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Are You CNC Curious? EP30
If you’ve ever dabbled in CNC machining or dreamed of turning your garage into a mini manufacturing hub, you’ll know that the journey is equally thrilling and frustrating. In this episode, Brian and Greg take you through their CNC journey—from their first modest machine to new upgrades.
Watch It On YouTube
Hosted by
Brian Benham
Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/
Brian On Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benham_design
Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ
Greg Porter
https://skyscraperguitars.com/
Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage
Show Notes
Brian’s First CNC Machine
Brian’s CNC journey began about ten years ago with a small desktop Piranha from Next Wave Automation. At the time, CNC machines were just starting to become accessible to hobbyists and small shop owners. The Piranha was a great introduction to the world of CNC—it was affordable, compact, and perfect for tinkering. He used it to create templates, prototype ideas, and explore the basics of CNC machining.
However, it didn’t take long for him to hit the limits of the Piranha. Its small size and lack of rigidity made it unsuitable for the production work he wanted to do. He quickly realized that if he wanted to turn his ideas into a viable product line, he needed a more robust machine. The Piranha became an occasional tool in his shop, reserved for small projects or quick prototypes while he dreamed of something bigger and better.
—
The Upgrade: Enter the Avid CNC
Fast forward to today, Brian ordered an Avid CNC machine—a 2×4-foot model with a fourth-axis rotary option. This machine will be a game-changer for him.
Why Avid CNC?
He chose the Avid CNC for several reasons:
1. Size and Versatility: The 2×4-foot bed is the perfect size for my shop, offering enough workspace without overwhelming my limited space.
2. Fourth-Axis Rotary: This feature opens up a world of possibilities for creating cylindrical or curved designs, which is something I’ve been eager to explore.
3. Spindle Power: Unlike my old Piranha, which relied on a Bosch palm router, the Avid CNC comes with a 4-horsepower spindle. This upgrade means better precision, smoother cuts, and no more burned-out routers.
While he initially wanted the 8-horsepower spindle, budget constraints led him to opt for the 4-horsepower model. Still, it’s a significant improvement over my previous setup.
—
Lessons Learned from the Piranha
His experience with the Piranha taught him several valuable lessons:
1. Size Matters: A small machine might be great for learning, but it can quickly become limiting if you want to scale up your projects.
2. Rigidity is Key: The Piranha’s lack of rigidity led to inconsistent cuts and frequent breakdowns, especially when I tried to use it for production work.
3. Automation is a Game-Changer: Manually adjusting toolpaths and dealing with burned-out routers was a constant headache. I’m looking forward to the Avid CNC’s automated features, like computer-controlled speed adjustments.
—
Exploring New Possibilities with the Avid CNC
One of the most exciting aspects of the Avid CNC is its potential for automation and precision. Here are a few features I’m particularly excited about:
Fourth-Axis Rotary
The fourth-axis rotary table will allow me to create intricate cylindrical designs, something I’ve always wanted to experiment with. While it does take up a significant amount of space on the machine, I’m confident I can find creative ways to maximize my workspace.
Tool Changer
Although I didn’t initially opt for the tool changer due to budget constraints, it’s definitely on my wish list. The ability to switch tools automatically would save me a ton of time and reduce the risk of errors.
Improved Software Integration
I’ve been using VCarve for toolpath layout and SketchUp for design, and I’m excited to see how these tools integrate with the Avid CNC. One tip I’ve learned is that VCarve can directly import SketchUp files, eliminating the need to export designs as DXF files. This small workflow improvement can save a lot of time and hassle.
—
Challenges and Solutions
No CNC journey is without its challenges, and I’ve had my fair share of frustrations. Here are a few issues I’ve encountered and how I’ve addressed them:
Fixturing and Zeroing
One of the trickiest parts of CNC machining is ensuring that your workpiece is properly fixtured and zeroed. On the Piranha, I often struggled with re-zeroing the machine after removing and replacing a fixture. The Avid CNC’s auto-touch-off feature should make this process much smoother.
Feeds and Speeds
Finding the right feeds and speeds for different materials and tools can be a trial-and-error process. I’ve learned that it’s essential to start with manufacturer recommendations and adjust from there. I’m also looking forward to experimenting with the Avid CNC’s capabilities to find the optimal settings for my projects.
Machine Rigidity
Even with the Avid CNC, I’m aware that the aluminum frame might not be as rigid as I’d like. To address this, I’m planning to add stiffeners and possibly a plywood backer to reduce racking forces.
—
Looking Ahead: The Future of My CNC Journey
As I await the arrival of my Avid CNC, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. This machine represents a new chapter in my maker journey, one where I can bring my ideas to life with greater precision, efficiency, and creativity.
I’m particularly looking forward to exploring the fourth-axis rotary feature and experimenting with new materials and designs. I’m also eager to connect with other makers and share my experiences, challenges, and successes along the way.
—
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my CNC journey, it’s that the right tools can make all the difference. While the Piranha was a great starting point, the Avid CNC is the machine that will take my work to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, I hope my story inspires you to keep learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
View all episodes
By The Maker's QuestIf you’ve ever dabbled in CNC machining or dreamed of turning your garage into a mini manufacturing hub, you’ll know that the journey is equally thrilling and frustrating. In this episode, Brian and Greg take you through their CNC journey—from their first modest machine to new upgrades.
Watch It On YouTube
Hosted by
Brian Benham
Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/
Brian On Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benham_design
Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ
Greg Porter
https://skyscraperguitars.com/
Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage
Show Notes
Brian’s First CNC Machine
Brian’s CNC journey began about ten years ago with a small desktop Piranha from Next Wave Automation. At the time, CNC machines were just starting to become accessible to hobbyists and small shop owners. The Piranha was a great introduction to the world of CNC—it was affordable, compact, and perfect for tinkering. He used it to create templates, prototype ideas, and explore the basics of CNC machining.
However, it didn’t take long for him to hit the limits of the Piranha. Its small size and lack of rigidity made it unsuitable for the production work he wanted to do. He quickly realized that if he wanted to turn his ideas into a viable product line, he needed a more robust machine. The Piranha became an occasional tool in his shop, reserved for small projects or quick prototypes while he dreamed of something bigger and better.
—
The Upgrade: Enter the Avid CNC
Fast forward to today, Brian ordered an Avid CNC machine—a 2×4-foot model with a fourth-axis rotary option. This machine will be a game-changer for him.
Why Avid CNC?
He chose the Avid CNC for several reasons:
1. Size and Versatility: The 2×4-foot bed is the perfect size for my shop, offering enough workspace without overwhelming my limited space.
2. Fourth-Axis Rotary: This feature opens up a world of possibilities for creating cylindrical or curved designs, which is something I’ve been eager to explore.
3. Spindle Power: Unlike my old Piranha, which relied on a Bosch palm router, the Avid CNC comes with a 4-horsepower spindle. This upgrade means better precision, smoother cuts, and no more burned-out routers.
While he initially wanted the 8-horsepower spindle, budget constraints led him to opt for the 4-horsepower model. Still, it’s a significant improvement over my previous setup.
—
Lessons Learned from the Piranha
His experience with the Piranha taught him several valuable lessons:
1. Size Matters: A small machine might be great for learning, but it can quickly become limiting if you want to scale up your projects.
2. Rigidity is Key: The Piranha’s lack of rigidity led to inconsistent cuts and frequent breakdowns, especially when I tried to use it for production work.
3. Automation is a Game-Changer: Manually adjusting toolpaths and dealing with burned-out routers was a constant headache. I’m looking forward to the Avid CNC’s automated features, like computer-controlled speed adjustments.
—
Exploring New Possibilities with the Avid CNC
One of the most exciting aspects of the Avid CNC is its potential for automation and precision. Here are a few features I’m particularly excited about:
Fourth-Axis Rotary
The fourth-axis rotary table will allow me to create intricate cylindrical designs, something I’ve always wanted to experiment with. While it does take up a significant amount of space on the machine, I’m confident I can find creative ways to maximize my workspace.
Tool Changer
Although I didn’t initially opt for the tool changer due to budget constraints, it’s definitely on my wish list. The ability to switch tools automatically would save me a ton of time and reduce the risk of errors.
Improved Software Integration
I’ve been using VCarve for toolpath layout and SketchUp for design, and I’m excited to see how these tools integrate with the Avid CNC. One tip I’ve learned is that VCarve can directly import SketchUp files, eliminating the need to export designs as DXF files. This small workflow improvement can save a lot of time and hassle.
—
Challenges and Solutions
No CNC journey is without its challenges, and I’ve had my fair share of frustrations. Here are a few issues I’ve encountered and how I’ve addressed them:
Fixturing and Zeroing
One of the trickiest parts of CNC machining is ensuring that your workpiece is properly fixtured and zeroed. On the Piranha, I often struggled with re-zeroing the machine after removing and replacing a fixture. The Avid CNC’s auto-touch-off feature should make this process much smoother.
Feeds and Speeds
Finding the right feeds and speeds for different materials and tools can be a trial-and-error process. I’ve learned that it’s essential to start with manufacturer recommendations and adjust from there. I’m also looking forward to experimenting with the Avid CNC’s capabilities to find the optimal settings for my projects.
Machine Rigidity
Even with the Avid CNC, I’m aware that the aluminum frame might not be as rigid as I’d like. To address this, I’m planning to add stiffeners and possibly a plywood backer to reduce racking forces.
—
Looking Ahead: The Future of My CNC Journey
As I await the arrival of my Avid CNC, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. This machine represents a new chapter in my maker journey, one where I can bring my ideas to life with greater precision, efficiency, and creativity.
I’m particularly looking forward to exploring the fourth-axis rotary feature and experimenting with new materials and designs. I’m also eager to connect with other makers and share my experiences, challenges, and successes along the way.
—
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my CNC journey, it’s that the right tools can make all the difference. While the Piranha was a great starting point, the Avid CNC is the machine that will take my work to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, I hope my story inspires you to keep learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.