Hi Everyone, I'm interested in getting a CNC rig in the next couple of months, and could use some help around just how to go from "clueless" to at least "educated consumer". For context, I'm a programmer by trade and have done a decent amount of woodworking the past 15 years. I'm almost a complete newbie on hardware build-related topics. I'm interested in streamlining and automating parts of my woodworking process to remove some drudgery. At a high level, I think I'm looking at a Lead 1010, but I need at least a minimum of 48"x48" "cuttable" space. I'm interested in up to 48"x60" or 48"x72". So I'm not really sure where to start. Is there a FAQ or articles that people usually recommend? Here are a few examples of the questions I'm chewing on. I don't need these all to be answered here (but it'd be a nice surprise!). If instead someone can "teach me to fish" and point me to articles or a wiki, that'd be just as good! Openbuilds(+partsstore) is great. What (other) sites do people commonly buy kits from? What about build info? I get the impression that lead screws are better than belts, but I don't get why, or in what circumstances. Looking at the options, it seems like the size I'm looking at is uncommon. Is there a reason for that OTHER THAN cost? What concerns should I have when working with larger sheets? Specific to openbuildpartsstore, is there a way to customize a kit to extend footprint size? I know (vaguely) thatI have the option to make my own build, but I really don't know the considerations as size grows (see: #3). For example, I could easily make a build with the wrong-sized cables. A slightly tweaked, premade kit is attractive to me so I can be confident that the pieces function with each other. Alternatively, is there (somewhere )already a kit like the Lead CNC 1010 but larger? How long do bits generally last? There are more questions, the above is just a survey of the first questions that come to mind. Any pointers greatly appreciated! Dan
Hi Dan, I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but maybe I can help you get started (I hope)... As for your questions: 1- People seem to like a lot a CNC called Shapeoko. It comes on different sizes and have some nice accessories. There is also the X-Carve I think, although I do not see it as often. Another store to buy yourself a CNC is Ooznest. They commercialize the Workbee (which you have also in Openbuilds, I think), but they are based on the UK. I have one of their Workbees and I am quite happy with it. Their customer support is pretty nice, fast and friendly. A part from these options, which are all a "desktop" solution, you can also find more Pro-stuff but also at pro-prices. I chose the Workbee because I am an advocate for Open Source stuff. 2- Screws vs Belts. There are pros an cons, but you could summarize it fast: Belts can move faster than lead screws, but lead screws are more precise and rigid. 3- If you want a "very large" desktop machine, you have to take rigidity into account. Usually these machines are Aluminium-Profile based and, although they are rigid, when the profile length is large, you can suffer from deflection. Be aware that there are methods to cut work pieces larger than your work surface. 4- If you have a CNC made with aluminium profiles, you can always buy longer profiles and make it larger. But then you have also to source longer screws or longer belts, etc. 5- They last very long if you treat them well. As all thing in life. As I said, I am no expert, but these are my 2 cents...
If you are going to try to build something 72" you will jump up greatly in expense because the larger lead screws are expensive and there are fewer sources for them. McMaster Carr is one source. Then you will need to match those screws with anti-backlash nuts which again, will be more expensive. If you choose belts, at that length they will stretch and lead to inacuracy. Or, you need wider stronger belts which means different pullies and more added expense. The wider you make it, the more deflection you will get. If you modified a LEAD to 1500mn by 1500mm you would get the width you need and there are 1/2"-10 five start precision acme lead screws readily available as well as the anti-backlash nuts. This is what I use on the 1500mm y axis. If you subtract out the 125mm LEAD cbeam gantry plate you are down to 1375 mm cutting area for both X and Y or approximately 54 inches. This would be the easiest way to go for the precision of lead screws for a majority of the size you need. I personally would use two cbeams for the y gantry like the LEAD high z to help minimize deflection. For longer materials, there is a method called pin hole registration. Basically, you cut longer items in sections. Vcarve software makes this easy.
