CNC Routers for Hobbyists

For the hobbyist craftsman or inventor, building or buying your own plastics CNC router can be an incredibly rewarding experience that yields a great addition to your workshop. While they may seem complicated, the basic concept behind CNC technology is fairly straightforward. If you are interested in building your own routing table for cutting wood, plastic, metal or even stone, there is a good chance you have already dreamed up some designs you are ready to bring to life. This guide to the hobbyist CNC plastics router will explain how to get your workshop mass-producing custom parts in no time.

Plan Your Workshop Space

Before buying or building a CNC table, it is important that you carefully address the limitations of your workshop space. A CNC machine can be loud, and often creates a lot of waste product, such as shavings, filings or dust. You will want to account for every variable that may be affected by the addition of a new piece of machinery. You will want to make sure that you have enough space to move sheets of material, as they are being fed into or taken off of the routing machine.

 Select the Appropriate Cutting Area

The cutting area of a CNC machine is defined as the total distance that the cutting tool of the machine can travel along any one axis. Typically, you will want the largest cutting area possible that will fit in your workshop space and will accommodate the size of materials you will typically be cutting. The cutting area is calculated by measuring the cubic distance the machine can travel along the x-, y-, and z-axes.

Keep Machine Tools Sharp

Keeping your cutting tools clean, and sharp (if applicable) not only ensures the consistency of your finished product, but also reduces the likelihood you will need to replace parts.

For more tips on how to buy or use a CNC plastics router, contact the friendly machining experts at burntables.com!

Choosing a CNC Engraving Tool

A CNC machine allows technicians to completely automate machine tools to run in a pre-programmed and highly detailed pattern. First, the technician designs the part, component or product in a computer aided drafting software, and feeds the digital file into the CNC machine. The machine then overlays the pattern on whatever medium is being cut, drilled, welded, or engraved. If you are looking for a tool to allow high quality engraving with minute detail, a CNC torch may be the perfect solution. Here are a few guidelines for choosing the right tool for your job, equipment, and medium.

Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Depending on what type of engraving you need done, it is important to select the right tool. If you are carving or engraving a word or pattern with a lot of detail, you may want to use a router bit with a small angled tip, or a torch with a very thin bladed flame. For large text or design engravings a cutting torch with large degree will do the job best. Try to keep the tool you will use in mind when you are designing the tool path the CNC machine will follow to produce your design. 

 Choose the Right Tool for Your Equipment

Specifically, this means choosing the tool that is most compatible with your spindle motor. You will not use the same cutting or engraving tool on a low power motor as you will a motor with a lot of power. For smaller motors focus on reducing resistance to the cutting tool rather than increasing speed.

Choose the Right Tool for the Medium

You can use a CNC torch to cut, carve, or engrave nearly any medium, however you may need a specific torch tool for each one. For instance, plastic is much safter than a sheet of iron, and will require a tool that is much more delicate. Be sure to read your CNC tables user manual and always make sure that it is set up properly for the material you are cutting or carving.

Click here for more tips on selecting the right tools for any carving, cutting, engraving or other CNC job. 

Starting Your Own Metalworking Business

For most hobbyists, the dream is to eventually make a living doing what they love and are most passionate about. If you love working with your hands, and particularly, bringing reality to an idea, there is no greater thrill than when you start metal working business. However, making a reasonable living from your own small scale metalworking shop depends entirely on your ability to reach and satisfy the demands of your customers. Here are the most important steps to take when you want to turn your hobby into your very own income-generating lifestyle business.

1. Learn as Much as You Can

The first step to building a successful metal working business is to learn as much as you can and develop all of the skills your customers may need. There are many different types of metal working: casting, welding, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, and dozens more. It is often cost effective, particularly when starting out as a professional metalworker to specialize in one or two skills. Spend plenty of time in discipline practice trying to build skill in the field that interests you most. While not always necessary, obtaining educational credentials and licensure will go a long way in gaining your clients’ trust.

2. Bootstrap Your Way to Profitability

Many people consider taking out a small business loan to open their own artisan metalworking shop, however this is not always necessary or cost effective. Explore the resources available to you. Many cities have fully-equipped public or shared workshops to help you avoid the cost of shop space, tools, and equipment. Working in a shared space has the benefit of enabling you to network and learn from other industry professionals. Additionally, you will build skills and experience across a wide variety of tools, better enabling yourself to serve your customers.

3. Gain Experience by Any Means Necessary

As you are taking advantage of free and low-cost resources, you can also benefit from providing free services yourself. Though it may seem counter-intuitive to work for free, this is a great way to build skills, a portfolio, and a reputation. Doing pro bono work is a great way to make a name for yourself while still learning the industry. 

4. Select the Right Equipment

Once you start getting paid work, you may want to consider finding a private space and buying or leasing your own tools. This does not have to be anything dramatic, simply moving the business into your garage and leasing equipment will give your customers a stable, trusted, and confidential place to discuss the work. This goes a long way in building an image of professionalism and credibility amongst your customers.

For more tips to help you start metalworking business visit us at BurnTables.com today!