Dollar Tree Foam Board CNC cut!

[@joshuabray37]

I haven't tried that kind of foam, but I just did some EVA foam (the kind of foam in those tile floor mats) and some other dense foam (the kind of foam they ship fragile items in). I used a 1/8 and a 1/16 downcut endmill for foam (not sure what's different, but it says is for foam). The surface, sides, and bottom (for the areas where I cut pockets) was perfectly clean. You couldn't ask for a better cut.

[@givemewartoday]

Good job with cnc and flute bit, good soluttion!

[@XSspeeds]

try a diamond cut bit (normally used for carbon fiber and G10) of the same size. It leaves a good finish, no hand finishing required. I don't know about the paper though. I always take it off, That stuff is HEAVY. Nice work guys!

[@polarablues64]

if you take the paper off where do you get your structure from?

[@acerjuglans383]

What exactly were you making?

[@paramotortheory]

I would love to see a video on how you convert these files in inkscape. Im new to inkscape and I am totally lost... Awesome OX btw. I just recently replaced my OX with a C-beam machine.

[@XXXTechRC]

Hello Todd-O and son... Great work here. Thanks for sharing. I'm working on gathering parts for a DIY CNC (80% done) and there are still a few mysteries I haven't figured out yet. One big one - ...what does the surface look like UNDERNEATH the foam board you just cut? Does the bit marr the surface of your vac table or are the specs of the machine tight enough where it cuts though the bottom (2nd) layer of paper without touching what's under it? Please solve this mystery for me and I'll be eternally grateful! Thanks ;)

[@pump4546]

+XXXTechRC To ensure the cut goes all the way through, I have my cuts go beyond the part I am cutting. As dollar tree foam board is not flat its tough to get the depth just right. I cut on top of another piece of DTFB and use that as a spoiler top.. I just remove the paper and it works well for a lot of cycles. The paper on the backside is a perfect cut.. When I cut with colored sheets I cut with the color side down. The machine is accurate enough but the foam really isn't, so I just over cut as I've said above :) Good Luck with your build :)

[@XXXTechRC]

+Todd Optional --- hey, thanks for the great info. That totally makes sense. I can't wait to start building this thing!

[@kaanan222]

where did you get the bit you used?

[@bladezx2]

Do you have a video on how you converted your odd plans to gcode? I'm building of for the same purpose and wondering what your workflow is. Awesome build and keep the videos coming

[@bladezx2]

PDF plans not odd plans. Stupid autocorrect

[@pump4546]

I don't but that would be a good video to do... I use inkscape to convert PDFs to DXF.. Inkscape is free and its a powerful program.. For my gcode path programming I use Cambam. Again a powerful software but not free.. Cambam do have 40 free uses and if your OK with leaving your computer on you can use is for quite awhile.

[@Chumbuucket]

Awesome, looking forward to seeing more. Contemplating on an ox as well. What was the total cost of your build if you don't mind me asking? It looks like it fits a full sheet of dollar tree foam board. Nice Job

[@gunfighterzero]

you can can a good motor speed controller for about $30 .... turn it down to what ever speed you want

[@pump4546]

Andy Coones - Absolutely. I have one from Harbor Freight and it works good.

[@ChristKrew-Rev1.8]

Can you control the depth of certain cuts? I noticed on the crease cuts they were a little to deep. Were you able to correct that? Looking to pick up an Ox but want to be sure this works before I spend the cash.

[@pump4546]

you absolutely can :) ... I use CAMBAM and you can set depths for all the different types of cuts needed.

[@ChristKrew-Rev1.8]

Thank you sir.

[@avianaviator1570]

Oh my gosh!! this is amazing!! How in the world did you obtain this CNC miller? Is it scratch built? Did you buy a kit? Whatever it is, can you PLEASE give me all the specs that you could remember! I MUST build this!( the cost will be helpfull to) Thank you soooo much!!

[@johnedwards1968]

www.openbuilds.com

[@KarenReis43]

How can have uma machine like this?

[@thomaseggenberger4365]

do you do score cuts or are all cuts all the way through?

[@pump4546]

Hi Thomas, score cuts are all there. It's as easy as setting the depth of the cut when you program the piece you want to cut. Example: DTFB is "3/16" or .1875 and you want a 50% score cut, you would program the depth of your cut to .09375... Because dollar tree foam board is kind of a pain to cut with a router, I do 2 passes to cut the part out. First pass would be at a depth of .09 (50%ish) and the second would be at .1875 full depth. I usually set my final pass to .19 just to ensure a complete cut... I hope this helps :-)

[@thomaseggenberger4365]

+pump4546 thank you for the great reply!

[@hellogoodbye5008]

is this the cnc on ebay?

[@pump4546]

They are... When I had made this video they didn't have Kit's, just part's.. Enjoy!

[@timmyklus]

where did you purchase the 1/32 bits?

[@pump4546]

+timmyklus Right here... I'm using the .04 now. drillbitsunlimited.com/One-Flute-Carbide-End-Mill-Bits-P2192649.aspx

[@timmyklus]

Great! Thanks

[@timmyklus]

how did you go about getting the cad files to work with your CNC? I am using Fusion 360 for programming and am having a hard time getting the pdf documents to work with my cam software.

[@pump4546]

+timmyklus I use Inkscape to convert my PDFs to DXF file's.. I use Draftsight to edit or clean up the file.. I use Cambam to do all my path programming.

[@timmyklus]

sounds good, I will give it a shot :) Thanks, Tim you should try fusion 360. it is free to hobbyists and can do 3d machining :D