Thread: Proposed CNC router build

It sure is a beauty. Sides of the gantry were about 30mm cast aluminum, R&P on X and ballscrews on Y and Z. The electronics enclosure was like a full height metal clothes locker on its side. I think that including fees it was 12k to 15k price range.

Originally Posted by Greolt

Then for future reference make sure you take a good look at the MechMate

http://www.mechmate.com/

Greg

Does anyone have an idea what this would cost in terms of materials for a 1200X2400 cutting area?

I'm not sure you would save anything by making a large machine verses importing one from China.

Two linear rails THK 35, 2600 long and four trucks just for X axis would cost a bomb. Another set at say 1400 long for Y. Rack and pinions for both axes and then whatever you use for Z.

Big motors to drive it, high amp drivers, lots of RHS for the frame and a nightmare to keep it all flat during construction.

A really rough guess $10k to $15k.

I think $15k will get you an imported machine like in my earlier post and it has an Italian VFD spindle and lots of features you would find difficult to do on a home made machine.

With a large machine part of the problem is that Australian business's charge heaps more for everything compared to overseas prices. Start buying components and the higher costs add up at each stage until it is not economical to build. Much like buying all the spare parts to build a car and spending more than the price on the showroom floor.

The reason we build a 1200 router is that we can import or use ebay to get the components a lot cheaper. Most of the components on my machines are purchased overseas. The logistics and freight cost of buying 2600 rails overseas puts it in the too hard basket for me.

Then for future reference make sure you take a good look at the MechMate

http://www.mechmate.com/

Originally Posted by AV Elec

Does anyone have an idea what this would cost in terms of materials for a 1200X2400 cutting area?

I've spent a bit of time on the Mechmate site. Builders are saying it cost them just over $3000 US

Allow for a bit of exaggeration and a lot more for not being in the US and I reckon about $5000 to $6000 plus spindle.

This machine does not use expensive linear rails. Vee bearings and angle iron track. Like the Shopbot EZrouter and others.

3 amp motors which is the same as on all three of my machines. Gecko drives.

The router is of the style to process sheet material. It will certainly do other things but that's what it is best at.

IMO it is a good design that has been proven to work well. If I had the room in my shed I would build one.

Having said that if I was offered a choice between the two and did not have to pay I would grab the Chinese router.

Greg