Beginner in CNC trying to decide on number of axes

Hello, everybody.

I'm a hobbyist with a particular taste for DIY projects, customisation and general tinkering. About a year ago I bought a 3D printer and have loved it ever since - I can produce little items that I can't buy anywhere, it's cheap and pretty much imagination is the limit. I have had my taste of 3D printing and as awesome as it is it has its own limitations, mainly in the materials the process uses. I want to upgrade to a CNC router and to be able to machine items out of materials like wood and aluminium and maybe steel, but I realise that this is a whole new level.

I'm searching for a unit that will be able to machine items that I design in three dimensions. I'm willing to buy a kit but I would prefer to assemble one myself (I'm assuming it won't be too challenging for me as I have built couple of 3D printers from scratch). I did a bit of a research and found out what 3-axis routers are capable of (pretty much 2D items and quite simple 3D ones) and I don't think this will be enough for my needs. I also looked into 4-axes and 5-axes routers and I believe that this will cover what I want to do. I, however, have doubts that 4-axes will be sufficient and that 5-axes will be too elaborate of a project. I realise that a small amount of after processing will be required but this won't be a problem.

I'd appreciate if someone more knowledgeable was to clarify things a bit for me.

Best

Hi Doc7,

Your research seems sound. But if a 5 axis machine is what you need then you are in for some pain ��
Either pain in the wallet as to buy a 5 axis machine is VERY expensive.
Or pain building your own, which would need a VERY high level of skill.
Not to mention the high level of skill required in 5 axis cad/cam.
In a nutshell, a true 5axis cnc is well beyond most hobbyists.

It might be an idea to try a small 3 or 4 axis machine first and then decide how to move forward based on your experience with that.
Cheers

I did some more research and coupled with your suggestion the answer seems clear - get a 3-axis machine and eventually add a 4th axis.

I, however, don't really know the market and a suggestion for the way to go will be appreciated. I was looking at the Openbuilds Ox but it doesn't seem to be very robust so I kinda shy away from it.

Hi,
Ox's aren't very well thought of here, certainly not for aluminium. http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/9738-...OX-cnc-machine

In terms of bang for buck, the general concensus i have picked up is you will get a lot better machine if you make it yourself.
Take a look at some of the builds here to get a feeling of what can be done. http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/253-DIY-Router-Build-Logs

If you are thinking about buying, post the specific machine here and ask for opinions, there are alot of very knowledgable people here who will give you an honest opinion. Try to include as much info as possible such what materials you intent to cut. General questions like "whats the best cnc machine to buy" rarely get replies.

Cheers

I have been on the internet for the past couple of days and I have somewhat better understanding of this entire endeavour. Until something better comes along as an alternative Omio will be my choice of machine.
I have been looking at both the X6 and X8 and I lean more towards the X6. The X8 is bigger and that's nice but if I ever upgrade to larger work area I'd like to have a taller machine too.

I'd like to ask for advice on is which flavour of X6 to choose? There's the X6 USB and the X6 EPL. In the USB version a computer links to the router and feeds it gcode and the EPL version reads a storage device with gcode on it, if I understand correctly. I don't use computer for my 3D printers and I like it that way but I'm worried that the EPL version allows for less versatility in terms of the program that spits the gcode. Is my thinking even right? I'd like to get a second opinion on that.
Links to X6 USB (https://www.omiocnc.com/products/x6-2200l-usb.html) and X6 EPL (https://www.omiocnc.com/products/x6-2200epl.html)

The general way I would ideally approach this entire business is to buy a decent, not too expensive router now and when I have decent amount of experience build a great machine myself. We'll see how well it all turns out, hahah.

I have no experience of omio, but there are a few members here who do.
There is a good discussion here http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10673...sheet/page5#49

Not so good stuff here.
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10078...-2200L-machine
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10618...ck-there-of%29

Cheers

Thanks for your input.

I realise it can break and if I bought it there are no guarantees but I want to get something usable that I can get to work with from the start, not have it delivered nonoperational and then making it work like I suspect most of the ebay routers are.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by doc7

Thanks for your input.

I realise it can break and if I bought it there are no guarantees but I want to get something usable that I can get to work with from the start, not have it delivered nonoperational and then making it work like I suspect most of the ebay routers are.

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The X6 is not an ordinary eBay router. If you buy a general 6040 THAT is an eBay router I'd worry about.

Normally I don't think you'd get it delivered non-operational, but you should not expect it to be plug and play. I don't think you can buy any of these machines, regardless of price, and expect to unpack it, put it on the table and start using without spending an hour or two, (or even more) with adjusting screws, installing parts, squaring and so on. Remember that even the best machine makes a long travel and requires some installation and adjustments. Yes you can be REALLY unlucky and get a pile of useless crap, but the probability of that is really small, considering how many of these type of machines are sold. Of course, if you worry too much you could contact a local dealer and pay extra for the risks he is taking and for the warrantee he is giving for you, but otherwise just buy one. Another option you have is to contact somebody who actually is building these for sale. Try JAZZCNC of this forum. Maybe he can build one for you, but I am pretty sure it will be considerably more expensive - but also better - than the X6 since he needs to pay the same price for a pint :very_drunk: as you have to.

Right, right. Absolutely agree. My point was that ebay routers are the wrong way to go, not that Omio will be completely hassle free

140mm under the collet nut isn't much space to fit a fourth axis into unless it's a really tiny one.

Yeah I was thinking something along those lines too.

For the sake of the argument, if we were to look at the X6 220 USB is there a way to increase the Z travel. Maybe cutting longer side supports. I'm brainstorming, don't really know if that's possible at all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by magicniner

140mm under the collet nut isn't much space to fit a fourth axis into unless it's a really tiny one.

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...but it is much more than most other eBay machines, and the majority of hobby machines have. Also, 100mm is what most 4th axis needs, so in general, for a hobby machine I think 140mm Z clearance is more than enough and is definitely not a "tiny one".

Quote:

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Originally Posted by doc7

Yeah I was thinking something along those lines too.

For the sake of the argument, if we were to look at the X6 220 USB is there a way to increase the Z travel. Maybe cutting longer side supports. I'm brainstorming, don't really know if that's possible at all.

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I guess you could do that, but you have to remember that the increased height will also increase the flexing and the "flimsyness" of a moving gantry machine.

I will bear that in mind.

I was browsing online for accessories that go with routers. More specifically vices and cutting bits. The X6 comes with a 6mm and a 3.175 collet.

What should I know when it comes to vices and cutting bits?