Hello, I have the opportunity to get a used but good condition Carvewright for $500. I also have experience in building my own CNC machine but I need to to upgrade from what I have. My machine I built is a Frankensteined stepper motor/allthread/roller blade bearing trolley type mostly built from MDF. I have had very good results from it doing 2d v-carving etc.
My question is should I get the Carvewright or build my own? I know that will require more information so here we go divided up:
What I really would like to be able to do:
- Cut foam,machinist wax,wood including hardwood,billet aluminum, soapstone, and corian
- Be able to cut bas-relief jewelry and items such as buttons up to guitar bodies and cabinet doors
- Faster and more precise, and more rigidity than Frankenstein
- Durability
Must have from the deal;
- Cut foam, machinist wax, and pine
- Be able to cut bas relief from button size up to trailer reciever hitch cover size about 5X10
- Faster than Frankenstein and more precise
- Durability
What I already have to bring to the game
- Experience in basics of cnc building from building Frankenstein
- Stepper motors and controller board
- Dedicated PC for the controllers
- Software: Mach 3, Rhino 3d, Z-brush, V-carve, Aspire and Photo V-carve
- Friend who is excellent tig welder with welder in his home shop right down the street who owes me favors.
- Aluminum casting if absolutely necessary.
- Tools including grinders and drill bits and taps
- Router
Money situation
- $500 already decided for the Carvewright or for the homebuilt
- Can without much suffering come up with another $500
What I think I need for this
- Supported rails and open linear bearings(I am thinking 12 mm) for x and y
- Multistart acme screws with antibacklash nuts(I am thinking 3/8 2 start)
- Antibacklash connections from motor to screws
- Non supported rails and closed bearings for z-axis(am thinking 8mm)
- cast aluminum 1/2 plate for trolley
- Steel or aluminum flat bar for frame and gantry(fixed gantry)
- Billet aluminum for carriage for z axis
- Possibly spindle
So I would like to have 24X 14X 4(to 6) but can do with as small as 10x5x4
What do you all think is my best bet? Can I do what I would really like for $1000 if not for $500 can I do what I need or is the Carvewright a better idea. I have time and ability, so pros and cons of each. Considering the Carvewright is used there is no type of warranty on either choice. Does anyone know of a good solid chassis with motion already built that would meet my needs?
I know lots of questions but I dont want to blow an opportunity but I also dont want to find i made a mistake. I teach high school and have a couple of kids and a grandkid so I have to take care of where the green goes.
I appreciate any help you might lend.