Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Gasfins on September 09, 2010, 09:04:50 AM

Title: Newbie wanting advice on buying a cnc router
Post by: Gasfins on September 09, 2010, 09:04:50 AM
Help! Been looking at various cnc routers on the net and found a site in Hong Kong selling cnc routers. Wanted to know if anyone has had experience with these machines and how user freindly they are? I'm an absolute newbie, my only experience with cnc routers is watching them at work. The website is http://www.iehk.net/Products/CNCIEC1212.html. They offer the Mach3, Artcam software with the machine at USD3,500.00 and a probe 3D scanner at USD1,000.00
We plan to manufacture fibreglass components from fibreglass sheeting laid up to spec and then cnc routed. The components have 3D profiles and my other concern is can this machine do 3D?
Am I biting off more than I can chew? Any comments and advice will be welcome, maybe someone out there can recommend a more suitable machine?
Title: Re: Newbie wanting advice on buying a cnc router
Post by: Hood on September 09, 2010, 09:32:12 AM
No experience with the router but most people pick the basics up fairly quickly and if you have any questions a post on the forum will usually get you a quick reply.
Hood
Title: Re: Newbie wanting advice on buying a cnc router
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on September 10, 2010, 02:53:57 AM
I think you would be wise to get some 'hands-on' experience, perhaps with a low cost smaller machine, before committing to buy any new machine.

From my experience profile cutting the edges of fiberglass circuit boards, the edge finish is not that great and tool wear is fairly high. My best results have been using a negative helix solid carbide and MDF sacrificial backing board but there have got to be better ways.

There is a lot to learn and this is why I suggest getting experience first - could save yourself a lot of cash.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie wanting advice on buying a cnc router
Post by: RICH on September 10, 2010, 06:24:03 AM
Quote
I'm an absolute newbie...........Am I biting off more than I can chew?

I second what Tweakie posted. Enjoy the learning curve. new machine, new controlling program, new software.......it not just plug and play and
the killer is in the detail of it all.

RICH