CK enclosure feedback

[timmjn]

Hi guys!

I recently assembled my first CNC machine, the Carve King. I'm very happy with how it turned out. 

The next thing I want to do is create an enclosure for it, for dusty and noisy reasons. I've designed the enclosure linked below, and I was hoping some of you guys with more experience with these machine could tell me whether it's as conveniend as I think it to be.

a360.co/2J6fAdo (note, I didn't draw holes for cables and dust collection yet)

I want to have easy access to the machine, that's why I don't like the common sliding-door-on-the-front design. Instead I went for a large rotating door, which opens up the front as well as part of the top and sides of the enclosure.

Your thoughts are highly appreciated!

Also, I don't want the dust collection hose to get in the way of the cutting. Ideally, I would use some sort of retractable hose. What material do you recommend?

Thanks!

Tim

[gofer]

Tim - I just finished up my enclosure in my garage.  Let me get some pics when I get home tonight.  I have a pull out shelf that the CNC sits on.  It slides into an enclosed shelf with a removable front with a laser shield built in.  I have the dust hose and the power coming in from the side (sealed).  I mounted a 3 foot LED and the power strip inside the enclosure.  I also installed a bathroom vent fan to exhaust the smoke from the laser directly outside.  I have an additional pull out drawer below the CNC that I use for hardware bins - I added a small shelf that my Surface sits on when it is pulled out and also holds my CNC accessories.

[timmjn]

Wow that sounds like you've really given it a lot of thought. Would love to see some pictures! Thanks!

[gofer]

Attachment Deleted
__    
sidAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment DeletedAttachment Deleted First pic shows outside of cabinet with 1 1/2 inch dust collection hose, Box covering exhaust fan and 3 1/2 inch aluminum flew hose carrying exhaust outside of the garage and the power cord for the power strip going into the enclosure.
Pic 2 is the power strip mounted to the top of the enclosure.  3rd is the inside of the exhaust fan and LED light. 4th shows the drawer partially extended - drawer is 3/4 plywood on a 2x3 frame with 28 inch full extension heavy duty drawer glides.  Pic 5 is the lower drawer with storage on left where I place my Surface when carving.  6 is the front of the enclosure with laser acrylic. Last 2 pics show the easy removable draw catches.  When you are working in a small space you have to use and conserve every inch.  The left side and back sides are exterior walls.  The right side is 1/4 inch plywood and I also have 1/4 inch plywood under the drawer to contain the smoke and chips.  It also works well as a sound dampener.

[Derek the Admin]

Man that looks great!

[timmjn]

Thanks so much for sharing gofer! That thing looks amazing. I'm really digging the idea of having the machine itself on a drawer, that's true easy access!

[Bruce]

The drawer idea is very good. I like it very much. 👍

What are the overall dimensions of the enclosure?

[gofer]

Overall it is 40 inches wide, 30 inches deep and 24 inches tall 

[vaughan]

What sort of drawer slides did you use to handle the weight when it is pulled out?