First Run On The CNC Router Video

[Phantom Scroller]

I have the shapeoko3  CNC and while that weeps I Scrollsaw multitasking they call it. ha haa. Oh you need to speed that up it should have taken 10 minutes or less to carve that and decrease the safety z height will make it quicker as well. Roly

PS can make these in less than 30 minutes can't do that on the scrollsaw 

Edited August 20, 2019 by Phantom Scroller
add picture

[kmmcrafts]

The CNC is certainly fun to mess with during this learning curve of running it... not sure how much I'll like it after putting a couple hundred hours on it. Hoping it'll be just as fun to mess with... Wasn't going to use it too much for a business tool at first anyway... BUT... showed this same video on a few social sites and already have 4 orders lined up from those that follow my pages.. Oh well... if it's making me some money and still better fun than a day job I'll do it until I've had enough of it.. 

 

@Woodmaster1 Yeah the wood expo is just around the corner.. I intend to buy some BBly and maybe some Cherry and Oak ply.. Not sure what lumber I'll need to keep me afloat until next year.. I've been getting so much of the cutoffs and rejected lumber from my brothers mill that I hate to buy any lumber.. however most the cutoffs etc have been hard maple and white oak.. which I don't scroll saw much of either. ( gonna have to start though as I have a bunch of it... and free lumber is always a good thing ). So I may buy a couple bundle of Cherry and maybe 1 each of red oak and poplar. My funds are sort of on the low end of things so not really wanting to spend any more than I really need to for this wood expo.. Next year I may be buying some big ticket tools from the expo provided the deals are right.. Might be another CNC coming to the shop..

[kmmcrafts]

11 hours ago, Phantom Scroller said:

I have the shapeoko3  CNC and while that weeps I Scrollsaw multitasking they call it. ha haa. Oh you need to speed that up it should have taken 10 minutes or less to carve that and decrease the safety z height will make it quicker as well. Roly

PS can make these in less than 30 minutes can't do that on the scrollsaw 

Thanks for the speed setting tips.. I haven't played with the thing other than carve the same thing on the back side of the board.. Was thinking about doing a profile cut on it.. Probably won't be able to get it centered up good enough now that I've taken it off the machine.. but fun practice anyway.. I've still gotta make me a spoil board though before doing profile cuts.. Got some ideas but not sure what way I wanna go with it just yet.. 

Yeah the sign I carved out only took the machine about 3 minutes from the time I hit the start button to the machine went back to home position and shut down.. 

[flarud]

So I have to say that I too think that it's cheating, if you compare it to a scroll saw.  But I don't compare it to a scroll saw, it's another piece of wood working equipment.  If I had the room and spare money I would have one myself.  Actually I prob. wouldn't,, I don't think that I am computer savoy enough to use one. 

When it cuts out that "S",, it looked like it raises up a bit on the skinny parts at the top and bottom, does it?

Enjoy it!

Edited August 20, 2019 by flarud

[kmmcrafts]

2 hours ago, flarud said:

So I have to say that I too think that it's cheating, if you compare it to a scroll saw.  But I don't compare it to a scroll saw, it's another piece of wood working equipment.  If I had the room and spare money I would have one myself.  Actually I prob. wouldn't,, I don't think that I am computer savoy enough to use one. 

When it cuts out that "S",, it looked like it raises up a bit on the skinny parts at the top and bottom, does it?

Enjoy it!

Yes, it raises and lowers according to the details.. 

There really isn't much of any comparison to scroll saw work.. These really can't do the real fine detail work.... It's really a totally different type of woodwork.. and don't think for a minute that there is no skill involved with these.. There is a lot that goes into making one run.. Not just the computer portion either.. 

 

[Jim Finn]

Now that many people have computer controlled equipment, most shoppers at my sales assume that this  how I do my inlays.  WRONG!

[Lucky2]

On 8/24/2019 at 8:09 AM, Jim Finn said:

Now that many people have computer controlled equipment, most shoppers at my sales assume that this  how I do my inlays.  WRONG!

Right Jim, Many people don't believe that my scroll saw work is handmade, they accuse me of lying. I invite any and all of them, to come and see me at the saw cutting an intricate ornament. I find that advertising that my work is handmade does help, but there's still many who doubt that it is. And all you can do with that crowd, is to ignore them. They've got their minds made up, and there's just no changing what they think that they know. I don't mind their pig-headedness, but I wish that they would keep their opinions to themselves. But there's always one or two of them, that have to run around telling everyone that my items aren't handmade. Those are the ones that I would love to show how I make things, but they aren't interested in seeing how.

Len

 

Len

[kmmcrafts]

1 hour ago, Lucky2 said:

Right Jim, Many people don't believe that my scroll saw work is handmade, they accuse me of lying. I invite any and all of them, to come and see me at the saw cutting an intricate ornament. I find that advertising that my work is handmade does help, but there's still many who doubt that it is. And all you can do with that crowd, is to ignore them. They've got their minds made up, and there's just no changing what they think that they know. I don't mind their pig-headedness, but I wish that they would keep their opinions to themselves. But there's always one or two of them, that have to run around telling everyone that my items aren't handmade. Those are the ones that I would love to show how I make things, but they aren't interested in seeing how.

Len

 

Len

You need a video of yourself cutting out things to show them what it's all about..

I find way more joy scroll sawing than I do running this CNC.. I've done many more projects on it.. but it's just not as satisfying to me.. I don't feel as though I did the work.. even though I did.. there is a lot of machine set up that is and should be considered " handmade" even though us that do CNC work will never get through the thick skulls of many scrollers who seem to be offended by these machines.. They should educate themselves on these machines so they don't get all offended.. but just as those that get offended by their handmade work being done on a CNC.. you can't tell them nothing and nobody wants to know.. This is the difference between and open / closed minded person.  

[amazingkevin]

On 8/12/2019 at 9:41 PM, kmmcrafts said:

Well, I took some time to try to learn the programming of the CNC this last week.. I've tried several times to learn it but always got orders or side tracked and forgot everything I learned so finally I made my first program.. quick and easy one just to learn what buttons to push, LOL.. Took only about 2:30 minutes to carve this out once I had the programming and board secured to the machine... we won't talk about the hours it took to create this simple programming setup though, LOL.. Now that I done the first program.. I think I could do another one like this in just a couple minutes.. Maybe....LOL

 

Holy mololey

[kmmcrafts]

6 hours ago, amazingkevin said:

Holy mololey

Yeah, I guess I was a little harsh here.. 

There has always been tension between scroll sawers and the CNC type work..  and many scrollers don't seem to like those of us that run CNC machines.. They both have their place and are completely different tools that do different things..and the majority of the CNC machines aren't able to produce the same type of work efficiently.. But scroll sawers seem to act as though the CNC machines are taking work away from them or that they cannot compete with prices from the work produced by the CNC.. But.. most do not even know whats involved in setting up these machines.. 

I got hell for posting about the machine on here as it's not a scroll saw.. and most don't consider the work as being handmade.. but also most do not even know how the machine runs, works, or how to set it up.. so I guess I get a little defensive when the topic comes up about CNC's.. My apologizes to all.. I need to stay away from this topic,    

[don watson]

Thanks for this thread

I  have been looking at these machines for a couple of weeks now and am going to see/buy one on Thursday. I am going to use it to cut the gears on the clocks that I have in mind to make and also to create little plaques. I have a project at the moment that uses the scroll  saw but I will also need to carve it to get the effect I want, I have started carving on the top left side, I have attached a pic. I just think a CNC Milling Machine will make that job a lot easier, but like the thread says the amount of learning/setting up etc. will also take it a bit longer.

I have a fairly large Laser Engraving machine that I have managed to get running/burning/cutting as I want it. It is ideal for burning my name on the bottom of bowls etc. but I usually just use the Pyrography pen. I have used this machine to burn the numbers on the clock face of a project and it turned out very well, much better/neater than doing it by hand. I could use this machine to burn any number of patterns/designs, litho prints, mandalas, converted from prints etc. but that takes away the enjoyment of doing it by hand. Time to stop my rant and calm down.

take care

Don W

 

Edited November 11, 2019 by don watson
tidy up

[kmmcrafts]

17 minutes ago, don watson said:

Thanks for this thread

I  have been looking at these machines for a couple of weeks now and am going to see/buy one on Thursday. I am going to use it to cut the gears on the clocks that I have in mind to make and also to create little plaques. I have a project at the moment that uses the scroll  saw but I will also need to carve it to get the effect I want, I have started carving on the top left side, I have attached a pic. I just think a CNC Milling Machine will make that job a lot easier, but like the thread says the amount of learning/setting up etc. will also take it a bit longer.

I have a fairly large Laser Engraving machine that I have managed to get running/burning/cutting as I want it. It is ideal for burning my name on the bottom of bowls etc. but I usually just use the Pyrography pen. I have used this machine to burn the numbers on the clock face of a project and it turned out very well, much better/neater than doing it by hand. I could use this machine to burn any number of patterns/designs, litho prints, mandalas, converted from prints etc. but that takes away the enjoyment of doing it by hand. Time to stop my rant and calm down.

take care

Don W

 

Very nice looking project you've got going on there.. I agree the CNC might be easier to do this carving provided you have the knowledge to design and program the machine.. You're off to a good start if you already doing stuff similar on the laser machine.. I've only done a handful of projects on my CNC and all of them was just simple V-carve projects.. The 3D carving and inlay making or any other types of work is well beyond my capabilities at this time.. I intend to take a break from the scroll saw after the holidays and work on learning both the CNC and the laser to be able to do things I've always wanted to do.. This year wasn't a good year for having time to try these new tools with moving my daughter out to college and the business being so busy.. I may shut down the business or scale way back after the new year to regroup and do some much needed things to the shop, learn these machines and hopefull expand what my business has to offer.. 

What type machine you looking at? Mine is the Nextwave HD4 with water cooled spindle.. Shortly after making my purchase they came out with the HD5 and it's a much better built machine.. and for about the same price LOL.. I'd definitely go with the water cooled spindle if you can.. These things run so quiet you don't know it's on until it starts carving.. a router would be so annoying to listen to running all day, LOL Routers get hot and burn up quite fast too if you're running it a lot.. 

 

  

[Wilson142]

CNC's and lasers compared to scroll sawing is like when people compared "Shrinkie Dinks to actual stained glass. If that turns your crank, I guess there's room for both. And that's coming from a think headed dumbbell who knows nothing about how they work. I guess I should consider my 34 years of programming and running precision plate saws as my artistic period. lol  

[Jim McDonald]

I missed this topic the first time around, but in my younger days, I made a few free hand router signs. Not nearly as intricate as a CNC could do.

I have involved with computers since the first personal computers came out in the late 70s, but have no experience with that type of programming. 

It is just another tool and like all other tools, has its place and use.

[don watson]

I have the chance to view a StepCraft D/2 420. It is the usual gantry type machine but the heads are interchangeable i.e. spindle head,laser head, hot wire cutter, vinyl cutter, 3d Printer etc. it is fairly versatile.

[kmmcrafts]

I think these days most all the CNC's can change the head to laser, 3D printer etc etc.. I know that Nextwave does.. as I had the option to get a free laser or the free water cooled spindle.. I opted for the spindle as the laser heads they have for these type machines are almost powerful enough to singe wood, LOL and they're pricey at around $600 if I remember correct.. I bought a cheap Chinese K-40 laser for $335 that'll cut through 1/8 and some say they've had success cutting 1/4..  and it's fast.. The laser heads I've heard will mostly just etch or wood worn portraits type stuff and they're very slow.. Mind you.. these are only things I've read from others and through my research as I have no personal experience with either of the lasers.. haven't fired my K-40 up yet.. and know nothing but what I've read on the laser heads..

They (Nextwave) now have a higher powered laser head.. believe it was a 7 ? watt..I think the lower powered one is 3 watt ? I'm not sure.. Anyway.. for me.. I went with the K-40 because of the higher power and less $$

 

[rjweb]

Kevin can you post some pictures of your work with the cnc, Thx RJ 

[don watson]

"Very nice looking project you've got going on there.. I agree the CNC might be easier to do this carving provided you have the knowledge to design and program the machine.. "

I agree 100%. It could be easier but only after a lot of learning and trial and error. The machines will never replace the the joy I get using hand tools. I also love machines and am willing to learn how they work and what they can do. I will finish off this project with hand tools but I think the first project I will have for the CNC Router will be a repeat 'to see if it is as good/quicker/as satisfying etc.' A lifetime employed as a Toolmaker made me fairly proficient with metal working machines and I already know some of the practices i.e.climb milling etc.

However ' each to his own ' and I will leave it at that.

take care

Don W

 

[kmmcrafts]

I can tell you from my experience.. and I'm sure everyone is different.. but I do not get the same satisfaction cutting or carving on the CNC as I do the hand cut stuff from the scroll saw..

I personally would not own one from a hobbyist standpoint.. I only bought mine really to just learn them.. and to see what all the fuss is about with them.. Also in the back of the brain thought was.. it could expand upon what i can do and offer for my business.. It'll never replace the scroll saw.. at least for me it won't.. There is a huge learning curve to learning, programming, set up etc to run a project on it.. It's been kinda fun learning.. I don't even know a 32nd of what is capable of making on these.. To be honest.. I've really toyed with the idea of selling mine.. mostly because I just don't know much of how to run it.. I don't get quite the satisfaction of the pieces I make from it.. and it's a big chunk of money just taking up space in my shop.. That said.. I do want to learn more about it before I send it down the road.. maybe I'll change my mind once I know the machine better..  Making time to learn it is a must..which i hope to do after the new year..   

Bottom line is.. If you don't like pattern making and the designing part of scroll saw work... You won't like the CNC.. because that part is what makes the machine work..   

[kmmcrafts]

18 hours ago, rjweb said:

Kevin can you post some pictures of your work with the cnc, Thx RJ 

I've made 4 of these.. " not all the same person"  Never got pictures as the others was carved while friends or family watched it being made.. and I let them paint and finish the piece in the colors they wanted to use. etc.. This is 20" wide by around 10 ( I think ) high.. can't remember now.. this is the first one I did and can't remember the exact size.. I gave this to my niece... By giving this to her got my 3 more orders for the same thing for some friends of hers..  I charged $40 each.. and they finished them..  This one here took about 12 minutes on the CNC to carve.. BUT.. the initial design on the software took me about 30-45 minutes.. maybe longer.. Then clamping the board down on the CNC bed and telling the CNC where it's at on the bed etc.. was a good 15-20 minutes.. I'm getting faster at that now that I'm learning where the buttons are and what they do in the program..  Guessing a person knowing what to do could make this sign in 30 minutes with design work and cutting time.. finish sanding and painting time.. Of coarse not counting the paint drying times etc.. I just think around 30 minutes labor time to make something like this is probably ballpark times.. Maybe faster..I know the last one I did didn't take me long at all.. but now I haven't touched the CNC for 2 months or more, LOL I'm probably back to square one, LOL      

Edited November 13, 2019 by kmmcrafts

[jbrowning]

Awesome job Kevin, this is the only thing I've cut out yet. I need to find some finer router bits, this is a 1/4" cut out on 3/4" plywood.

Jim

[kmmcrafts]

41 minutes ago, jbrowning said:

Awesome job Kevin, this is the only thing I've cut out yet. I need to find some finer router bits, this is a 1/4" cut out on 3/4" plywood.

Jim

That looks cool

I bought a complete set of CNC bits by Feud ( I think ) .. But I've only used the V-bit that came with my machine.. 

Looks like you might have used a end mill?  I have yet to brave doing any cutting all the way through the material.. only used a v bit to do carving as you seen in the signs I made.. I bought a piece of MDF 3/4" for a spoil board.. but haven't decided on what method I want to use to clamp it down.. and then what method I want to use to clamp the projects to the spoil board.. I have some good ideas. but undecided what one I want to use.. I also have many projects I want to make on it.. but it's still above what I know how to do.. 

What design software you using? Mine came with V-carve Desktop.. I have a free upgrade to the latest one that just came out (10? I think ) .. but I've been having log in and license number issues so i suppose I need to give customer support a call.. I've heard there is some nice new features with the update..   

[jbrowning]

42 minutes ago, kmmcrafts said:

That looks cool

I bought a complete set of CNC bits by Feud ( I think ) .. But I've only used the V-bit that came with my machine.. 

Looks like you might have used a end mill?  I have yet to brave doing any cutting all the way through the material.. only used a v bit to do carving as you seen in the signs I made.. I bought a piece of MDF 3/4" for a spoil board.. but haven't decided on what method I want to use to clamp it down.. and then what method I want to use to clamp the projects to the spoil board.. I have some good ideas. but undecided what one I want to use.. I also have many projects I want to make on it.. but it's still above what I know how to do.. 

What design software you using? Mine came with V-carve Desktop.. I have a free upgrade to the latest one that just came out (10? I think ) .. but I've been having log in and license number issues so i suppose I need to give customer support a call.. I've heard there is some nice new features with the update..   

Thanks Kevin, I'm thinking mine could have come out a lot worse.

Do you have a link to the complete set you bought from Feud?

Yes I used a 1/4" end mill bit. It came with my Shapeoko XL CNC and Dewalt router.

I'm going to get a 3/4" piece of MDF and put it on my table for my spoiler board. I'm thinking about brad nailing mine to the original board. Then I found a youtube channel "Meyers WoodShop" I believe it is called. He has plans for making the spoiler board and the clamps also.

I am using Carbide Create. It came with my Shapeoko. I'm liking it. I just need to spend more time with it. Maybe in the next week or two I can get it done.

Jim

[jbrowning]

Here is the youtube channel Kevin.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKeRRN0BZzWrmamVAQUME2Q

[kmmcrafts]

19 hours ago, jbrowning said:

 

Do you have a link to the complete set you bought from Feud?

 

This is the set I got.. It's designed for sign making.. or I should say the set is best for sign making.. I didn't pay nearly that much but I did buy during a big holiday sale last year.. $4300 bought my CNC Shark HD4 with touch plate.. water cooled spindle and the Freud router bit set.. Without the sale I'd have paid nearly $6000.. 

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/freud-87-208-8-piece-general-purpose-cnc-router-bit-set?gclid=Cj0KCQiAk7TuBRDQARIsAMRrfUYbRNQQdEgpiUzqCoURiqwsZzPkP500CzmCmLltlnBo7nrHJDBxY-0aAhppEALw_wcB