CNC Information please

[stevebuk]

hi
i am thinking of buying either a cnc or laser cutter in the future and would love some information on either if possible and what i would need to be able to cut mdf/ply shapes out and the software to run it.

thank you

i will use it for hobby stuff, dont want one that cost £10,000 :lol:

 

[Peter T]

Don't know anything about CNC/router machines.

I do know about CNC/laser machines. If you want to cut wood and organic materials you will need a CO2 laser. These are not only expensive to buy but can also be fairly expensive to operate.

I would sugest your best bet would be to look for a used machine on the net or at insolvency/factory closure auctions.

The least expensive type of laser to operate would be a small, sealed CO2 giving a few hundred watts power. Anything of higher power would require laser gasses to be used, which are expensive!

Good luck,

 

[maltrout512]

Have a look here....

http://www.routoutcnc.com/z90router.html

 

[stevebuk]

thanks guys..

 

[Jensmith]

Have a look at HPC laser - their base level machine (A4 size) is about £1,200 and the Windows 7 machine is £2,500. It's the laser cutter Dave Neal - http://lasercutz.co.uk/ on here used to use (he's now upgraded to the A3 machine) and the results he got are very good. He's running his business using these machines so they're capable of being used for trade but at an entry level price. I've had stuff cut from both machines and been very happy with the results.

They also do a CNC machine now. Don't know what that's like in terms of quality but probably on a par with the laser cutters.

The main difference I can see is that laser cutters can cut square corners whereas CNC uses a router cutter generally so can't. Laser burns the edges so you do have to allow for that - either put up with it or sand it off and the wood smells 'charred' for a few days. MDF goes quite black, laser ply is more of a brown colour. Other materials vary. Acrylic cuts quite nicely.

Thinner material is best. The machines have a max thickness and the thicker you go the more of a taper you get as the laser beam spreads slightly.

I think they come with software for the laser but you need a drawing package to do the actual design. I have CAD software so wasn't a problem for me but think you can use CoralDraw and those type of programs.

 

[Mike Wingate]

We have a 30 watt Lotuslaser at school. 6mm cut in timber, great on card, 4mm acrylics.
http://www.laserite.com/lotus-lasers.html

 

[Waka]

Steve

That would be some expensive scroll saw replacement.

 

[stevebuk]

Steve

That would be some expensive scroll saw replacement.

not replacement Waka, addition :lol:

thank you all, will go and look at the links and hopefully take it from there..

 

[stevebuk]

Really interesting stuff jen, thank you, will check it out..

Have a look at HPC laser - their base level machine (A4 size) is about £1,200 and the Windows 7 machine is £2,500. It's the laser cutter Dave Neal - http://lasercutz.co.uk/ on here used to use (he's now upgraded to the A3 machine) and the results he got are very good. He's running his business using these machines so they're capable of being used for trade but at an entry level price. I've had stuff cut from both machines and been very happy with the results.

They also do a CNC machine now. Don't know what that's like in terms of quality but probably on a par with the laser cutters.

The main difference I can see is that laser cutters can cut square corners whereas CNC uses a router cutter generally so can't. Laser burns the edges so you do have to allow for that - either put up with it or sand it off and the wood smells 'charred' for a few days. MDF goes quite black, laser ply is more of a brown colour. Other materials vary. Acrylic cuts quite nicely.

Thinner material is best. The machines have a max thickness and the thicker you go the more of a taper you get as the laser beam spreads slightly.

I think they come with software for the laser but you need a drawing package to do the actual design. I have CAD software so wasn't a problem for me but think you can use CoralDraw and those type of programs.

 

[andersonec]

There is a CNC forum here http://www.mycncuk.com/ which seems to be more hobby and self build types, bound to be some experts, sign up to the forum and ask away.

Andy

 

[stevebuk]

There is a CNC forum here http://www.mycncuk.com/ which seems to be more hobby and self build types, bound to be some experts, sign up to the forum and ask away.

Andy

Thanks Andy
funny enough i had just signed up to it.. :lol: