4x4 machine for 4x8 work

[Roderick Gentry]

I am considering making a 4x4 CNC that I will use occasionally to cut 4x8 material.

The idea is I would just slide the panel through and take a second cut. Is this practical as far as software and matching the cuts is concerned. I make a lot of stuff, the application I see for the 4x8 is boat building. In that case huge efficiencies would arise from doing the cuts on a CNC, But the cuts are mostly just a few shallow arcs per sheet and some dovetails to join pieces. Other than that I can't imagine too many uses that would require me to have a machine larger than 2x3.

Is 4x4 the right option for this kind of thing, would 4x5 be a lot better, and then one gets to the point where one asks what is another 3 feet... The approach I intend to take would not really make it that much harder to expand to a machine that is 4x8 if I decided to go that route.

[Roderick Gentry]

Expense is really not the major issue here. I will probably order the kit for the 4x8 and just build it to 4x4 as a first step. To get the project moving I have been thinking of a CNC router kits pro gantry over the other kit's rails, apparently that can be done. It's a hobby thing.

[William Adams]

Yes, one can index cuts so as to work on stock larger than one’s machine — just have to work up the paths in as many sections as needed and have a way to zero the machine and position the piece in register.

[Ross Moshinsky]

If you have the space and have the money, just go 4x8.

[Bruce Page]

If you have the space and have the money, just go 4x8.

I agree.

Most of the major software makers have a tiling option built into their software, Vectric's V-Carve Pro & Aspire do.
Here's a link to Vectric's tutorial to give you a idea on how it works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmlVYfkezyE