Tim's new tool (CNC Router)

[Tim K]

Some here know I own a small cabinet shop. Last week, we took delivery of the coolest tool I've ever seen. It's a CNC (computer numerically controlled) router. It's a 3 axis machine which means it will cut in all three dimensions. We use it to cut cabinet parts, but other businesses use them to make carved signs, orthotic inserts, rifle stocks, etc. If you're familliar with milling machines, this is basically a 4' X 8' CNC mill.

We ran our first job on it yesterday (a small kitchen) and it did what used to take us about 50 hours in 4. Yahoo. Needless to say, prices are going down and profit margins are going up!

It's pretty cool to watch, so I posted a video of it running a sheet on youtube.



One of the more amazing aspects is the way the material is held down to the work table. In the vid, you'll see a 15hp vacuum pump that is used to suck the work piece down to the table. The amazing thing is that the vacuum is pulled straight through a 3/4" thick piece of MDF. No holes, no nuthin. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

Once we get basic operation down, I'll be graduating to goofy hobby projects on the weekends. Ought to be fun.

[Byte Stryke]

Fixed it for you

[cebeu]

"...rifle stocks...I'll be graduating to goofy hobby projects on the weekends."

Like maybe "custom AR wood stocks?"

FUDD; "No...that's not an ASSAULT weapon, can't be...look at it...it has 'purdy' wood on it..."

[beast556]

That is very nice, looks like it will save you tons of time. When I remodel my kitchen I will have to get in touch with you.

Bryan

[HBARleatherneck]

yes, i havent seen any wood ar stocks lately. i want one. of course making the buttstock isnt too hard by hand. but hanguards, that might be more difficult for me, with the tools I have. so Tim, make an a2 buttstock, and a set of midlength handguards. for scientic reasons of course.

[Byte Stryke]

yes, i havent seen any wood ar stocks lately. i want one. of course making the buttstock isnt too hard by hand. but hanguards, that might be more difficult for me, with the tools I have. so Tim, make an a2 buttstock, and a set of midlength handguards. for scientic reasons of course.

LOL Wood burning kit included?

[2008f450]

Im a metal guy but can appreciate a fine piece of equipment. Especially the amount of time they can save you. Have fun with the new piece.

[HBARleatherneck]

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=6...004900_d_10867#


brownells sells them. but, I have seen some I like better. drill the holes, and install the heatshields, the handguards will be fine. no burning.

here is another company.



http://ar15wood.com/product_info_4.html

[Mtn.man]

Cool,, can't have enough tools.
We got a new Plasma cutter 1 1/4 capacity.

[Hoser]

Once we get basic operation down, I'll be graduating to goofy hobby projects on the weekends. Ought to be fun.

You know where I live. Just say the word.

That is just too cool. Cant wait to come up and see it.