Some details:
- The enclosure is built from 45mm Rockwool sandwiched between 8mm MDF. This is excellent for soundproofing. (The bottom is 18mm MDF instead of 8mm)
- I mounted the electronics on the outside. There is a small slot in the side where the stepper cables and router power chord go through.
- I put the whole thing on wheels because it’s very heavy. I usually keep it under my workbench, so I roll it out when I want to use it.
- The top is simply lying on top of the side walls. Nothing holds it in place, just gravity. Very convenient!
- I can also remove the front panel. I made a small ridge on the bottom to hold the outer MDF panel in place, and I made bar with a couple of hooks on the side that hold the front up. Also quite easy to remove and put back.
- I can simply slide the MPCNC in and out of the enclosure. It’s just sitting on the bottom, not bolted in place or anything. The electronics and PSU are mounted on a small piece of MDF that is simply hanging on a few screws on the outside. I can very easily take it off too.
- I mounted a lamp inside, and a Raspberry PI with a camera. (I don’t use the Pi to control anything, it’s just to watch the camera over WiFi.) The camera is mounted almost level with the spoilboard, and has a very good view of what’s happening when it’s cutting stuff.
- The on/off switch on the power strip functions as my emergency stop.
- On the inside on the back panel you can see a small U shaped piece of wood. This holds the vacuum hose in place. The vacuum hose enter through a hole on the right top side near the back.
In general I’m very happy with it. Sound proofing is great. I didn’t add a window to make sure no noise leaks. I can watch it with the camera, but I also often just lift the top lid a little to watch it, especially at the beginning of a job.
One thing I’d like to improve is to wrap the Rockwool in plastic (like large garbage bags or something). Pieces keep flaking off all the time.