Cutting Pre-finished pieces on CNC - is it possible?

[Cherie Irwin]

I want to outsource a job that I've been cutting on a laser to a CNC shop. Namely, I would like to upgrade to a thicker plywood that I cannot cut on my laser. But, I'm curious if it is possible to cut pre-painted or pre-finished wood on a CNC. I usually pre-paint my boards before I cut out the small pieces. I do this because it is easier to paint a large board with a HPLV sprayer than to paint each individual small item.

I'm sure much of my answer will depend on the quality of the machinery, too. Newer fancier machines will produce a better result than economy or older machines, correct?

Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated.

[Jerome Stanek]

Yes you can do this. We cut out prefinished pieces all the time

[Cherie Irwin]

Jerome, what if they are only 1/4 or 3/8 thick?

[Rod Williamson]

Cherie:

Those thicknesses should not be a problem. A sharp cutting bit should produce fairly good edges. Baltic plywood would produce the best results.

[Jerome Stanek]

If the CNC 's are well kept they should give you a very good finish. I have 2 and my older cnc cuts just astergood as my new one but the new one can cut faster. Rod said it though sharp cutter and the right speeds and feeds.

[Mick A Martin]

I also cut per-finished material, the only problem is you will have a lot of waste, depending on the size of the part, I tend to use a 1/4" end mill to cut out the parts so I tend to leave 3/4" between the parts, a 1/4" on each side with a 1/4" between the parts. If your parts are square it would be better to use a table saw, less waste,

[Jim Underwood]

I cut prefinished 3/4" and 1/4" material all the time- in fact I buy it prefinished. I use a 3/16" downshear bit on the 1/4" material, and a 3/8" compression spiral on the 3/4 ply.

[Jim Beachler]

Hello Cherie. I consistently cut 1/4" and 3/8" prefinished goods all day long. Just need to sand the edges to make them good. I use a 1/8" upcut bit as I cut with the good side down. I use masking tape to hold the pieces with the vacuum. I reduce waste as much as possible by putting the pieces about 3/16" apart.

If want to see or more info, call me as I am in Ferguson MO. 314 524 4993