Putting together info on CNC for plexi, gator, dibond and chromaluxe panels.

[dgberg]

Is anyone here using a CNC in there shop that they would recommend?
Looking for a machine with a work surface of 3'x4' or preferably 4'x4'
We have a large sliding tablesaw for breaking down our 4x8' sheets but want to nest small parts out of 4 different substrates from half sheet material.
Will be cutting
1/8" and 1/4" plexiglass
1/4" and 3/8" gatorboard
3mm Dibond
Chromaluxe metal
In addition to cutting plexiglass to smaller sizes we want to cut the corner holes for the standout hangers.
We are getting more requests for custom size metal prints. We can buy those in sheets and cut them to any size on the CNC.
Just do not have the space or budget for a 4'x8' machine.
Any suggestions?

Laguna has a nice 4x4' but it is 14k.

[mandodude]

I have a ShopBot PRT48 (4x4' table).  This is the older machine, open loop, microstepper motors.  The newer machines are closed loop microstepper motors.  Mine has run without issues since I bought 15+ years ago.  I've worn out several routers and am seriously thinking about upgrading to a high freq spindle.  I've always found the ShopBot people, both the company and the folks on the users forum, to be very helpful.  I'd buy ShopBot again.

[mandodude]

By the way, call ShopBot and tell them where you are located.  They will refer you to an owner if there is one in your area and you can go see one in operation.

[dgberg]

if I may ask. How are you using your machine and with what materials?
thanks

[mandodude]

Sure...using it to make musical instrument parts. Specifically mandolin and guitar.  Mostly wood.  I've cut a few pieces of Plexiglas.  It's all a matter of cutter type, feed rate, and rpm (and coolant for some metals).  I really have limited experience outside of wood, but I know people use them for other materials.  I think they even make a version with a plasma cutter.  ShopBot has been around a while.  A lot of companies come and go.  ShopBot, Laguna, Fadal, and a few others have been around a lot of years.

[dgberg]

Thanks for the info.
Right now I get my Gatorboard in 4x8 sheets and break them down on my SCMI sliding table saw. The plexiglass sheets I have cut and delivered in 4x4' sheets and then cut down on the saw. That 4x4 panel is so much easier to start with. My issue with most of these cuts are the dust/chips that just cling to everything. I take a tack rag and throughly clean all pieces after cutting. I still will have to do this with a cnc but maybe not as much. The big issue is the investment is huge. Throw in the learning curve and it may be more then I want to get involved with.
Another option that I may consider is the Fletcher 3100 cutter. It solves the dust issue and is in the $3000 range, more to my liking.

[mandodude]

The CNC is going to generate a lot of fine dust. Even with a good dust collection system, some will escape.  It will be a lot finer than what is generated by your panel saw.  That may be a big minus for you.  If you are just cutting rectangular panels, I'd think there are more efficient ways to do it....and as you say, cheaper as well.  If you are cutting odd shapes, CNC is definitely the way to go.