Hello From Another Newbie

[fleetfoot]

Hello All,
I ordered a WD-1 system 2 weeks ago. I've done some woodworking, turning, and hand carving but I'm new to CNC. I've scanned through most of the forum by now. Seems like a good group here. I hope to get to contribute something as time goes by.

The song "The Waiting is the Hardest Part" by Tom Petty keeps running through my head.

I'd like to see more pictures and videos posted if anyone has the time.

Cheers,
Fleetfoot

[esteeme1]

Hi Fleetfoot,

What software packages have you decided to use for your modeling also what are your plans when you get your machine up and running?

I do a lot of plaque cutting and carving cutouts. I use Aspire as my modeling software. So far I strictly cut base carvings but will probably move to indexing in the future. I'm just not finding the market for that side of CNCing right now (of course that is just me).

For now feel free to peruse my web page at
esteemedwoodcrafts.com

Anyway welcome to the forum and I look forward to see some of your work when you get running.

Jim

[esteeme1]

here you go Fleetfoot,

I'm just learning how to post pics myself as it stands I have only been able to experement by loading a link.

www.esteemedwoodcrafts.com/web_images/cmc_cutlass_rack.jpg

www.esteemedwoodcrafts.com/web_images/navy_rating_symbols.gif

[jimwill52]

Here are a couple of projects I did for a fire department academy class. The hydrant is Corian with a clear acrylic background and a gloss black back. The Captain's gift is 1/2" acrylic with red LED lighting in the oak base. I also cut the base on the wd-1.

expressionsofhonor.com/

Nice work, as usual, Jim!

Jim Williams

[mattgatten]

You can visit my website too. www.x468.com. We have 2 HS-1's and possibly a 3rd on the way. We make chassis and stabilized gimbals for multicopters. Fun stuff!

Welcome.

[esteeme1]

Thanks Jim and you as well,

Matt,

That is some really cool stuff. I with I had some more time for a/another hobby. It would most definitely be flying remote helos. Nice work!

Jim

[fleetfoot]

Hey thanks a lot for your replies.
That's some interesting work you're doing.

Jim - That's close to my heart...

Matt - I'll catch up with you in my next flight school test.

esteeme1 - I see you are obviously a Navy guy, and I like your designs and style. I almost hate to say it but I'm ex-Army. Maybe we should play football? (I know - I'd loose, ha ha).

I haven't got my machine yet, so not much to tell, except I've been gettin' my tiny shop ready to receive it. I'm also practicing on dovetail and box joints because I plan to make boxes among other things.

I am currently a mechanical designer working a day job at a medical equipment company. We make robotic radiosurgery systems for cancer treatment as well as radiology systems. I use SolidWorks daily and sometimes AutoCad.

I always considered myself more an artist than an engineer though and I want to retire from the workforce and devote the rest of my time to making art expressions of whatever I fancy.

I see the CNC machine not as a push button creation tool, but as a tool wielded by the mind with great effort to produce creations that are either not possible or very difficult by other means.

Thanks again for sharing your stuff.
Best Regards,
Fleetfoot

[fleetfoot]

I also use computer modeling programs like MoI. And then I use rendering software like Vue.
For example, I made this picture of something I would like to make.
It's just an idea. I realize all of it cannot be made by a 3 axis router.
However, to me the idea comes before the execution, and the with the idea comes most of the creativity.
(yea that sounds duffus, I can't explain myself very well).

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[esteeme1]

Hi Fleetfoot,

FYI, I was in the Army Reserve from 1982 - 1986. I still sympathize for your losses. Go Navy!

Looking at your rendering I don't see anything that can't be done with a 3 axis with the exception on the box joints. Even those can be done if you cut a slot in the bed of your machine and reg a jig for a hold down. A table saw or dovetail jig would work just as well though.

As for the software you are using they look like they will serve your purposes. I'm not sure how they will translate to base line carvings as well as the milling process.

I have four licenses Rhino, Bob Cad, V-carve and Aspire. I personally have migrated to Aspire for all my carving and milling needs. I wish I could afford the $10K price tag of Solid Works but still think it would be overkill for 3D base carving. Even if I was using an indexer I think it would be to much software not to mention the annual service fees. I hope you can get a free license when you retire.

Well looking at what your intentions are I really look forward to see was you are going to produce. I have received so much inspiration from the forum members that I post on. I hope you intend to share your work.

Jim