CNC foam cutting machine.

[rogallo]

Hey everyone, I am looking for information to make my own cnc foam cutting machine. I have read lots but still have no idea where to start.
Can anyone (Joe) give me advice where to buy parts what model to build and what sort of costs are involved.
Thanks in advance

Ralph

[billscottni]

Ralph, I've been building one for a long time, (some would say too Long).
Mine is based on the "La Rustica" French plans. I've built the original La Rustica, whereas I think Joe's is the MkII. I built the original because it takes up less space.

http://www.teaser.fr/~abrea/cncnet/table/rustica/dossier/rusticaplan_v6eng.pdf

Motors I bought from a place in France Fred suggested. I'll find the info and email it. My board is a HobbyCNC from the US, but I'm not sure they're available now. I would look at something based on the MM2001 boards which suit GMFC software.

Software wise, there is GMFC, Foamcutter and a couple of others.
I'm working just now, so I'll try and post more later, incl. some links

[Fred]

Hey Ralph,

For the cnc cutting machine, this is the plan I gave to Joe (I think this is the ones he followed) :
http://grenadeindoor.modelisme.com/cnccompact.htm

Very simple to make, only a few pieces to cut for the carriages!  
For steppers etc, I buy my stuff from Technimaniacs in France : http://www.technimaniacs.fr/fr/

At 10 euros a stepper, you can't really beat that! And that's what I have on my cnc machine, and no problem at all, great quality and powerful!

For the card, the best ones are the MM2001, not sure where you can find them these days (Joe?  :?: ), but you can buy some alternatives ones at Hobbycnc ( http://www.hobbycnc.com/ )

As for software, GMFC seems to be the one to use, but you will find alternative softwares, some free, some not, but would recommend GMFC as this is the most used (good if you need some support for setup etc etc!)

After that, you need a good power supply!    Mind you, some card have an integrated PSU (PICACHOF option for the MM2001 card for example).

Let me know if you have any questions! But Joe will certainly step in on that one  

[rogallo]

Thanks for this.
Now for the first silly question, the good power supply is for the wire only?

Cheers

Ralph

[Fred]

Hi Ralph,

Yes, need a good one for the wire (and a good quality wire).
Of course, keep in mind that the longer the wire, the more power you will need to have an even heat on your wire.