CNC machines

[kahlid74]

I'm not sure if there is a specific forum this should go in or not but I was wondering how many of us out there have/use CNC machines for any Arcade part builds.  Like control panel etching/Plexi cuttting/etc.

The reason I ask is as I've become addicted to Kickstarter I came across an awesome project where by to basically create your own CNC machine and I'm wondering if anyone else in the arcade community has/uses a CNC and what they use it specifically for.  I would use the CNC for more than just my arcade machines but it would be awesome to hear what other people may be doing.

Here's the project - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ajquick/cnc-building-blocks

[crashwg]

Here's mine:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=99875.0

Here's something I've done with it:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=106894.msg1197500#msg1197500

And another project that has been neglected...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111007.msg1197635#msg1197635

For software, I design almost exclusively in Solidworks, create my G-Code with SolidCAM and run the machine with EMC2

My machine has been severely neglected though.  It's not in a hugely convenient place, especially when my bedroom a little messy (the machine is in my bedroom closet.)  Currently it's covered with random electronics and other project materials.  I think it's about time I clean it off and start making dust.

[Raitsa]

We use CNC with these cabinet kits:

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Turun_Puujaloste



A few construction videos here:
http://keskustelupalstat.com/mame/

[SammyWI]

Interesting project.  I've thought about a CNC machine more than a few times.  But speaking of Kickstarter, right now I'm waiting on one of these: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/printrbot/printrbot-your-first-3d-printer?ref=live

Kind of in the same vein.  I'm already thinking about the arcade parts possibilities.    But with a Kickstarter project, it's best to have a lot of patience.  After the Printr Bot,  a CNC machine may be in my future.  Hopefully this one takes off.

[Unstupid]

I used a CNC machine to make my bartop... and in a couple of weeks Ill be using it to make my Ms. Pac cocktail table...  This machine is a little overkill for arcade making,  but I need to do something to keep it busy!  Here check it out:

[SammyWI]

I used a CNC machine to make my bartop... and in a couple of weeks Ill be using it to make my Ms. Pac cocktail table...  This machine is a little overkill for arcade making,  but I need to do something to keep it busy!  Here check it out:

Very cool.  If it's worth killing, it's worth overkilling, I always say.

[elkameleon]

Damn, I want to build my own CNC machine someday! Price always seems to be the limiting factor. Im not entirely sure what my ROI (return on investment) would be on something like that though, how often would I use it? I guess you could locally advertise your services for a cheap fee.

[Woodshop Flunky]

... I'm not entirely sure what my ROI (return on investment) would be on something like that though, how often would I use it?

I've thought the same thing over and over.  I use to work as a machinist, and I know a CNC can more than pay for itself... if you have the work.

My biggest problem is that I spend the best part of my day in a padded cell (cubicle) rather than out there in the business.

A coworker of mine jokes that his side business would be much more profitable if he could just get laid off.   

Even if it wasn't profitable, though, it'd still be the coolest thing in most folks arsenal.   

[mountain]

My CNC has paid for itself more than 10 times over. There is a huge learning curve to get over, actually two. Learning the ins and outs of how a machine works, then building it is the biggest. Once it is done, there is the software and tooling to learn. Learning how to use the machine effectively takes time too. But, if you are determined, money can be made. I do a lot of prototype work for my job, have made signs for local businesses, make jukebox kits, do favors for buddies, make stuff for family for Christmas Gifts, the list is long. The greatest "hobby" I have found yet... 'cept this place of course. 

[Woodshop Flunky]

My CNC has paid for itself more than 10 times over.

I'm going to send your reply to my coworker!  He's wanted to build a MechMate for years.   

[mountain]

My CNC has paid for itself more than 10 times over.

I'm going to send your reply to my coworker!  He's wanted to build a MechMate for years.   

I don't have a Mechmate, but have heard good things about them.

[kahlid74]

My CNC has paid for itself more than 10 times over. There is a huge learning curve to get over, actually two. Learning the ins and outs of how a machine works, then building it is the biggest. Once it is done, there is the software and tooling to learn. Learning how to use the machine effectively takes time too. But, if you are determined, money can be made. I do a lot of prototype work for my job, have made signs for local businesses, make jukebox kits, do favors for buddies, make stuff for family for Christmas Gifts, the list is long. The greatest "hobby" I have found yet... 'cept this place of course. 

Did you build one or buy one?  If you built it what plans did you use/components?

[mountain]

I built my own using Joe's CNC Hybrid 4x4 plans.

http://www.joescnc.com/kitsplans.php

[kahlid74]

I built my own using Joe's CNC Hybrid 4x4 plans.

http://www.joescnc.com/kitsplans.php

Very cool!  So what is the total BOM with those plans?  I know once you buy the plans you get a BOM but it'd be nice to have it ahead of time.

Also have you ever wanted to do 4x8 sheets or has the 4x4 been plenty enough for you?

[Woodshop Flunky]

I built my own using Joe's CNC Hybrid 4x4 plans.

http://www.joescnc.com/kitsplans.php

I've read good things about Joe's CNC kits.

[mountain]

I built my own using Joe's CNC Hybrid 4x4 plans.

http://www.joescnc.com/kitsplans.php

Very cool!  So what is the total BOM with those plans?  I know once you buy the plans you get a BOM but it'd be nice to have it ahead of time.

Also have you ever wanted to do 4x8 sheets or has the 4x4 been plenty enough for you?

I thought about shrinking it down to a 2x4 but decided to go for the bigger machine. I rarely use the entire table but at least I can when needed. The plans allow for modding about everything. Several builders have made 4' x 8' machines. A few have even went with a 5' x 10' approach.

The BOM cost will vary depending on a lot of factors like, what style of base, which electronics, drivers, motors etc. you end up using. I think most will day that a basic build is $2500 - $3000. Some build are way over that though. I personally have around $4000 in mine.

This post may help too
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=91229.msg958592#msg958592

[kahlid74]

I built my own using Joe's CNC Hybrid 4x4 plans.

http://www.joescnc.com/kitsplans.php

Very cool!  So what is the total BOM with those plans?  I know once you buy the plans you get a BOM but it'd be nice to have it ahead of time.

Also have you ever wanted to do 4x8 sheets or has the 4x4 been plenty enough for you?

I thought about shrinking it down to a 2x4 but decided to go for the bigger machine. I rarely use the entire table but at least I can when needed. The plans allow for modding about everything. Several builders have made 4' x 8' machines. A few have even went with a 5' x 10' approach.

The BOM cost will vary depending on a lot of factors like, what style of base, which electronics, drivers, motors etc. you end up using. I think most will day that a basic build is $2500 - $3000. Some build are way over that though. I personally have around $4000 in mine.

This post may help too
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=91229.msg958592#msg958592

Fantastic!  Thanks for the links and a good direction to go for starting.  I've got my work cut out for me but I'm ready for it.

[rbarr110]

I built a Joes CNC as well, but have not yet done anything arcade cabinet related......yet.  I have some plans in the works to put it to work.  As far as the Jopes machine itself, I put over $3k into it, but that doesnt include any of the software...which can be anywhere from $300 to $3000, depending on what you want/need.