Getting Started with CNC

[Zach Bradshaw]

I have been going over many of the threads on this site and various other you-tube channels etc etc to try and get some answers but felt I would reach out to this community. As you can predict I am looking at getting into CNC the only problem is that I have to convince my boss that it is worth the investment. I started looking at CarveWright and quickly realized this would not be the machine for me. I guess the best way to start is describe what I intend to use it for. We important a large volume of antique furniture from Europe...we often have missing carvings trim that profile is hard to match, missing tracery etc etc. The idea is that with a CNC and digitizing probe we will be able to sample what we have and reproduce the pieces to rough profile where we can clean everything else up by hand for small detail. Which leads me to where to start with CNC machines. Assuming most parts are small I think a desktop version is a good place to start, have it pay for itself and build enough revenue to help finance a larger system that can carve panels up to 4ft approx. So here are the questions:

Machines:
Opinions on using the Chinese made CNC 3040 that retail around $700 on ebay. Is this a good point to start at just to learn the process before investing in a larger piece of equipment? Any experience, recommendations etc.
Any other models for 2016 that compare to the CNC Shark or Shopbot line at a modest price?

Software:
It appears there are many options out there. I am most comfortable with using google sketchup as I use this everyday for both 2D drafting on projects and also 3D modeling. I was hoping there was a software I could just make what I wanted the finished product to look like in sketchup, import it and the software auto determines the toolpaths to achieve the desired finished product. Any such software?
I have been looking and tinkering with trials of VCarve and Aspire, any comparable softwares you recommend that work well with sketchup?

Appreciate any pointers, thanks!

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

I've heard from a lot of people that the electronics that come with most 3040 machines are junk, and often fail and need replacing.
This is supposed to be one of the best small chinese machines available.
http://www.omiocnc.com/x6-2200l-3a/

A Shark and Shopbot are two very different classes of machines.
If you can handle your own wiring and assembly, an XZero Raptor is a very solid machine for less money than a Shark.

I was hoping there was a software I could just make what I wanted the finished product to look like in sketchup, import it and the software auto determines the toolpaths to achieve the desired finished product. Any such software?

MeshCAM. You'll need to export your Sketchup model as an .stl file.

[Zach Bradshaw]

Thank you for the information Gerry. This is exactly the type of guidance I was looking for. I am hoping to "learn the ropes" on a smaller machine and then when ready upgrade. I have no formal experience with machining but am technically inclined so believe I can pick these things up fast.

In terms of the equipment the XZero looks like an attractive alternative...I personally do not do much wiring but I have an employee that can probably complete the work.

For the Shark vs Shopbot....as far as different classes would you say the Shark is more geared for a hobbyist vs professional?

Thanks again the info you provided has already been a big help.

[Zach Bradshaw]

I should also note, the ability to attach some sort of digitizing probe is very important. Or any other equivalents (laser scanner?) not sure if that is a thing that is affordable. Any suggestions in this direction will also be much appreciated.

[William Adams]

There’s a machine called a ShapeOko which I’ve been helping to document.

Even if you choose another machine — list of them here: http://www.reddit.com/r/hobbycnc/wiki/index

You may find the wiki of interest: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/

Please let me know if there’s something you’re wanting to know which isn’t addressed.

Some pages you may find of interest:

http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Touch_Plate#DIY
http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Software

and you may find the Glossary helpful: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Glossary

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

The Shark is definitely hobby level. It's made with a lot of plastic components, and is not very rigid.

Probing is mostly dependent on the control software.

You can get an inexpensive probe like this:

http://www.wildhorse-innovations.com...d&productId=80

Probing can take a very long time, and may not be as accurate as you'd like.
You may get better results with a good laser scanner, but they can get expensive.
I've seen very good results with the David laser scanner, but it can take a long time to learn how to get great results with it. (from what I've read)

[Zach Bradshaw]

It looks like I will be pursuing the Xzero as it really is nice to have the longer bed options to grow into. The only question I have is regarding spindles. Are there any recommendations in this area. 99% of the time I will be working on wood (oak & maple) but have seen some videos of people milling soft metals. While this is not my primary intended use if I were able to educate myself on the process it would be able to mill my own brackets.

[Brad Shipton]

I suggest you read Gary's lengthy overview of the CNC purchase.

camheads.org/showthread.php?t=3904

[Bruce Page]

I suggest you read Gary's lengthy overview of the CNC purchase.

camheads.org/showthread.php?t=3904

Gary Campbell is extremely knowledgeable in all things CNC. You can take his advice to the bank.