[SlamminBaits]

Fireball,
if you don't mind how much do you have invested I have been looking in to makeing one but I am a little overwhelmed by the computer part of it I pretty shure I can convert the machine I am looking at one from harbor frieght (280.00) and I think i found a place for the servos and other machanical parts (270.00) but the software is confussing to me i don't want to make something and not be able to use it any help would be great
thanks
dave

[Fireball Lures]

I have invested about $1,600 total in my project machine total including software Bobcad v17, this doesn't include trial and error parts and other materials I have purchased which I could not use. It takes alot of patience building one of these machines and I had no prior experience in anything like this before. I purchased the same mill you are talking about and have converted it to cnc using a kit from kdn tools. I can give you all the info and specs on the stuff that will work with this mill if you would like them. I need to still do a few things limit and home switches and purchase a few more tools for my project but I am happy with it so far and you can do alot more than make fishing lures with it. I have been doing some engraving with it for some friends who own different shops, as my first cnc projects starting out small to figure this machining process out but I must say it's a very interesting hobby. I still have alot to learn and have made some mistakes and would be glad to help anyone who is thinking about getting into this type of project.

[SlamminBaits]

Thanks for the info the servo's i am looking at are at hobbycnc.com i was looking at the 200 oz. 3 steppers but not shure if it will be enough or work,I also figure on using on a variaty of projects other than fishing stuff. sounds like the most expensive thing is software , I'm not worried about spending the money but how easy is it to use the software.
Thanks for the info
if you have the specs handy you can email me at slamminbaits@yahoo.com
thanks
dave

[Fireball Lures]

Once you have the machine setup and operating properly which takes time and some trial and error. The software is the biggest learning curve to the whole project I would recommend taking a class at a local community college on the CAD part which would help out greatly. The software that runs the machine isn't as bad as I first thought it does take time to setup and get properly adjusted and working correctly but comes with pretty good instructions that can be dowloaded and reviewed. The servo's you are talking about 200 oz in. probably will work good not sure if you're going direct drive or with a pulley configuration? I have ordered 258 oz in. steppers for mine and at the moment I am running some 116 oz in. steppers that came with my controls using direct drive method I can't run high feed rates and it doesn't have enough holding torque for large cuts.


Nathan

[Spike]

Fireball,

With the benchtop mill are you also controlling the Z-axis. If so how much travel are you getting? I just got a micro-mark mill and am playing with the idea of converting it. I haven't even had a chance to take it out of the crate, just moved to a new house, so I don't have a good idea of how much travel the Z-axis fine adjustment will allow. Also, did you need a lathe to perform the conversion? I have a machining and CAD background so programming and using the mill is familiar to me, it is the controller that will give me problems. Who do you think has the best info on what you need for a controller and how to hook it up? Thanks.

Spike

[LaPala]

I have a question guys. What is the easier/better software to use to draw those 3D shapes for CNCing. Still lookinng for a solution to this end as drawing then optimising the tool path and the conversion to g-code been my biggest headache.

[BigR]

How many baits per hour can you cut with the CNC?

[BC_CARVER]

Anyone have any pictures of baits made from the CNC?

[michael merrill]

I have read this thread a few different times in the past, but because of it's age, hesitated in prompting any further discussion.I am a professional custom woodworker who has experience with multiple axis cnc equipment.It has been my experience that cnc is the way to go if the product volume warrants the initial set-up cost in materials and labor.This will obviously vary greatly, depending on the equipment and software purchased.I personally dont think that any "off the shelf " machinery suits my needs with an alphabet style body, unless it is spindle based like a lathe.You could, however, reproduce a true flatsided lure very, very efficiently with the equipment that I am familiar with. Without milling completely through the sheet stock,it is common in the industry to produce high numbers of small pieces nested together with little waste, to later use a small trim router with a 1/4" bearing or pilot bit to seperate.One would have to be very familiar with the software to write this type of program.For an alphabet style, it is possible to engineer a spindle type set up where slave spindles would follow a template guided master spindle.The major problems would be deflection in the master spindle,and the under support of all the spindles during milling operations.All of those fixes are possible with time and understanding. Does any one here have any pictures of this type of production?