Re: To Build or Buy (a small CNC router for precision cutting of wood clock gears) H
Has anyone had any experience using CNC routers for such an application (especially this machine - or any machine)?
A bit of experience yes, success not so much but I have learned a few things. This is Brian Law's clock 22 in functioning but incomplete condition. Summer is short here so it's hard to be in the shop.
Attachment 396482
Some of the finest examples out there are cut on scroll saws so micron accuracy isn't needed. My homebuilt cnc router is reasonably accurate so the amount of fiddling and fussing to get the clockworks running smoothly was a bit of a surprise. Smaller pinions may require small diameter end mills to cut to drawing but the good news is it's usually okay to cut away extra material, teeth bottoming is the real killer.
A lathe would help for spools etc but it can be done without.
You didn't mention if this is a hobby or a business. If it's a hobby a Chinese 6040 should be at least as capable as a scroll saw and a whole lot more efficient and repeatable.
btw: I've never seen a Chinese router except in ads so don't take this as a testimonial
Anyone who says "It only goes together one way" has no imagination.