Cutting Parts Using CNC Router ???

[CaptainMarvel]

I'm not sure if this question has been asked/answered dozens of times over, but has anyone used a CNC Router to carve out their arcade cabinet parts?

If so, what kind of CNC Router machine do you use?  (DIY, Commercial)?

Which design and coding program did you use?


Any pics or videos you can share?



THANK YOU !!!

[Jim1031]

I use a CNCRouter Parts 4848 machine, for software I use Vcarve Pro and Sketchup.

[bdn103]

I also use a PRO4896 from CNCRouterParts router with a 7hp water cooled spindle and a  pile of other upgrades.

There are a few pictures at www.classicarcadecabinets.com

I'm not sure if this question has been asked/answered dozens of times over, but has anyone used a CNC Router to carve out their arcade cabinet parts?

If so, what kind of CNC Router machine do you use?  (DIY, Commercial)?

Which design and coding program did you use?


Any pics or videos you can share?



THANK YOU !!!

[HaRuMaN]

s

Cutting a bartop.   

[UEDan]

I found a local shop to do my side panels =)
https://scontent-dft4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13000247_10208118425590945_1879812976932553171_n.jpg?oh=a3c64f07b6a5fa57826281a3cc2732b4&oe=594AA5B0
https://scontent-dft4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13007222_10208118425910953_411029909357125690_n.jpg?oh=f022cf744b1afe5790b16d8430eb3fa6&oe=58FEB062

Used used Solidworks and converted it to something else for him on my end.

[WoodChucksCNC]

I use a MultiCam 4'x8' with ATC. I use Aspire by Vectric for CAD/CAM and Solidworks to design with.
www. woodchuckscnc.com

[WoodChucksCNC]

I just added a 64" latex printer, cutter and laminator to my arsenal. I will post some pics later this weekend.

[Slippyblade]

I just certified on the Shopbot at my makerspace and am drooling at the chance to cut a cab.  I have to buy my own bits though and am not sure what to use.  I was originally thinking of compression bits, but what I am reading is that those are best for single pass cuts.  Upcut obviously tears out the top of ply, downcuts tear out the bottom.  After watching a bunch of videos comparing bit types, it seems I'd be best off going with a straight cut.  As far as material I'd love to use black melamine, but can't find a local source at a non-insane price.

[bdn103]

For melamine, the compression bits are your best option. Personally, I like to use the Whiteside UD2102 1/4" compression bits ($25-$35 each). Compression bits do not need to be run in single pass, but they do need to be run deep enough to allow the down cut portion of the spiral to clear the melamine top edge.  This will vary from bit to bit. For most of my melamine cuts, I use 3 passes.  Also, please be aware that melamine chips rather easily and the bits need to be sharp when cutting. As a result, I can only get 3-4 sheets of melamine (depending on pocketing) cut with a single bit before they start to chip. The bit is perfectly fine for cutting plywood and MDF in the future, but is not sharp enough to keep cutting melamine.  The melamine runs me about $38 per sheet when purchased in bulk. Good luck.

Brian

[Slippyblade]

Awesome info, thanks!

I intend to change out the bit and just use a normal downcut for pockets.  So that should stretch the life.  I'm half tempted to just use a downcut for pockets and the first few profile cuts, then swap to an upcut for the last round.  Wondering if that would be more economical.

[Toast55]

I cut cabinets like this all the time:



For this one I used Baltic Birch and a compression bit for the whole thing, except for the drill holes where I used an upspiral. I've got an air drill now so I don't have to swap out bits anymore.

The connectors on this cabinet were CNC'd in as well:



This allows for really fast assembly, disassembly for finishing, and re-assembly:

[EddieM]

Hello!
I'm new to the forum, and love seeing all the CNC action! I have a CNC as well, full size, open ended, vacuum table, spindle...etc.

I'm hoping to get into cutting arcade cabinets very soon!

[bdn103]

Hello!
I'm new to the forum, and love seeing all the CNC action! I have a CNC as well, full size, open ended, vacuum table, spindle...etc.

I'm hoping to get into cutting arcade cabinets very soon!

I have a pile of plans posted at www.classicarcadecabinets.com  There is a definite learning curve to the CNC if it is new to you. If you have questions about the plans, please reach out. I am most responsive to the website questions.

Thanks
Brian

[feckman]

Excellent information, I'm so glad to have found this forum!  I am a printer by trade and have recently added the same CNC as Brian -- a CNCRouterParts PRO4896 -- to my arsenal which also includes a Hypertherm plasma cutter and water table.  In my print shop, I have a number of Roland solvent-based and dye-sublimation printers, a pair of Canon aqueous printers, a 6-color screen printing press and a 4' x 8' Mimaki flatbed UV printer.  When I got to thinking about a good first project to combine all these machines, I immediately settled on the obvious: a classic video game console.

That said, I have no experience in milling so I'll be learning as I go along.  I'll be sure to post on my progress in addition to the million questions I'm sure to have.  Until then, I'll be reading info here and elsewhere.