Shopbot of various materials

[carter_beck]

what materials have u guys put on the bot? what are your experiences with each?

[dana_swift]

Hello Carter-

wow, thats a big question!

What you end up cutting depends on your application and imagination. The machine will cut anything from soft metals, foam, plastics, woods (solid and ply), to some optical materials and ice. And while each of these things has its own unique characteristics, using a nominal feed rate and a carbide bit you will get a good starting point in any common material. If you aren't picky about the edge finish that may be all you require.

The machine seems to be quite happy cutting through the occasional clamp and hold down screw. Its hard on the router bearings and has broken bits, but steel is clearly within its appetite, although I have not cut any on purpose.

If you look at the catalogs of the bit manufacturers you will notice there are bits designed for each "normal" material type. Bits can cut materials other than what they are designed for, the results are just different, but almost never a failure to cut.

If you are intending to cut a specific application and general group of materials, you might ask about that, as probably there is a list of people already doing it. Then you can get more useful answers that can save you lots of effort and money.

The only thing I have avoided cutting (successfully) is living things. I hope to keep it that way.. though I am sure it will not slow down for them either.

So far I have not personally gotten into cutting glass, however it is an intriguing family of materials. Specifically the borosilicates look interesting, this is a case of very slow feed rates, diamond cutters, and water. Somebody may chime in with their experience in that area, I am interested...

The thing I make most often is mistakes! I don't mind making mistakes, I mind repeating them.

If you are willing to go try out ideas you will end up with a wealth of your own unique experiences!

D

[harryball]

Bots have cut anything from boring old plywood to birthday cake! :-)

[tuck]

I cut my finger on mine oncet.

[gene]

Just about all the time i cut my work load down. Does that count?

[robtown]

Aluminum, Hardwoods, Plywood, MDF, Copper, solid surface...

Copper made little splinters that were like barbs...

[davidp]

Melamine faced Mdf and chipboard, Plywood, alucobond, solid timber, acrylics, PVC, time and effort.

[beacon14]

Good old solid wood. Everything from 2" x 3" x 1/2" medallions to 46" x 102" x 2 1/2" slabs.

[Brady Watson]

Carbon fiber, brass, nickel, silver, plastics, stone, foam...

-B

[joe]

Lots of Air.