Hi, I'd like to buy/make a CNC router to make wooden parts. Specifically to make wooden clocks. Not just the clock case, but also the gears and mechanism. I'd like to draw the parts up in FreeCAD (Linux) and be able to CNC high accuracy parts with repeatable precision from these drawings. I can envision making some more decorative pieces that would require a 4th axis to rotate the part being milled. Seems like there are a lot of possible choices that could meet these requirements. Unfortunately I would also like to be able to machine some long parts (8'-10') but this seems like it will drive the cost way up. Is it possible to mill an index bump (point) on a piece, unfasten it, slide it across the table, refasten it, index to that point and continue down the length of the piece? Or perhaps there is some other technique that is used? This is a hobby not a production thing, so taking the time to jig up to cut a long part is worth keeping the price of the machine down.
As I'm new to all this, and still at that stage where I probably don't know all the right questions to be asking. I'd really appreciate any guidance on how to educate myself so I can buy/make a CNC router that best suits my needs. Thanks.
Gene