Looking for a CNC to cut primarily leather

How To Machining
1

Which model would make most sense for cutting leather?

Considering purchasing a CNC to cut leather for shoe crafting. Have watched a few videos online and it looks like installing a drag knife would work. I do not plan to ever attach a router/spindle so I am not sure if going with the 5.1 would be overkill or not. This would be used at the hobbyist level so I’d like it to be reliable without overspending on abilities I’d never use.

Thanks!

2

I would probably buy a CO2 laser for that. No hold down worries, clean cut.

3

I second that advice. I’ve never used a laser myself (other than creating and sending DXF’s to our production manager at work), but at home have bookmarked a YouTube video from a guy who makes leather bicycle handlebar grip wraps. He not only cuts the outlines, but “tools” the surface and cuts the stitch pilot holes with the laser.

4

How much power is required to cut leather ?

5

I wouldn’t buy less than 60w. Less would work, I even cut it on a diode, but it was messy. Besides…if you have a 60w + laser there will be all kinds of other stuff one could do with it. (Think Acrylic)

6

Note that it stinks when you cut leather with a laser so you need decent ventilation unless you just like that smell.

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7

In addition to a drag knife you will also need a CAM solution which will implement cornering/overcuts at corners.

I coded such by hand when experimenting w/ a drag knife:

c.f.,

You’ll probably want vacuum workholding such as:

(double-sided tape gets expensive)

but as folks have noted, a suitable laser (and filtration) is far more expedient.

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8

Hi thank you so much for the quick replies!

Unfortunately, I have tried the c02 laser route, but it is far too messy and the burnt edges, even when cleaned up, are too much of a deal breaker. The finished product always looks so much better when cut by scissors or a knife.

If I had the space I’d do what much larger shops do and get a Clicker Press and Die setup, for fast and clean cuts.

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9

I didn’t even know you guys had a vacuum solution.

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10

Isn’t there a new sort of laser which cuts materials more cleanly?

Fiber laser?

I saw a video recently on a dual-head MOPA/Diode laser and I believe it was used to cut leather quite cleanly — perhaps it’s this sort @Randy mentioned for the bicycle handlebar grip wraps?

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11

I believe those have a fairly small working area when you are at a reasonable price point. Might be enough though. I don’t know that it would char less.

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13

Thank you all, I decided to go with the 5.1 in 2x2. I also ordered the 2x2 vacuum mat as well with compressor. Wish me luck!

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14

Should they also pick up some vacuum board or similar? Drag engraving on the vacuum table directly seems like it would be a bad time.

I’ve seen those vacuum boards Datron uses but that seems spendy, maybe a firm open cell foam with sealed edges would do the trick at a reasonable price point?

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15

Yes, some sort of backing board/spacing material will be needed.

One brandname I came across ages ago when researching stuff was “Volumill” (not sure if they’re still around).

I suspect just a thin sheet of MDF (or low density fiberboard) would work well.

Or, source a thin cutting board and perforate it w/ a grid of tiny holes?

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16

Any idea how many of the plates the pump can support?

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I cut a few tables out of PVC. They work fine. Thin MDF sealed works for cut through, but leaving a little skin is better.

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Hey all, I’ve seen in a few videos where when using a drag knife on a vacuum board that a MDF board is needed to prevent damage to the vacuum board. Is there a specific kind of MDF board or recommended thickness you would all suggest?

I would need to have the lumber yard cut it for me as I don’t have the necessary equipment to do it myself.

Thanks!

19

The CNC would be able to cut the MDF to a specific shape if needed.
I think MDF and painting the edges would be fine? I’d maybe get half and quarter inch?
Total speculation here though.

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20

If the MDF is just a porous “spoilboard” on top of the vacuum table, aren’t really thin “laser” MDF sheets available? (I seem to remember them being mentioned in modeling videos but I’m at work and can’t access Google from here…)

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21

You should be able to source a thin sheet of a suitable size of MDF from a big box store:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Angel-Sar-0-0-7-in-x-0-67-ft-x-0-83-ft-MDF-Board-with-Smooth-and-Sanded-Edges-for-Stenciling-and-Carpentry-8-Pack-XI85DG62/334911081

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-4-in-x-2-ft-x-4-ft-Medium-Density-Fiberboard-1508104/202089069

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