Hi guys, I'm glad I found this forum, there are lots of interesting discussions here. I'd like to use a CNC for my projects. One of my favorite hobbys is making scale models, mostly cars. I have less and less time for this hobby, and I thought a CNC machine would help me a lot. I was researching a bit, and I found out there are cheap (but small) CNC machines starting from $800, but there are DIY plans too. If a DIY machine is worth the investment, I'd prefer this one. I need a machine with at least 10cm (4in) travel area on Z axis, and at least 40x50cm X and Y (16x20). I would carve from foam.
I guess there isn't much to know about a built CNC machine, they are accurate and reliable. I'm interested in a DIY one, made from plywood. Is it really that easy to build one that works just like a real one?
I don't really understand how CNC machines work, so my questions would be:
1. Is any 3 axis CNC machine (even a DIY one) able to carve 3d objects, such as sculptures? (I'm asking this because the machines I saw on youtube carved only in 2d, for example letters from plywood)
2. Does the effective working travel depend from the controller? (If I build it to be larger on the Z axis, would the controller use the added space?)
3. I create the models in 3D. Is any 3D software able (3D Studio Max) to control the CNC machine? Or do I have to import the 3D file into a CNC programmer?
I guess there isn't much to know about a built CNC machine, they are accurate and reliable. I'm interested in a DIY one, made from plywood. Is it really that easy to build one that works just like a real one?
I don't really understand how CNC machines work, so my questions would be:
1. Is any 3 axis CNC machine (even a DIY one) able to carve 3d objects, such as sculptures? (I'm asking this because the machines I saw on youtube carved only in 2d, for example letters from plywood)
2. Does the effective working travel depend from the controller? (If I build it to be larger on the Z axis, would the controller use the added space?)
3. I create the models in 3D. Is any 3D software able (3D Studio Max) to control the CNC machine? Or do I have to import the 3D file into a CNC programmer?