What kind of machine do I need? - Woodworking Talk

Erlend · 09-28-2009, 09:46 AM

I have never done any real woodworking before, but I've made a small design that I would like to be able to carve out automatically from a Sketchup file (or similar). The thing is that my design has an internal "tunnel" going sloped from one side to the other. Is there a desktop-sized, affordable machine that can do this?

mics_54 · 09-28-2009, 11:41 AM

With money all things are possible. You need a money machine.

seriously though..I cannot say if CNC is what you need. There are forums specifically for CNC though.

phinds · 09-28-2009, 11:49 AM

You need to post pics of what you are talking about. It may be that what you want to build can be done with a bandsaw and a drill, or it may be much more complicated. Who can tell from such a vague "spec".

Erlend · 09-28-2009, 12:11 PM

(The design is very simplified)

The whole piece is about 10cm long. I would like to be able to "mass produce" the pieces (to a certain degree of course, its still a hobby project).

And yes, a money machine would be great in any situation.

Wood4Fun · 09-28-2009, 12:40 PM

looks to me like you need a chisel and a hammer. a machine to automate that would cost far more than I'm guessing you want to spend.

mics_54 · 09-28-2009, 12:57 PM

wow 10 cm (3.93701 inches)...hmmm...and it can't be assembled ..say from 2 or 4 pieces?

**Daren** · 09-28-2009, 01:01 PM

Does this piece have to be solid for some reason ? That is easily made in 4 pieces. The center piece just cut on that angle and separated the right distance and the outside strips laminated on. (If that description is clear enough ?)

It looks like mics 54 and I typed at the same time

That is how I make some of my hand planes for example.

mics_54 · 09-28-2009, 01:16 PM

...ya daren...and if you wanted to get a fashizzle wid it you could make them all from the same piece and could barely see the joints after a glueup if it matters.

mics_54 · 09-28-2009, 01:32 PM

...actually I think I would rip one edge off...saw/rout the slot.. the glue the single edge back on.

Erlend · 09-29-2009, 02:03 AM

Hehe, sorry guys, it has to be solid.

**Daren** · 09-29-2009, 08:55 AM

Well then a fixture to hold the piece firm/proper angle on a drill press with a mortising attachment or dedicated mortising machine ? Or mortise an oversized straight block (assuming here a guy can find a long mortising bit the right size) and then slice that block on the desired angle to make as many of those things as you can from the one piece ?

mics_54 · 09-29-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Hehe, sorry guys, it has to be solid.

why?

Erlend · 09-29-2009, 02:02 PM

Actually, I want the machine to do this as well (without having to do anything):

woodnthings · 09-29-2009, 02:17 PM

After seeing all the back cuts and holes I think a 5 axis CNC mill to cut it out or cast it in a 3 piece flexible mold with a removable plug. Wood? Maybe?
I donno on this shape. JMO

bill

Wood4Fun · 09-29-2009, 03:48 PM

I'm gonna say it again... you need hand tools. Any machine that will do this will cost so much, you'd need to produce and sell on a massive scale to make it worth the investment.... or, do what Bill said, make it out of something else and cast it.

Erlend · 09-29-2009, 04:51 PM

Can it be done with a CarveWright-thingamajig, or does that have too few axes?

mics_54 · 09-29-2009, 10:36 PM

You might try CNCzone.com forum

Wood4Fun · 09-30-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Can it be done with a CarveWright-thingamajig

no

Quote:

does that have too few axes?

yes

Quote:

Is there a desktop-sized, affordable machine that can do this?

the "CarveWright-thingamajig" lists for $1899.00.... so, even if it did what you want, is that "affordable". I guess if you are looking at making a lot of these things, or using it for something else, it could be. If you are looking for a one time solution, I doubt it

Erlend · 09-30-2009, 01:29 PM

A man can probably find lots of uses for a machine like that...

However a mortising machine would probably be more affordable and simpler, if it can do the curve without too much hassle.

woodnthings · 09-30-2009, 02:09 PM

A mortising machine drills square holes, usually perpendicular to the top surface and is used in joining sections of wood primarlly at right angles to one another. It will not make curves, but if you make the hole first, then cut the curve afterward, it will have the same appearance. They usually come in 1/8th" increments, so if your opening is an oddball size for some reason that may not work. It may be possible to mortise the hole first,then create the shape with a bandsaw. A practice run will determine if that is what you need.
Determining the angle of the mortise will be a little tricky and then the set up. But who knows? Again, I don't know why you require it be made of wood, but that's up to you. It will have weaknesses due to grain direction as opposed to a cast piece which would be strong in all directions.

bill