Thinking of building MM for acrylic
 

Hello all,
I've been lurking here for a while and have read most of the forum, sometimes more than once. I'm currently set up in Bucharest in Romania but hope to be back in Canada before autumn.

I am in two minds right now about buying a Chinese built CNC router or building a MM. I might actually end up doing both so I have backup. I intend to cut up to 20mm acrylic and MDF and am wondering if anyone has had experience cutting acrylic with the geared stepper motors? I currently cut on a laser cutter/engraver but have limited power so cutting thick material is not practical.

I'm hoping to go to flame finish from the router (if possible) without refinishing the edge with a sanding machine. Do you think this would be possible on a MM? Can someone please post a sample of an acrylic cut close up so I can evaluate the possible finish?

What a great site and thanks.

David

Check out Sean's personal posts. #298


http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=460

I cut A LOT of plastic. Acrylic, Polycarbonate, PVC, Sintra, Plastic laminate over MDF and/or Ply. NO problem. Actually, really easy.

Just make certain that you match the correct bit to the substrate.
Refer to http://www.hartlauer-bits.com/
They have a reference chart to match bits/speed etc for use.
The cutting speeds recommended in the back cover of the booklet are almost always dead-on correct.

Good luck and happy building.
Sean

If you cutting plastic I highly recommend that you use 7.2 geared steppers and a smaller pinion. This was one of the deciding factors in going with the 20T pinions on my machine. I sacrificed a little jog speed for very good low cutting speed control over the work surface. The proof is in the finished product.

Sean

Thanks Sean and Greg, I'll keep that all in mind when I finally get around to accumulating parts. Lots more queries I expect. :)