CnC Router
The workshop now has a CNC router. It has been loaned to us by Matt Harding. So please be kind to it.
It is a 4'x4' sliding table/fixed gantry setup with a maximum 10" of Z travel. Currently it has a handheld router attached that has a 1/4" chuck.
We will be using Mach3 to control it. Run the Mach3-Loader and then choose the "Logitrol-Mach3" profile.
For reference the gantry is the X axis, and the table is the Y axis. There are no limit switches so be careful not to run to the end of each axis. Doing this repeatedly will cause the ball screws to fail and it is an expensive repair.
Setup and Configuration
FAQ
Q: What's the depth limit (ie: can I cut 5/8" boards)? A: At least an inch usually. It depends on the depth of the end mill and surrounding clearance. The Z carriage however will likely never give you problems with depth.
Q: I assume it's a 3D cut, so it can route out domes? A: Likely yes however it is untested. You would need to change mills from what is in the machine because an end mill won't give you a nice cut or be efficient. You'd need to use a v bit or ball nose bit.
Q: Will it cut plywood, or should I be sticking to MDF? A: It cuts plywood perfectly. Probably better than MDF actually. However, MDF is a heck of a lot cheaper than plywood and so that's what we're cutting with right now.
Q: What's the size of the cutting head? (ie: what's the narrowest line I can cut) A: The end mill we're currently using now is a 1/4 inch diameter end mill.
Reference
