CNC9000 anyone? Routing polycarbonate

[rob_SOR]

I'm still looking at options for a small router to cut openings in small polycarbonate boxes (yeah, not really woodwork I know.....)

Just wondering if anyone has a Circuit Specialists CNC9000 router?

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/9171

My biggest problem is trying to work out if it would be up to the job.

cheers.
rob

[crocky]

Hi Rob,

Can't get anthing up on the website :( so at this stage I can't tell you!

[rob_SOR]

Hi Bob - their website seems a bit cranky. I just tried it and it would not load either. I've attached a picture from their site anyway.

Some of the specs are:
Travel X-22" Y-24" Z-4.5"

ABBA Brand Ball screws and linear rails and trucks on all axis

Tested Tolerance (6061 aluminum plate) with .125 carbide endmill (0.001) 2"x2"x.025" Using a Porter Cable router.
50 inch per minute with Nema 23 277 Oz/in stepper motors.

Includes 3 x CW230 Stepper controllers & 300 watt 36V power supply

I guess it may not be that rigid - I could probably improve that by adding some brackets, I may need more gantry/table clearance, which it looks like it could be increased with a little work. Thoughts?

Thanks
rob

[rob_SOR]

Sorry about the font size screw up. It looked ok before I submitted it.....

[crocky]

Hi Rob,

Looks fairly good, it's got the right bearings etc so it would do it for you.

How much money are they after and what sort of router would you have?

Z-Axis travel is about normal 4" - 4.5" so that is good as well.

[rob_SOR]

Hi Bob - they are US$2400. After currency conversion and shipping costs I expect it would be the best part of AU$3000. I guess there may be import duty on top of that as well. I've heard the best way to import something like this is to use a shipping/freight forwarding company. I guess they'd want a hundred or two as well! :(

I dont have a router. I figured that would be the next stage after getting my hands on the machine. Porter cable routers seem to be popular, they don't seem to be widespread in Australia.

regards
rob

[crocky]

Hi Rob,

Then you have software, PC to run it and there would be a bit more too!

I would have a chat to rodm over in Perth and go and see him and see what he is upto. He is one of the notable CNCers on the forum and I am sure he would help you!

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=70561

There is lots of good info here :)

[rodm]

Hi Rob_SOR
That machine will be rigid. 80/20 section is very strong and it already has bracing on the gantry so I wouldn't worry on that score. Very nice machine and priced well.
Cutting polycarb will not require a lot of power so a Porter Cable would be good but a bit of overkill for what you want to do. A 1/4 inch variable speed die grinder will serve you well for what you want to do. Variable speed is important for acrylics and soft material as you get re-melt if the cutter runs too fast for your feed rate.

[rob_SOR]

Hi Rod - I'm glad you replied, from what I've read you've a heap of experience in this area. You've built some great machines too.

Thanks for the comments on rigidity & "spindle". Most of the routing I'm looking at doing involves cutouts (25mm diameter or slots etc) and some 3mm diameter holes. I'm guessing I can probably use the same tool tool (3mm or 1/8") to perform both of these operations(??)

I'm now feeling a lot more confident in biting the bullet.

How loud is a die grinder cutting polycarbonate? My workshop is brick with an insulated metal roof - I don't want to annoy the neighbours!

Thanks again for your (& Bob's) help.

regards
rob

[rodm]

Hi Rob,
Noise is definately an issue with CNC and we run them lots longer than you would do hand held. Some of my jobs run over two hours continuous.

Routers and die grinders are noisy and there is nothing you can do at the tool to make them run quieter. You can make a sound hood to cover the whole machine but these get in the way with setting up the job. There are alternatives spindles that run quiet and I have been trying various options - nothing has worked to date but I am hoping that a Sherline Mill head with a 10,000 RPM kit might be one answer - waiting on delivery so can't give an opinion yet. There is of course a proper CNC Variable Frequency Drive Spindle but this will set you back $1500 plus.
Acrylics are easy to cut (as in soft) and generate no more noise than the router/die grinder makes.

Yes you can use the same tool to do multi operations. A 3mm bit does tend to snap occassionally and I prefer 4mm for that reason but of course it is no good for 3mm holes. :-

If you haven't seen a machine working and Alexander Heights isn't too far to travel then send me a PM and make a time to visit. I have three machines here at the moment and some acrylic to play with.

[crocky]

Hi Rob,

Well that's the right man to help you :)

If you have a brick garage and it insulated, keep the doors shut and it should be alright! I have a Milwaukee die grinder and I love it.

Rod: Can't wait to hear about this spindle that you are getting :)

[rob_SOR]

Bugger! I just got an email back from "George" at Circuit Specialists, who were making the CNC9000 machines. They are no longer making or selling CNC machines. :((


I'll have to look some more!

Rod, many thanks for your kind offer to show me you machines etc - definitely appreciated. I might leave it a while until I get or at least settle on a machine, I'm down Freo way so you're only 1/2 an hour away.

thanks
rob