A point in the right direction
 

Hello all! I am new to the cnc world and need a point in the right direction. I am looking to build a cnc that has a 4' x 8' cutting area. I want to be able to cut wood so I can make molds for fiberglass and do custom wood work. I have been doing alot of research and its alot of information...lol. And still have alot more to do! I am looking for plans with part lists. It needs to be able to cut 3d designs. Three axes will do. If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. If any more information is needed please let me know. Thank you in advance to all who respond.

RJ

You have come to the right place. The MechMate plans are available for purchase from the web site.

The beauty of the MechMate is that the size is up to you. All is explained in the plans as well as many threads within the forum.

I am also building a machine the same size as you are looking at. I will be using it to cut wood for childrens toys.

Welcome to the site and journey.

Mick

It is easy to just ask for a BOM, but since you can custom the design to an great extend no 2 builder will have the same BOM at any one time.
With MM, BOM is one very important task a builder should assemble himself, this exercise ensures the builder understand what he/she is doing before the 1st purchase.
IMHO, one of the factors which made the MM design shine is the requirement for the builder to finesse his own BOM... Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Welcome to the forum !!! Looking forward to your build.

Mike

I tried looking at the plans but it says I have to pay for them which is not a problem, but I want to know what kind of designs they are before purchasing them. Also I'm assuming they are all steel cnc machines. I don't have a welding machine which I could rent one. I'm trying to find out what tools are required for the build, what types of materials will be used, and a general cost of the build. I was looking at cnczone.com and they gave this information, but didn't have plans for the size of cutting area I'm looking for. I have looked for the information on here and can't seem to find any of this information. Am I missing it somewhere?

Metalhead,
Through reading some of the posts I understand you sell prefab parts or kits for some of the plans? Is this correct?

yes that is correct. www.cvsupply.com and click on mechmate. I also have many electrical items as well. Search 'Electric Kit' to see details on those here in the forum.

Metalhead,
On these prefab kits are they universal. Meaning, since MM plans are customizable for different sizes is your kit still going to work for a larger table such as the one I'm planning on building
4'x8'. I am also interested in your electric and wiring kits as well, but am far from needing them now...unfortunately.

Yes, 4'x8' table is pretty standard. Mine accepts a 49" x 97" sheet of material. Many MM's are made for 5' x 12' material.

Great! I was trying to find out as much as possible before purchasing the plans to make sure this is what fits my needs. I think I have what I am looking for and will purchase the plans. I am still curious to know what the cost is going to be including the whole build with all software for everything is going to be. I know its case by case, but just a general idea woud be give me an idea.

5-8K pending choices.

100~200% more if you go all branded & don't shop for the best price.

wow...a little more than I thought. I don't need top brand and will definitely be price searching. I think it will be well worth it. Can't wait to get started!

Less than $5k for mine. Look for deals and opportunities when purchasing.

Huge value can be had with choices like the following:
- g540 combination controller, bob and drivers all in one
- make your own rails
- use router instead of spindle to get started
- salvage purchase on non essential components like: power cabinet enclosure, use emc I stead of mach3 software, etc.
- steel from salvaged items instead of purchase will save $$$$$$$


Good luck