TOPIC: Just a little project

i had to pick a project for the final year of my sheet metal apprenticeship. it's supposed to show that we know how to design, draw, then execute a complex construction project. some guys build tool boxes, some build truck bumpers. others have made everything from an aluminum boat to an ornate bronze urn. i've decided to make a home made CNC milling machine. i figured that since we can't buy a lot of the emblems, decals, brackets and other misc. parts for the boats we love, why not be able to make 'em?

anyway, this post is probably jumping the gun a bit, as i'm still in the design phase and i'll likely be a couple months before construction begins, but i'm in full stoke and couldn't help myself.

here's a couple videos that show other home built machines







anyone have an emblem or decal they can't find anywhere?

I think this is a Killer project. Hope to see the results.

i've found myself in a pickle in regards to the size of the table. i can make it any size i want, but i'l like to be able to fit it in the garage too. i'm going to be limited to a maximum of 36" deep. i'd really like to stick to 24" though. as far as width goes, i can make it anything from 24" to 96". the bigger i go, the beefier everything has to be, so i was think i'd stick to a 24"x48" table size. considering that i'm building this to enable me (mainly) to custom fabricate parts for my boat(s), i don't want to limit myself either. it'd be a bummer to build a 24"x48" table only to find that i need to make a part that's 28" or something like that.

can anyone think of something that could possibly need to be milled that wouldn't fit on a 24"x48" table?

Well off the top of my head I can't think of anything boat wise, unless your going to do custom engraved cabinet doors, or tables tops etc. Could apply to custom cabin doors. Guess it depends on if you make them appliques or carved straight into the door. Just some thoughts.

Bob

Been a long while since I've posted... it's amazing what happens when you get busy! anyway, i've been plugging away on the CNC router table and figured you guys might want a pic or two. this thing could be operational by March 1st!

Also, here's another video i found that got me really excited about getting this thing operational!