|
|
Post by jreimers on Aug 17, 2017 14:32:40 GMT
Hi all,
I'm new here, haven't bought a CNC kit yet but have been researching. I have a question about the M3. From what I have read, it is very close to the perfect size for what I want to do, but not quite. Ideally I could use a CNC machine that will work on a 10" x 13" area. My question is, has anyone had success milling half of a piece, then flipping it and milling the other half? Did you have challenges with alignment? If so, how did you register your piece to overcome those challenges?
Thank you in advance.
Jody
|
|
|
|
Post by aforww on Aug 17, 2017 15:10:50 GMT
Hi all, I'm new here, haven't bought a CNC kit yet but have been researching. I have a question about the M3. From what I have read, it is very close to the perfect size for what I want to do, but not quite. Ideally I could use a CNC machine that will work on a 10" x 13" area. My question is, has anyone had success milling half of a piece, then flipping it and milling the other half? Did you have challenges with alignment? If so, how did you register your piece to overcome those challenges? Thank you in advance. Jody I haven't done it. But it can be done. It's not overly complicated. Google "toolpath tiling" to get started. Homing switches are necessary. You'll also have to learn a more advanced CAD/CAM like Fusion so you can easily slice your designs into chunks that will fit the cutting area. Honestly though, I'd go with the carve king. You'll find that the M3 is awesome but you will want to go bigger. That's where I'm at now lol. I love my M3 but I want to go bigger. The CK is about the perfect size for most hobby/ small volume CNC users. I think you'd be happier in the end. |
|
|
|
Post by icarii on Aug 17, 2017 16:06:13 GMT
Struggling with exact thing on my M3 at this very moment, I would listen to aforww he is 100 percent correct.
|
|
|
|
Post by jreimers on Aug 17, 2017 16:22:51 GMT
Thank you for the input. Honestly the price and footprint of the M3 is what peaked my interest. I am interested in using a CNC to do inlays for ukuleles. The M3 will do almost all of what I need with no adjusting needed. The rosettes, headstock, even fretboard inlays. It just won't do the binding on the body of a tenor sized Uke. Of course I can do that on a router table easily enough, but I did have the above thoughts about flipping the project around and doing it in sections. As for learning the CAD programs, I do 3D animation for a living, so I think I might be able to figure out the software.... maybe....
|
|
|
|
Post by aforww on Aug 17, 2017 16:31:47 GMT
Thank you for the input. Honestly the price and footprint of the M3 is what peaked my interest. I am interested in using a CNC to do inlays for ukuleles. The M3 will do almost all of what I need with no adjusting needed. The rosettes, headstock, even fretboard inlays. It just won't do the binding on the body of a tenor sized Uke. Of course I can do that on a router table easily enough, but I did have the above thoughts about flipping the project around and doing it in sections. As for learning the CAD programs, I do 3D animation for a living, so I think I might be able to figure out the software.... maybe.... Fusion can be a beast. Even for those of us with some design background. Mostly because there's just so much to take in. You've got the regular model environment, the sculpt environment, a mesh environment, sketch environment, etc. Then all the individual tools for each one and how switchings between them works. Then there's some things like editing bodies of components that just aren't intuitive. Great software just a lot to it. As for machine choices, I'm not one to convince you of what works for you. Those are the same things that attracted me to the M3. If it's just binding, I wouldn't even waste time going tool path tiling. You will get it done much much more efficiently on a router table. |
|
|
|
Post by jreimers on Aug 18, 2017 16:50:17 GMT
Ok.. More questions.. Getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on this purchase? Let's talk Routers first. The Bosch Colt is less expensive than the Dewalt by about $40 on Amazon. Pros? Cons? Lastly, to paint or not to paint? I can paint it myself, I assume. I mean, it's just MDF right? So an Acrylic will seal it. An I can of course paint it plaid if I so chose to? All suggestions greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by aforww on Aug 18, 2017 17:21:04 GMT
Ok.. More questions.. Getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on this purchase? Let's talk Routers first. The Bosch Colt is less expensive than the Dewalt by about $40 on Amazon. Pros? Cons? Lastly, to paint or not to paint? I can paint it myself, I assume. I mean, it's just MDF right? So an Acrylic will seal it. An I can of course paint it plaid if I so chose to? All suggestions greatly appreciated. Colt is one of a few popular choices. It's small and cheap. The Makita RT0701 is picking up speed across the internet because it's lighter, has more torque and has a broader speed range than the other two. The DeWalt 611 has been in the game a long time so you can find upgraded spindle mounts, accessories, and precision collets and nuts for it pretty easy. If you don't want something that sounds like a jet kicking in it's afterburner in the shop, than go with the spindle option. Paint it however you please. I like to see one of a kind paint jobs on em. Just don't put on heavy coats. Doesn't take much to make MDF swell a bit. 3-4 light coats. Especially if you do anything water based. I sealed edges and holes with this CA glue them painted with bedliner. |
|
|
|
Post by jreimers on Aug 18, 2017 18:08:36 GMT
Uh Oh... I just hit the pay button.... That means more questions are bound to be coming. Sorry Guys (and Gals if there are any here).
|
|
|
|
Post by aforww on Aug 18, 2017 18:12:01 GMT
No worries. That's what we're here for.
|
|
