New buildyourcnc.com cnc any good?
I would like to build a CNC machine myself but don't have the tools to do a competent job and would like to have one up and running rather quickly. I see Patrick over at www.buildyourcnc.com has a new 4x8 machine design that uses roller chains instead of lead screws. Is this guy crazy, or is he on to something? I can't imagine a roller chain could be at all comparable to a highly precise lead screw when moving on the X any Y axis like his machine does (his uses a lead screw for the Z). It looks like the chain will be pushing up on the stepper motor the whole time and wouldn't you think it would lose tension after time? I remember his last machine with the 4x8 option was around $2400. Now he wants almost $3000 for one that uses a bike chain?
If anyone can recommend a different "kit" CNC that has a 4x8 routable area (I may consider a 2x4 or 4x4) then please speak up.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
buildyourcnc.com blacktoe
BAD BAD BAD BAD
Unfortunately Patrick ( buildyourcnc.com ) has no clue what he's doing and is only a master of advertising, and will certainly fool many more down the road.
You will absolutely have a blacktoe after kicking that junker, out of your shop, then crying that you paid real money for it.
JRod
Have my Blacktoe 4x8 almost up and running!
Hi All!
I just joined the forums, and would offer my experience and thoughts on Patrick's machine(s).
I'm a retired mechanical/industrial engineer, and spent my last 12 years in product design and development. I became fascinated with Patrick's machines this summer, and couldn't resist when he offered the 4x8 machine (beta). My objective was to get a machine I could use, but also to learn about the machines; hardware, electronics, software. I have achieved all of the above! I now understand how they work (at least stepper-motor based machines), how the computer interfaces with the electronics, etc. The education alone is worth a LOT more than the cost!
Patrick has taken materials available to everyone and used common hand tools to build his machines in his living room! If you will look at the evolution over the past several years, he has experimented with many designs, and tweaked them to get where he is today. Along the line, he has shared his knowledge with the world, and provides a valuable service by packaging all the parts from diverse sources and selling it as a kit. Not to mention building a very professional web site.
I built a 51" x 120" torsion box table (from MDF, of course!), and have all the mechanics up and running. I still need to install the long chains driving the X axis, and wire up the stop and home switches. But I can move the Y and Z axes, and it's pretty slick!!
Is it commercial grade. No, but he doesn't sell it as such. Does it do what he says it does? Yes, absolutely! Is it a very clever design, using MDF as the basic material? I vote YES!
I'm a very satisfied consumer, and my hat is off to Patrick for what he offers at the price. Can it be improved? Sure. Will you spend a lot more money on the improvements? You bet! Can I take what I have learned and weld up/machine my next CNC to cut steel with a plasma torch? Yes! But if you just have a hand drill and a screwdriver, Patrick's machines can be made.
Now I'm at the point that I need to get sofware to route signs. Anybody want to offer advice on how to do that economically? I've got Mach3 up and running, driving the axes. Very cool piece of software! Now what's a simple way to get .dxf files of graphics and letters/numbers to import to LazyCam and then to Mach3? Can you start with something like Google Sketchup? All inputs appreciated!!
Thanks to all of you who share your knowledge through this forum. My hat is off to you!!
Happy machining!!
Dave