I’ve been doing some woodworking most of my life, Over the years I’ve built up a decent shop, a few years ago I started watching some of the CNC YouTube channels and decided I’d like to give it a try.
I looked at several machines and decided to get a SO4 XXL. Go big or go home right? I got it about 2 years ago and made a few thing on it but haven’t made anything on it for quite a while. It’s become more a a “catch table” for things I bring into the shop that I don’t quite have a place for yet.
Part of my problem is I am a Mechanical Engineer who learned design with T-squares, triangles and a compass. I never used CAD/CAM. Seems that since I don’t use it much I need to go through the learning curve on the design software. I also recently got more into woodturning and that moved the CNC further to the back of the line.
So anyone else go through this? I feel like I should sell it while it still has some value. Or trade it for a smaller unit (+ some cash) and use it when necessary?
Thoughts and suggestions? Any ideas on what it’s worth?
I’d like to think a used SO4 in good condition is worth only a bit less than list less the cost of a Maintenance Kit.
What would you like to make with it which is awkward to do using traditional woodworking techniques?
What designs have you had difficulty working up?
Drawing in Carbide Create isn’t that much different from drawing w/ a compass and rule and straight-edge, and erasing is a lot easier (and neater/less messy) — for one example see:
if you’ll post a design which you have difficulty drawing up we’ll gladly walk through it w/ you.
Bud,
I came from Mark it with chalk, Split with an axe, Hammer to fit, File to fair, and Paint to match. I also did design work like you. It is a long haul for me. As things fell into place, it got easier.
I started making shop aides for myself. Then shared them with friends. What I found, these machines are a great tool to have around. I ke[t pushing myself to learn more. It was worth it for me.
I still have all my drafting equipment in my shop. It has been two years since I opened that drawer. I bet the ink is dry by now,
This is a tricky one. There is only so much time in the day. If your time and enjoyment is consumed on the lathe then go with that. I’m the other way around. The lathe is very satisfying but I enjoy modelling and carving on the CNC. It is often used in support of my wife’s jewellery business, gifts or home DIY. I let a neighbour use my lathe whenever they want. If you want to keep the CNC then maybe loan it out.
Carpentry developed.
The first ones had tools with just one tooth: knive, axe.
Then one had a brilliant idea: combine some teeth to one blade, and call it a “saw”.
The purists said, it is cheating and not real carpentry any more, one can cut a log much faster now. But: it could be cut much more precise with a saw compared to an axe.
The same with a CNC: it is another tool. Also the CAD software i just a tool, also construction with pencil and triangle had to be learned!
And if you already mastered the challenge to find a space in your shop…
CutRocket has projects already developed and tested, use those, alter them as needed, and break some bits. And waste some stock.
The fascinating thing is: that machine can make things while you proceed preparing or finishing what the CNC made, or comlpetely other projects, it is like having two people in your one-man-shop.
Many other sites like etsy offer carbide3d files for cheap (if they are expensive they are mostly worth it), CIC workshop has some carbide 3d projects, and sites like Easel have projects in *svg-format that can easily be imported: and off you are on the way to design ypur own projects just by adapting and altering the inventions of others.
I have been hobby woodworking for 50+ years with a full woodworking shop. I bought my SO3 in 2019. I make hybrid projects all the time with my SO3 and traditional woodworking. Recently I turned a bowl and then carved on the bottom a message. I made two segmented burial urn for people and engraved the person’s name on the top with the CNC. I make my tablesaw fences for my Incra miter gauges. I have made plaques for friends on my SO3. So if you are not using your SO4 it is because you are not trying. There are a lot of uses for the CNC to supplement your woodworking. However if you dont want to take the hybrid approach then sell it and reclaim your space. The problem is it is currently collecting junk that junk will just move somewhere else. Everything in its place and a place for everything. For the last few months I have been cleaning sorting my shop and getting rid of things that have not been touched in a few years. I have given away some tools and thrown away a lot of things that I should have never kept. So if the SO4 is not useful then recycle it to someone that will make use of it. Your local schools might want it donated to them or maybe a maker space or sell it and put the money back into more tools.
The bottom line is fish or cut bait. Try to integrate your SO4 into your work or get rid of it.
Are there parts/projects that you want to make that is beyond your current tooling ?
Are there part/projects you want to make that are too cumbersome to handle with your current layout tools ?
If yes to either, you will need to learn to document your ideas in a CAD system.
The best way to learn CAD/CAM is paper, T-Square and compass. That way you understand the geometric relations between points, lines and arcs, as well as dimensioning.
I suggest you find a CAD system that thinks like you and has enough accuracy to be useable.
You can get pretty frustrated with a CAD system that almost works.
A bit of time commitment, then the world of CAM comes in …