Hi All,
In the past year I've been rapidly developing an interest in woodworking - specifically loudspeaker design and building. I've come to realize that the design/build process would be much more efficient with an appropriate CNC. Not to mention the options for creativity go through the room. An added bonus would be the ability to cut projects for friends and family for fun / small profit to recoup expenses. Ideally I'd like to cut mostly 3/4" thickness of Baltic Birch, cabinet ply, and MDF for my speaker project. I'm not sure how feasible it would be, but the ability to cut light aluminum for amp/faceplate design would be great! 3 axis would be all I would need for now. Speed isn't of main concern, but accuracy and reliability would be.
I've been looking hard at the CNC router part CRP4896 kit. It seems to be well put together from what I've read on here so far. If possible, I'd really want to expand to 5x10 so I could cut 5x5 sheets of BB. My budget for building this machine would ideally be under 10k with a target completion date of December - including machine, electronics, dust collection, and computer/software. I will also need to build a workshed (with electric, lighting, dust collection) to house the machine.
Some questions:
-Do I really need the upgraded NEMA34 electronics? Are they worthwhile?
-What should I be using for design and generating CAM files? I've downloaded Mach3 to play with which it seems will just be generating the gcode from imported files, correct?
-Are my budget and goals feasible?
-What are some good resources to learn the machine and software?
-Clamping: How are you getting around wood that is warped in the middle without a vacuum clamping system?
Any tips and help are appreciated.
Thank you,
Andrew
Thornton, PA