New to cnc
I’d like to build a CNC router, a CNC LATHE, a milling machine (at least 3 axis, possibly 5 axis)
After I get experience on wood/metal working machines I’d also want to venture into 3d printing
Eventually I’d also like to apply the technology to help cut leather to specifications that would allow me to draft a pattern for custom fit shoes. I’d like to draft the pattern and then allow the CNC to layout and cut the pattern in such a way that it can help cut the wasted (unusable) leather. Eventually I’d like to not only make my own custom fit shoes, but to measure a person’s feet in such a way it will aid (speed up) the pattern design and layout for others (essentially a cobbler shop that uses computers to plan, layout, and cut the pattern so I can then hand finish, and properly sew it together
I know this is a lot, and will take time and $. I feel like a router would be a starting point to then refine and adapt to a different field and market
Where do I go to start both making a machine, and then developing the software skills to draft what I want and then operate said machine to full potential.
In short I have a lot of hardware to learn to use, but also need to acquire or develop software (and learn to use it as well)
Any suggestions on where to start?
(If I can route wood, it is a minor shift to change cutting edge, and other requirements to work other materials, unless I am wrong, again looking to learn how to develop skills in the most efficient way)
Sounds like an awesome disruptive idea. Have you looked at digital vinyl cutters? Sounds like some modification of that platform may be a better fit than a CNC router. Essentially it’s a CNC controlled knife. It would probably need to exert more force to cut leather than vinyl. You could probably use off the shelf OS s/w.
I would suggest looking into a laser cutter as opposed to a router for cutting leather, you would generate much less dust that way. As a process, you could scan the person’s foot with a 3d scanner and use a larger volume 3d printer to make a custom “last”, which is what I believe is the term for the cobbler’s foot model. The software will be the most complex part, if you do not already code, I would look to hire a competent group of engineers. In the meantime, you could put a sock on the last (or foot), cover it in duct tape, cut it off and then scan the pieces and edit them in something like adobe Illustrator to develop the pattern. A laser cutter could pre-pierce the leather to make sewing more efficient. Then cut the leather on the leather cutter and make your shoes. Great idea.
Well I like the idea, but a router was just an entry into the CNC world, I was planning on adapting the hardware later, after I learned how to operate a more simple device first.
As I said I have minimal CNC experience, and wood seems to be easier as a starting point, before moving to a plyable material like leather. Because of material property differences I already know cross over is not 100% , so I’d have to adapt or modify gear to meet the needs of a new material (cutting method, tools, …)
Well on the bright side it would seem that to cut leather you only need to control cutting on 2 axes rather than 3 or 5
Waterjet might be another option for leather.
Actually I’d need 3 axis for leather to taper the edges thinner, so that once sewn they don’t create a bulge or uneven surface at the seam.
Have you guys seen the operating expenses associated with water jets? I was speaking with someone who considered one but after doing a cost analysis, he quickly changed his mind.
If you want to build your own CNC router then you have to determine what materials you want to cut and how large you want to be able to handle. This will let you determine the amount of horse power/wattts you will need for your spindle. It also will help you determine just how strong your CNC router has to be constructed, for example if you want to CNC aluminum, you probably want to have the router constructed of at least aluminum. I know it can be done with MDF but ideally aluminum.
I bought plans for Joe’s CNC 4x4 router and have watched the design update from lead screws, to rack and pinion and now he has the Evolution (http://i.ytimg.com/vi/g4bvFE5uKcQ/maxresdefault.jpg), which I would be upgrading to is the makerspace I joined didn’t just buy a Multicam 1000 series (http://www.multicam.com/routers.html).
Wow- another idea for 3d printing just struck me- but first I need baby steps of actually getting a working machine, and learning to properly draft my idea, and operate the machine. My first one, just to learn, I’d be happy to route on ply wood. I’d then learn a lot by using it, and then upgrade to aluminum, and then to other materials.
I just need to be competent enough on a simple machine that taking the next step to more powerful machines is comfortable and not overwhelming
First I’d start on wood then aluminum, then maybe welding steel, then. …
But I’d like to experiment at least with materials such as leather
You can get a special knife for cutting leather on a Cartesian cnc machine. Very common. Easy to build, as there’s little weight in the gantry -any plan for a laser cutter mechanism will do, but with a small z-axis added on.
You can use a standard A4 scanner for the feet -my shoemaker just gets me to fax them a scan with a ruler on the same scan, so they can get the scale right.
Alternatively, you could use a 3D scanner, but it’s a lot of data for little extra benefit.
You can trace the foot scan directly in using a vectoriser app, such as Illustrator and then import using some g-code generator like Cam Bam or similar.
What you are attempting isn’t new -cutting leather using cnc is a tried-and-true technology. The problem is, most bespoke cobblers use standard lasts and cut very fast by hand, taking into account hide grain, etc. using a cnc would take a lot longer than a printed pattern and a cobblers knife.
Donek tools have a bunch of info on cnc and drag knives http://donektools.com/cnc-knife-cutting-system-video-tutorialstutorial-video/
Their knives are about $220, with replacement blades at $20 for 50 blades
One of the openbuilds designs would be quick and easy to build, using stock plates, etc.
You could probably adapt the Routy to a big enough platform for cutting hides, but if you wanted to start off small, upgrading would be a simple matter of buying longer extrusion and some longer belts.
You can make a simple z-axis using an electromagnetic actuator. You don’t need a screw/ball nut/stepper - you are always cutting on the cnc bed, so can zero that with a screw and locknut.
The amount of vacuum needed for textiles can be achieved with an mdf bed, sealed with pva and using a decent vacuum cleaner. It doesn’t need to be an expensive industrial vac
