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158

Was thinking of dropping 5-10k on a cnc. Is there a lot of demand out there? Is 4x4 enough room to make an extra 100k? Any success/heartbreak stories?

Was thinking of dropping 5-10k on a cnc. Is there a lot of demand out there? Is 4x4 enough room to make an extra 100k? Any success/heartbreak stories?

(post is archived)

[–] • 4 pts

I am taking machinists classes now at my local CC to answer this question myself. In my mind I think it will be better to get a good used lathe and mill. I will take more training, but making one offs or small runs of parts will be more cost effective. If I can make some descent moneys, I will invest is a HAAS(https://www.haascnc.com/machines/multi-axis/5-axis-mills.html)

[–] • 3 pts

My friend works for HAAS if you have any questions, dm and I can get him in contact with you.

[–] • 3 pts

I started CNC in 2002, took it in 7th grade and Jr/Sr year of high school, I had a roommate with his own CNC business in 2011, his financing payment on his largest table was twice that of his mortgage. The market needs more CNC, especially in growing areas with lots of new developments going up. CAD/CAM/3DP is the absolute most efficient method for inventing, design & invention will never go away, there is ALWAYS a need for skilled freelance 3D modelers as well. It’s a great way to make money if you know how to market, and if you’re first in a market. My area needs a good CNC shop.

[–] • 1 pt

What software would you recommend to get into this and what would be one (software) that covers all bases including professional use? Does AutoCAD still rule?

[–] • 1 pt

AutoCAD is still good, the pros use Fusion360

[–] • 2 pts

Reminds me of my biz: “anyone can buy a PA system (“public address,” concert sound system). But do you have clients/ accounts lined up to pay it off? Obviously chicken-and-egg, no nevermind if you can use your investment efficiently. $10k would buy a pretty lame bar-band rig, ha!...

But, your idea for fabrication would better. In your home, could operate while you sleep maybe. Suppose it’s always supply/ demand/ niche.

Cool factor: I have the metal shop guys at work designing/ building a custom flybar piece for me. I keep stopping in to see, designer guy asks if it’s super urgent, I say not terribly, but is definitely fun to watch it come together. Milled this, tapped that. Very neat IMO.

[–] • 0 pt

For speakers, especially the huge PA low horn type I think there's a lot to be saved from building yourself if you have the time.

[–] • 1 pt

What are your plans for the cnc? There are plenty of applications that can use a laser cnc for small projects you can engrave into wood or other material for a tidy profit and entry level ones are in the 5-10k range.

[–] • 0 pt

I have a woodworking business already and it seems like a wildly useful machine for cabinets, doors, tables. I mostly do custom work so it seems like it could be a time saver.

[–] • 1 pt

well you can get a shop sabre for about 10k, easy to learn software, works with most cad and cam software, shop sabre has its own easy to learn software that comes with it, i wouldnt go any smaller than a 4x8 table

[–] • 0 pt

Thanks. Was looking at their stuff this morning.

[–] • 0 pt

I’ve been looking at the Phantom S series. They seem like rugged machines. Though I have a feeling I’ll have to build something for it to live in. I’ll check out shop Sabre. And I hope your wife is OK, friend. I’m praying for you guys as well. (Clicked on your posting history and saw what you went through)

[–] • 0 pt

Any idea how sensitive these machines are to temperature? I have an enormous barn and Decently cold winters. Nothing crazy. But I wonder if climate control is mandatory.

[–] • 1 pt

IMHO. Be certain you can get the work before you get the machine. We got a CNC VMC because we were sub-contracting work to outside CNC shops. It was simply a matter of doing the work ourselves and not the bigger task of finding regular work for it and building a business around it.

Wonder what happened to ? he was on this site a while back?

[–] • 1 pt

I have a woodworking business already, so I’m pretty sure it would ease parts of my workflow

[–] • 0 pt

Yes, you could get more or better work for your core business because of the added variety and volume you could run on your cnc.

[–] • 1 pt

Repeat after me "Do you have a warrant?" and "I am invoking my right to remain silent" if fedbois ever show up.

[–] • 1 pt

lol, I don't think that's the cnc he's asking about!

[–] • 1 pt

These days the ATF would practically call a block of aluminum and a CNC machine a NFA item sooooo :)

[–] • 0 pt

When I worked at a machine shop some of the guys would buy lathes and run parts at home for extra cash. Shit like screws and pins are easy to crank out on the lathe in the garage while you watch TV.

[–] • 0 pt

What fer power does such a machine need? Solid 120v 20a single phase, or nice 240v off the split? Or real 3phase power?

[–] • 0 pt

Many big machines run off of 110, apparently, which seems impossible to me.

[–] • 0 pt

I have been looking into this for awhile now too. I have been studying the shit out of this and a common theme I see is people buying bigger machines within a year or so. Some lament that they wish they would have just spent the money for the bigger one in the first place.

I am pretty much settled on the Maverick 4x8

https://lwmcnc.com/build-and-price-maverick-4x8-atc-pricing/

It's expensive but it is so capable with its three workstations.

I would do some research on the competition in your local area to see what you're up against. If you've got a big shop nearby that has all the local business they might be a nightmare for you to go up against.

Plasma tables are a lot cheaper and something to consider if you might like metal working as well.

I am looking at https://www.langmuirsystems.com/xr

With these two machines I could set up a sweet little business and get out of doing insurance construction work.