Research: Entry Level CNC Router for Mini Projects #207
Description
We can do a lot of things on our CO₂ Laser #70 ⚡ ❤️
but the edges always end up burned even after calibration #40
and crucially, the Laser is 2D.
i.e. we only have 2 options: etch and cut, no depth (Z-axis)
this significantly limits our options when creating things.
And I have a specific project I'd like to work on that could use this machine immediately and "pay for itself".
if I had unlimited budget and space, I'd instantly buy a full-size CNC machine with tool-changer: #69
but I have neither, so I'm considering a more affordable entry point:
"VEVOR CNC Router Machine, 300W, 3 Axis GRBL Control Wood Engraving Carving Milling Machine Kit,
15.75 x 15.75 x 2.36 in / 400 x 400 x 60 mm Working Area 1200 RPM for Wood Acrylic MDF PVC Plastic Foam"
This configuration is maximising both the bed size and spindle power.
Obviously 300W is a "Toy" compared to the 9KW of the "Big Boy" CNC #69
And it's even under-powered compared to our most basic Hand-router (650W)
but it's perfect for mini-projects where we don't need anything fancy.
Searching on the Vevor site for the term "CNC": https://eur.vevor.com/s/cnc
We see that there are spare parts readily available for each core component of the CNC machine; tracks, spindle, chuck, controller, etc.
This is reassuring in a workshop/house where beginners may be using the tool (and break things!)
As for software to create designs for CNC Routing, the creators of Lightburn #44 have been working on MillMage:
https://lightburnsoftware.com/blogs/news/millmage-release-candidate-public-beta
So there will be a user-friendly software we can use to create our ideas.
Opening this issue to capture that I'm considering an entry level CNC Router. 🤔 💭
The BlackFriday discount is 11% which isn't enough for me to rush the purchase.
But the project I'd like to work (for XMas) is more of a factor ... 🎄 ⏳