Thoughts on the CNC machines

[Marshall]

I have been kicking around about the pro's and con's of buying one of these CNC machines and wondered what you guys think about these machines . I have found out that the one I have priced doesn't come with the router and of course you have to more or less have or buy the laptop PC to control it - and this one also comes with some soft-ware . Any comments would be helpful , because I have been doing some serious thinking about this machine ...................MB

[tux_linux]

really a CNC system? why?
Has your scrolling reached a level to go for industrial production?

[daliclimbs]

Marshall, I have a buddy that saved up and bought the shark system from Rockler. He can do some pretty neat things with it. Like you said it requires a PC of some sort to run the design program, which to me looked kinda complicated. The only downside I see is the lack of involvement the craftsman plays. The machine does everything.. I have only watched him tinker with it a couple times, but I can say its not for me..

[Marshall]

I still want to keep getting more feed back , but thinking about this CNC machine in my part was after re-tierment starting an internet business . I just thought that this machine would turn out more product and a lot faster , now I don't know if it would be worth it in the end or not . And I also considered a laser cutting system - but now I don't want to break the bank - just want people's feedback on these tools .....thanks so much guys ...........keep them a coming ..............MB

[BilltheDiver]

Some of the cnc's are great tools.  I think they can be fascinating.  I have heard of far too many problems with the carvewright (however it is spelled), but the more expensive ones can be quite good.

In my opinion though, if you are looking to start any kind of business, the more important part is developing a product that will sell and a market to sell it in.  If you accomplish those two things, then the tool and technology for you production will naturally follow.  If all you have is a faster way to make the same things, then someone else will always find a way to make it even faster and cheaper.

[tux_linux]

Marshall, with a CNC or laser cutter you'll change the way of woodwork completely. You will be producing industrial:
You'll have to conquer the Chinese and others super cheap producers.
You'll have another style of wood work. Some woods are not suitable for CNC and laser. Some patterns are not suitable. Laser leaves burned edges.
You'll have another business. This is not the wood shop you know by now. This is a computerized thing with straight production time and certain output to achieve.

To make a long story short: You'll get a business in exchange for your favorite hobby.

My brother works with a CNC system to create wood stairways. They are producing 2-3 a day, which is much more than a normal cabinet maker would be able to make (he would make like 1 stairway in 5 days).
It's a complete change of business. His company doesn't look like it looked before. It's not warm and cozy any more - it's a industrial production with a bright gray floor. The work benches are not used much any more. The workers have movable tool boxes like car mechanics.
Complete different story.

[Russ C]

I am trying to figure out what you are wanting/thinking about doing that you would need that type of machine, let alone the cost. Those machines are usually used for industrial type production. Are you selling that much or just hoping? 

[Dan26]

I've seen some really cool door panels that were made on a CNC. If I could carve worth a darn, I'd love to try making one of those types of panels. But, I'm not that artistic, so if I had a CNC I know the first thing I'd make.

[Marshall]

Hey guys I was just kicking this around for a job after I leave my present job , and it sounds like I wouldn't retire if I went this route ...........It sounds like it would not be feasible for the long haul .......MB

[supershingler]

I BOUGHT A CARVEWRIGHT THAT I REALLY LIKE.  I VE HAD A FEW ISSUES BUT WORKED THEM OUT.  ANY PIECE OF MACHINERY LIKE A CNC IS GOING TO HAVE ISSUES.  ITS NOT LIKE JUST CHUCKING A BLADES IN A SCROLLSAW AND START CUTTING.

I MAKE THINGS ON MY CARVEWRIGHT AND DO SCROLLING TOO.  WHEN THING ARE BEING PRODUCED IN THE CARVER I USUALLY FIRE UP THE SCROLLSAW WHILE IM WAITING.

YOU CANM MAKE SOME NEAT STUFF WITH A CNC AND THERE ARE SOME GOOD DEALS ON THE CARVEWRIGHT AT THE MOMENT.

I THINK IT IS A GOOD ADDITION TO ANY WOODWORKING SHOP BUT THERE IS A LEARNING CURVE FOR SURE.

KENDALL