Was getting real tired of dust everywhere and the noise, so I decided to build a CNC enclosure as a side project to keep myself busy.
Most of the lumber was free, reclaimed 2x4s from a project my dad had just torn down. The sheetrock was also free from a remodel he finished recently. I was also able to use up a huge chunk of scrap wood that was filling up various corners of my garage. Project was relatively budget friendly, but wood is still pricey here when I needed to buy things.
I went through a few redesigns early on once I realized that a 16” deep door, lined with sheetrock on the inside and ¾” MDF on the outside, was… optimistic . Learned a lot along the way and adjusted as I went.
Key features:
Frame is 2x4s turned sideways
Exterior skinned in ¾” MDF
Interior skinned in ½” sheetrock
Wall cavities stuffed with cut-up workout mats I wasn’t using anymore
Outside wrapped with moving blankets for extra noise control
Lift assist on the main door — even my kid can lift it one-handed
Back wall has a flip-up door for rear access and tiling longer pieces
Table was already on heavy-duty machine casters, so the whole thing can be rolled around pretty easily still
Still not “studio quiet,” but it made a huge difference in both noise and dust, and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out.
I’m still stuck on the dust collection hose and how to stop that from getting tangled up. If anyone has suggestions I’d love to hear them.
I am looking to assemble my new 4x4 in a day or two and am considering an enclosure later. I have seen that some people are placing sound dampening matts under the base. I thought of trying some carpet underlayment. Any reason this would be a mistake?
I’ve had my CNC for about 1.5 years. I’ve used it from everything from art projects, organization for the garage and set pieces for the local ballet theater here.
If you ask my wife all I make is “things to help me make things for my things in the garage.” But I resemble that remark.
Why not use soundproof insulation in the walls? That would greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate, the noise from the machine. I know noise can be completely eliminated because I have heard soundproof bedrooms before made for music studios and once the door was closed, you couldnt hear a single thing in the rest of the house. Then open the door and the sound would blast right out as if a concert was underway.
. Learned a lot along the way and adjusted as I went.