion control hardware
to it. This is where a lot of skill is involved. There is a need to
align everything and fabricate brakets and motor mounts and such.

Around this time you need to bring up the actul controls electronics.
Since you have some experience here this won't be to bad. Just
realize that the servos used in the RC industry have nothing to do with
the servos used in motion control.

In the end no matter how much you get done for you a DIY router is a bit
of work. If that detracts form the mission of carving wood then it is
the wrong path for you. That puts you into the position of buying a
fairly complete system. Those I can't comment on as I've not used
anything like that and really don't know about any manufactures.
Maybe you can post some links.!

Best of luck
Dave



Matt Lorenz wrote:

>I am new to this group and new to CNC.
>
>I have a lot of computer experience and am okay with electronics/robotics.
>
>How the CNC machines work is no real mystery to me.
>
>I am looking for advise on how best to get started. I have a budget of ~$2000.00. I am mostly interested in Wood Routing. Ultimately, I would like a CNC machine that can feed/hold a whole 4x8 sheet; however, due to my budget I can compromise down to 1/4 sheet or less.
>
>I have looked at and even purchased DIY plans. I definitely could (and am ready to) build a DIY table if my budget will not buy a turn-key or near-turn-key solution. I am; however, NOT excited about building a CNC router, I am excited about using a CNC router.
>
>I have, of course, looked all around the internet and feel slammed with a very wide array of prices, sizes, etc. I am certain I need some experienced advise before I get started.
>
>My question is, with a budget of ~$2000.00, is there a near-turn-key CNC Wood Routing solution I should be looking at or am I in the do-it-yourself bracket? The cost of a PC is not an issue for me as I have plenty of PCs.
>
>-Matt Lorenz, Dubuque, Iowa, USA
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