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The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 3:24 pm
by IslaWW
There are a lot of guys here that use CNC machines for woodworking or signmaking and I would like to know what some of your "wish list" features would be. Most currently manufactured table top (~24 x 36) machines use NEMA23 motors and smaller components in able to fit a price point for the size class. This forces successful hobbyists and commercial users to buy larger machines than their material dictates to obtain higher end features than tabletops offer. This uses up precious real estate in the shop, no matter if it is commercial or non-commercial.

For example, this machine: was purchased by a signmaker that sells product online from his home business. After 3-4 months of use (and his Christmas rush) he sent an unsolicited letter full of praise for the machine and enumerated his production increases. I had offered up (pre sale) that even tho he currently had a larger machine, that these features would allow him to double or triple his output. He has happily informed me that those results were underestimated. His machine, loaded with function and feature, costing 3-4 times what a typical machine that size does, will pay for itself in 6 months.

So, for those that are either small commercial or discriminating hobbyists and wish to have a small footprint machine, with "big" features that would allow longer duty cycles, faster cutting............ What would those features be?

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 5:44 pm
by SteveNelson46
That's a great question, Gary. If we can get some feedback I think that it will be useful information to anyone who is looking to purchase a machine.

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 8:52 pm
by Rcnewcomb
The 6 tool ATC is perfect. What is the Z clearance?
I like that it is using WinCNC.

Wish list...
A rotary axis option would be great.
An option of 24"x48" would be nice.
Option for either Vacuum and/or T track holddown.

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:11 pm
by mezalick
I agree,
I think a vac table top would be nice...

~M

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:32 pm
by ElevationCreations
In addition to the other suggestions:

120 VAC Operation option

Ability to be taken down stairs into the basement

2x3 or 2.5' x 3.5' work area would be sufficient

Z movement of 6"

Designed to easily add an enclosure to help mitigate noise

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 12:37 am
by ger21
You can't run a decent spindle on 120V.

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 3:07 am
by eph210
My wish list would include:
Hybrid steppers with feedback
6 inches of gantry clearance and at least 8 inches of Z travel
Ability to clamp items vertically for end machining
HGR25 slides with double bearings on all axes
inboard rotary axis for multisided machining
aluminum T slot table top with the T slots extending 3 inches fore and aft of the cutting area
Air nozzle and mister plumbed to head and controlled in G code
Registration points for removable fixtures
Euan

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:30 pm
by IslaWW
Thanks for the replies so far. Almost 300 views and no one else has something on their wishlist?? Forget your checkbook, think with your imagination!!

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 8:39 pm
by FixitMike
Well, if cost is not a consideration, here's some:

Right angle head for machining the ends of long pieces.
Two interchangeable tables--one in work and the other slid out and available to set up next job.
Absolute position encoders with readouts both absolute and relative.

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 1:48 am
by martin54
I looked but don't have a wish list for a tabletop machine, mainly because if I had the money then I would be looking at a larger machine, as a signmaker in the UK you really need an 8 x 4 machine or bigger :lol: :lol:
I said on another post that I hadn't actually used my machine for very much sign related work but those jobs I have done have nearly all had to be tilled because I can't cut a full sheet of material :lol: :lol: If I had done more sign work then chances are I would have had to tile a lot more work.

Of course then I would also have to move to a larger unit as well because I simply don't have the space for a larger machine in my current unit :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 3:31 pm
by Leo
True 4 axis -- seperate driver for rotary axis - not axis swapping
Rotary axis with a brake to lock rotation for "X"-"Y"-"Z" work without putting cutting forces against the drive train.
VERTICAL clamping.
Possibly 5 axis?
Enclosures - for computer, mouse, keyboard
Enclosure - for machine with dust and chip control - sound control
Cabinet - for entire machine, tool drawers, cutter storage
COMPLETE - include computer, all set up
OPERATOR MANUAL - Clear and concise instructions.
Started tooling package - cutters, clamps, etc
Spindle Coolant tank - baffles, filters, covered(sealed)
NEMA 34?
ER20 spindle
Lighting - directional (gooseneck)
GOOD - tool touch off
Good looking machine - colors - styling - textures - powdercoat - textures - Anodize (even guys like this stuff)(there IS a female market out there also - lets not forget them)

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 3:37 pm
by Gasawdust
Quick and good quality “after purchase” support.

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 4:00 pm
by Adrian
A tabletop machine isn't of interest to me as everything I do is 8x4 based however if I was restricted on space and needed a tabletop machine I would want it to be able to perform multiple duties because of that lack of space. So I would want it to be able to replace my vinyl cutter, 3D printer, milling machine, lathe etc. Basically the modern equivalent of those old machines that were a saw table, planer/thicknesser, edge jointer and spindle moulder all in one.

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 4:33 pm
by rscrawford
On my wish list would be a robotic arm with a 5hp ATC spindle mounted to a 3x5 table. True 5 axis machining for easier furniture parts.

Re: The "Ultimate Tabletop Machine" for Woodworkers

Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2018 5:32 pm
by 4DThinker
Automatic Tool Changer. 4 would be enough for 99.9% of the projects I've done. Needs to be mechanically simple and low cost.