In search of forum member (not a business) into CNC routing with machine. Melbourne.

[barrysumpter]

I've got a yard ornament project I want to have cut with a CNC machine.

The Jig Saw is just not the quality I'm after.

Preferably cut from 18mm MDF.

7 patterns fit into 1900 x 950.
Or I can break them down into individual patterns.
1200 x 650 being the largest.

I'm hoping a forum member with a CNC machine in the Melbourne area can help me out.
The design is already in SketchUp.

I'm NOT after CNC routing businesses contacts unless they are well priced.

PM me if you prefer.

Thanks in advance.

[Sir Stinkalot]

Hi Barry ..... I would be a little concerned using MDF as a yard ornament. Even if its painted it wouldn't be too long until it starts to swell.

[barrysumpter]

My bad. I should have mentioned they will be used as templates.

And for some reason I can't edit my original post.
But can this one.

I got the original 24 x 12 from Sketchup 3D WareHouse.
And just edited to ask around for quotes from CNC businesses.
Who's prices and turnaround time is why you do it yourself.

Lost my confidence in the jig saw approach trying to cut the antler by hand.
Then shape as best I could.

Probably being too critical with the rough edges.
That won't show up once I start using a router to cut the actual pieces from the rough template.
Then painting.
Then viewing from 50 feet away, etc.

Using cheap ply that seems to just tear apart.




Templates.jpg

1 each of the 2 bodies.
4 back legs
4 front legs
2 antlers
4 each of the shirt shaped joining pieces
2 of the bat shaped joining pieces

If the price would have been worth it I would have asked them to cut them all from a 2400x1200 sheet.

[ian]

Hi barry

does it have to be 18mm MDF?

would 9 or 12 mm stuff produce an acceptable template?

[barrysumpter]

Either would be ok.

If I get paranoid I can always make a 18mm master from the templates later.

[ian]

I should have mentioned they will be used as templates.

I got the original 24 x 12 from Sketchup 3D WareHouse.

Lost my confidence in the jig saw approach trying to cut the antler by hand.
Then shape as best I could.

Probably being too critical with the rough edges.
That won't show up once I start using a router to cut the actual pieces from the rough template.
Then painting.
Then viewing from 50 feet away, etc.

Using cheap ply that seems to just tear apart.

Templates.jpg

If the price would have been worth it I would have asked them to cut them all from a 2400x1200 sheet.

Hi Barry

what tools do you have access to?

My approach would be to use 9 mm MDF, cut close to the line with a jig saw and finish to the line by hand using a rasp and file. But I have some very nice rasps.

[barrysumpter]

Thanks to all who have replied.
Much appreciated.

I try to stay away from MDF myself.
Ply is bad enough.

I've already used an over head projector to trace the shapes freehanded.
Not as easy as it sounds.

And have already cut the shapes in cheap (grrrrr) 12mm ply.
And shaped with a sander.

It looks horrible.
But I might be being too overly critical as mentioned above.

[ian]

I try to stay away from MDF myself.
Ply is bad enough.

I've already used an over head projector to trace the shapes freehanded.
Not as easy as it sounds.

And have already cut the shapes in cheap (grrrrr) 12mm ply.
And shaped with a sander.

It looks horrible.

Barry, the look which is often related to the surface, is not as important as voids along the edge -- is it smooth enough for a bearing guided router bit, or a guide bushing to follow? If yes, then the template is good enough. If no, well you already know the answer...

BTW "cheap ply" and "suitable template" material usually don't go together.

my advice is try again using either good (= expensive) ply or MDF.


I'm not sure anyone pointed out that the cost with CNC is the set-up. Once setup, the 2nd and subsequent copies are basically the cost of material plus electricity.

[barrysumpter]

Thanks heaps for the continued replies Ian.
Much appreciated.

OK. I've had another look and have acquired an inexpensive bandsaw.
It's not as bad as I was thinking.

I've also found another place who claims to be cheapest in Melbourne for CNC.

Is 9mm thick enough to last?
My worries is that its too flimsy and will break under its own weight too easily.

[Kuffy]

9mm MDF for a template for tracing out with a pencil, or following with a bearing guided flush trim router bit is fine.

[barrysumpter]

Its weird how the mind get stuck on things.
I've been frozen on this template project ever since I made a bad investment in an inexpensive band saw.

The bandsaw is gone now and its seemed to have cleared my mind.

I'm thinking I can use my newly acquired thin for metal jigsaw blade on the plywood templates and see how it goes.

[barrysumpter]

Oh and the company who claimed to be the cheapest CNC company in Melbourne to cut my templates turned out to cost 3 times more than the nearest competitor.

Me thinks he didn't want the job.
So overpriced the job instead of just telling me.

LOL

[ian]

I'm thinking I can use my newly acquired thin for metal jigsaw blade on the plywood templates and see how it goes.

A "thin for metal" blade is unlikely to work.

In my experience, the Bosch guide to jig saw blades is pretty good -- at least when choosing a blade to cut wood or sheet goods.

[barrysumpter]

Acknowledged.
I'll let you know how I go.

[elanjacobs]

Don't know if it's too late, but there's a mob called MadeCo that do cut-to-file CNC work. Not sure about price, but they were reasonable when we had kitchen cabinets done through them