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Pointers for getting started 3D Model to CNC build

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michelevit:

Definitely. If your looking to build more than one identical cabinet the CNC way will save time. If your looking to build just one, it might be cheaper and quicker to just cut it out with a hand held router.

stpcore:

I'm really wondering what kind of time it takes per cabinet as I would be supplying the materials.  If someone is charging me $4 per minute or $240 per hour (not to mention set up and handling fees) and it takes an 2 hours to cut a cabinet it's not in my best interest to pay $480 per cabinet (no room for profit).  Does anyone know on average what to expect for CNC cutting times?  I know it's a vague question but I'm looking for a little direction.

Unstupid:

I can cut out a pretty complex sheet of plywood (4'x8') in about 5 minutes.  That's just single pass, full depth 3/4" plywood at around 400 inches per minute.  Now if you start adding tool changes, drilling holes,etc..etc.. it will add more time.  each tool change takes about 2 minutes on my machine... others may take a lot longer.   You also have to account for setup time, fixturing the wood down to the table.  easy if you have a vaccuum table, harder if not.

stpcore:

Got it.  When you say a "single pass" do you have to make multiple passes to cut 3/4" plywood or is it fully cut in a single pass? 

Thanks for the info on this.

Unstupid:

That depends a lot on the machine.  My machine uses a 12HP 24,000 RPM spindle which allows me to cut thicker stock rather than someone using say a 2.5hp router.  For example, I can cut 3/4" plywood in a single pass at around 800 Inches per minute with a 3/8" compression bit, I more often than not would slow it down though to get cleaner cuts. 

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