Hello, I am wanting to make a CNC router build for routing holes in polycarbonate enclosures. Some of the holes have flat sides, that is why I am looking for a router solution vs a drill press. I need to do several dozen of these per week, so I am looking for a dedicated setup with a jig. The enclosure is 8x6x3 inches and I need holes on 3 sides. I am thinking of a moving gantry setup with an open bottom and some jig fixtures to hold the enclosure. I have never built a machine like this before so I am looking for advice. I would like to make it as rigid as possible so the plan is to make it as small as possible. What would be a good starting point for a design? thanks!
Anyone of the LEAD machines will get you started. Get the kit, get it working, get some experience cutting christmas ornaments, then modify for doing the boxes. Then cut a hole in the waste board and mount your 'vice' for holding the box below the hole. You will need a custom table (or legs to hold the machine up) for the machine so you have space below the bed for the box and vice. Keep as much waste board as you can as it forms part of the rigidity of the structure.
Dave's hole in the waste board sounds like a good way to go. You could set up a machine to cut several at a time, that might be productive. Just depends on how much space you have.
