CNC Router

 

A CNC wood router uses CNC (computer numerical control) and is similar to a metal CNC mill with the following differences:

  • The wood router typically spins faster — with a range of 13,000 to 24,000 RPM
  •  Manufacturing centre machines frequently use surface facing tools up to 3″ in diameter or more, and spindle power from 5 to 15 horsepower. Our router spindle is a 2.2kW or 3 horsepower and can take most common cutters upto 1/2″ diameter shank. It’s maximum cut speed is 12metres per minute.
  • It can cut 2D, 2.5D shapes and 3D carvings in wood, foam, aluminum and common plastics e.g. ABS or acrylic.

An example of v-carving and 2D cutting using TWMS router…

A wood router is controlled in the same way as a metal mill, but there are CAM and CAD applications such as Vectric, Artcam, Mastercam, Bobcad, and Featurecam, which are specifically designed for use with wood routers – we use Vectric Cut3D and V-Carve Pro to create toolpaths.

Our router is capable of machining full sheet size of 2440 x 1220 and Z-250mm and can make sculptures many times the bed size as models can be ‘sliced’ to make huge installations.

 File Types:

The router machine itself uses G-code to move around and that’s pretty arduous and technical for someone to learn for everyday work so we use  G-code creation software. The G-code is a series of instructions about X, Y, Z coordinates and spindle speed, direction etc.

For 2D or [sheet cutting]-

DXF file format is preferred. We can generate DXF’s via our other tools if you don’t have access to compatible software. We can even design your pen and paper drawings if you like!

For 3D [or carving modelling]-

Vectric Cut3D utilises the same file format as our 3D Up! Printer so you could -in effect- use the same model on both machines!

The file format is .stl [but we can use any 3D file format to create a usable and machinable model].

Food for thought:

Some thoughts to be taken into account when planning a model/2D cut:

  • Thickness is limited by the bottom of cutter and gantry [250mm in Z-axis]
  • Length of cutter – the longer the cutter the deeper the cut can go, but deflection will require slower speeds so as not to break the cutter! If the cutter is too short, the collet and chuck will hit [and mark and/or destroy] the piece being machined!

 

Pricing:

Depending on volume we can be flexible to some extent with this machine during our opening hours.

Normal pricing is $145/hr [or $100/hr with Student Card or Membership] plus materials and cutter. This includes:

  • Job Setup
  • Run time
  • Supervision on job
  • Cleandown
  • Rubbish/sprue disposal.

Note: If you have a large run or long-time/complex machining job – talk to us :)