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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking Machines > DIY CNC Router Table Machines > wanting to build a 2' x 4' or 4' x 4' to cut MDF
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    65

    wanting to build a 2' x 4' or 4' x 4' to cut MDF

    Ok, i am fairly new to all this. I have studied and downloaded alot of free plans for the homeuild cnc's. However I am trying to figure out exactly what i need.

    I need a machine to cut up to 3/4" mdf (possibly ythicker with more passes, i am looking to use 2 1/2" mdf.

    I make custom speaker boxes. I need the thing accurate, but reallyonly to a 1/16" in reality, as everthing get sanded and carpeted.

    i was hoping to either have about 24" x 48" up tp 48" x 48" of travel.

    I am not sure what plan to use to build my first machine, what size router to use, or what size motors.

    basically, if someone could point me in the diretion of either free or cheap plans for a machine like this, it would be great.

    Oh, i also have a large 4' x 20' cnc at work to machine the parts for my cnc. i was thinking of using baltic birch ply, is this a good choice?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    What's your budget?
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    65
    budget? lets think. I can get all the wood ect for a good price, so lets not inlude that in the cost. I was considering using a modified gas pipe track system. We have some chrome closet rod tuding here, 1 1/4" dia, 1/8" wall thickness, super strait. I want it to run good and parts be able to be moved over to a better machne in the future.

    I looks like motor/drive kits are about 400$?
    decent router for spindel -250$
    not sure what software i need.

    would 1000$ be enough to get me started, again, not counting the wood, or a PC?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Imo, there's only one set of plans for a "good" mdf machine, and that's Joe's 2006 model. The plans are free, and it'll be close to your budget, but it's probably a little smaller than you want.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    65
    i already have joes machine in solid works. I have seen a few machines that had tall sides the x-rails sat on, so the gantry then kindo hung down instead of being so tall.
    these plans right here
    http://solsylva.com/cnc/rack_pinion.shtml

    just wondering if there is another set of plans similair to this running around.

    also, what hp would i need, i was thinking 2 hp plus, but do i need the huge porter cable?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    1082
    Joe suggests (and uses) a Hitachi M12VC 2-1/4 hp router (Here it is on Amazon.com for ~$135).

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Posts
    28
    For cutting mdf and you have access to a cnc router you might look at Joes 4X4 hybrid. I think detailed plans are $75.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    775
    I second the motion for Joes Hybrid. The plans are easy to read and understand. Some guys are making modifying it to a smaller 4x2 with great success. I have the 4x4 and it's great. Plus after you buy the plans, you will have access to the Hybrid build forum.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    65
    well rats, i decided to go with the rack and pinion machine. its a 2 x 4, maybe after i try this, ill do the 4 x 4 hybrid.

    any recommendations on a stepper/controler kit? how strong? i think i will need 4 motors looking at pics of the plans

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