CNC Router selection.

[PatrickT]

Well the deep dive has begun.

I'm looking for recommendations for a CNC router with a 4rth axis, and suitable software to turn Fusion CAD models into reality.

Any input greatly appreciated!

Materials to be cut & shaped: Hardwood, laminated hardwood, FRP & composite sheet goods.

-Max 36" X 72" bed size.
-Flat stock for 3 axis milling would be 36" X 24" max, with max thickness of 3", but usually 1.5".
-4rth axis would be for assemblies, 33" long, 3" wide, 8" tall.

-Budget under $15k. I can assemble, modify and build structure to save money.
-Easy, reliable interface with Fusion.
-'m great with CAD, horrible with Code.

-Surface finish from the 4th axis is key, not so much from bed work.

Open to the idea of a used Haas CNC mill, but think it's possible with a router at this stage.

 

[DavidR8]

I would seriously look at the PrintNC. I built one and another member also has one. It would devour the materials listed.
Lots of folks are cutting aluminum with them, some are cutting steel. A 4th axis is definitely doable.

Build size is customizable to your needs but a 72" bed in the Y direction might be a bit long for unsupported ball screws. Uses 2"x3" .125 wall steel tubing for the frame and rails. Many of the parts are 3D printed (hence the name) but those parts are non-stressed so 3D prints work well. The machine is very stout. Full CAD file in F360 for download which includes the #D parts to be printed.
They have come out with a version 4 (V4) which is apparently even more stout than my V3.

Look here for more info:

Home - ThreeDesign - Home of the PrintNC

Low cost, High-Performance Steel Frame, Ball Screw & Linear Rail CNC Have questions and want fast community-driven answers? Click here to join the Discord chat! Video Courtesy of ProjectssByBrian 100% Free and Open Source, the PrintNC is the next generation of high performance, affordable CNC...

threedesign.store

There is a build calculator on the site which fires off an order to an Aliexpress store which prepares a quote for all the motion control (ball screws, linear rails, bearing etc, spindle and steppers.+++)
Also a very active Discord group for build and other support. I could not have built mine without them. Prior to building it I had next to zero CNC experience.

When I built mine the kit was $1100. All in I'd guess I have about $2000 into mine.

 

[phaxtris]

+1 on printNC, I have the "stock" size, 2.2kw water cooled spindle, and stand alone controller, same as @DavidR8, maybe 2k into it

 

[jcdammeyer]

A friend of mine is just in the process of assembling his 4x4 AltMill. Spindle is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

AltMill | Sienci Labs

News and Updates Sign-up for more news and info FAQ Q: Will the AltMill come with the SuperLongBoard? The AltMill will come with a specialized variant of the SLB which allows for use with a higher 48V power supply and with external driver support. Features that the SLB comes with, such as...

sienci.com

 

[DavidR8]

+1 on printNC, I have the "stock" size, 2.2kw water cooled spindle, and stand alone controller, same as @DavidR8, maybe 2k into it

Do you have a DDCS controller?

 

[phaxtris]

Do you have a DDCS controller?

yes

 

[DavidR8]

yes

That's on my shortlist for mill conversion. The v4.1 likely.

 

[phaxtris]

That's on my shortlist for mill conversion. The v4.1 likely.

That's the one I have, works well, finding the script for it took a little bit, but I like it

I might add an mpg wheel to it, I think that's probably worth the few extra bucks when you buy it

 

[DavidR8]

That's the one I have, works well, finding the script for it took a little bit, but I like it

I might add an mpg wheel to it, I think that's probably worth the few extra bucks when you buy it

I have the wireless mpg on my router and it is essential in my books. Makes setting up a job a breeze.