I am looking to build a CNC in my basement for use on hobby stuff (RC planes and trains) with some woodworking involved. I have already started work on a CO2 laser and want to design my table for it to be able to hold both my CO2 laser as well as a CNC, with the CNC going on the top shelf and the laser under it.
I am looking to use solid core doors in a size of 36" x 6’-8". At this size, which CNC would suit me best regarding size and layout? Given this table size which CNC would you prefer and why?
At that size you should do the LR4 hands down. From what I understand anything above 24" square is lowrider territory.
Beside all the regular cnc design reasons another plus of a lowrider this size is that the lowrider’s table is much easier to use for other tasks like assembly when you’re not using the cnc.
Agreed this is Lowrider territory at that size due to rigidity.
36 inch width just barely gets you 24 inches of usable width. I’d consider adding 1/2 or 3/4 inch trim pieces to the edge of the door to give you a little breathing room. I commonly use 1/4 sheets of plywood and it’s nice to have that option.
I’m sure you’ll get a lot of opinions. Based on the size you’re thinking, I’d also say LR4. However, its a touch narrow, and if you’re thinking you’d work from the side of the door, you’ll need to think about your coordinate system since its primarily set up to work from the “end” of the table.
I also think LR4 has just become a default for me. So to be clear on when I think a MPCNC is a better option: When you need more Z-height. If you’ll be cutting foam, you might want more Z-height. Keep in mind if you look at the machines Z-travel, half is for the end mill and half is for the material. When you say “RC planes” I’m not knowledgeable, but if you’d use other materials, it might be worth extra consideration.
I also agree with Jason - a small “rail” along at least one side of the door would be very helpful for securing the rail on a LR4. MDF or something that would remain reasonably flat. You’ll also want to have a spoilboard, so ensuring you have a plan to secure it to the door would be another good consideration.
Agree. One way to workaround this and raise LR4’s Z range for thicker stock, without overly compromising rigidity, is to mount the Y rail/beltholders on stable removable/clamped slats that raise the overall machine relative to the spoilboard surface. Use MDF or something else stable. Seen a few people use this as a easy/cheap/smart temporary alternative to a typical drop table.
I’m obviously biased towards LR4 , but still curious to see what scenarios MPCNC TNG is a better fit for…
, but still curious to see what scenarios