Originally Posted by
PortlandGTS
Hello,
I'm starting to consider building a CNC router for woodworking. I have a major cabinetry project coming up, that looks like a good candidate for a 2'x4' machine. That size would be big enough to cut out virtually all the panels I need, as well as doing rabbets, dados, etc.
I found the Fine Line Automation site from a post on this forum, and am really interested in their FLA-200. Originally, I was looking at the BlackToe from BuildYourCNC, but I really like the idea of all metal parts and 8020 construction. Plus, the price of the FLA-200 is not too much more.
Before I get in too deep, however, I have some basic questions I hope I can get answered here:
- Are there any good books, etc. available on CNC routers? I downloaded the "plans" for the FLA-200, but they consist of a bill of materials and drawings of the completed machine. I'd like to know more about setup, calibration, and operation of a CNC machine in a woodworking environment. I'm also concerned about the things that I don't know that I don't know.
- What are the options for holding down material when cutting out complete panels? I've seen mechanical hold downs, and vacuum systems. Are there other options? What happens with mechanical hold downs when you cut a piece completely free from its surroundings? Can you set up the programming to cut out one side, then shift the hold downs and cut out the other side? Is a vacuum system really the way to go for this type of work? I assume when cutting out pieces, you need sacrificial material to protect the machine bed. Does this affect the hold down mechanism (particularly vacuum systems)?
- Has anyone used a CNC router for cutting the edges of wood, e.g., for dovetails or mortices? If so, is this done by mounting the router with the shaft horizontal, or by mounting the wood vertically with some sort of vise?
- I've gotten fairly proficient with Google SketchUp. Is this a good CAD program for a CNC router? I've found a plug-in that generates DXF files from SketchUp. I was planning on feeding these DXF files to Mach 3. Is this a workable plan?
- Finally, any other words of wisdom for a newcomer to this field?
Thanks,
Tom