I have a Millright CNC, 16" X 16" working area. Had it for about a year now and even on something that small I can do complex inlays and I've done solid Teak tables 40" X 20". I've totally out grown it and will be upgrading, maybe to a stepcraft. Once I do that, I know I can launch a business with it. I would recommend not going too small in the beginning as I have, but get something right sized for what you want to do. The Millright will serve as a prototype machine for ideas I have and then I'll push up to a larger production scale. Keep the stepcraft insights coming and the software reviews.
Thank you very much for the imput. I had read comments like yours when I pulled the trigger on the M1000. One of the things I liked about it was you could remove the vacuum table and if you wanted to set it on another surface and get even bigger... Beyond what I think I will ever do but it was possible.
@@coolerman_13 I now have a Stepcraft M1000 with automatic tool changer. What a game changer this is. I've increased the size of parts and the number I can do in one setup. As I have the ATC and the machine is more reliable I can multi task and not just stand there waiting for an axis slip or tool change. I recommend it.
search indexable end mill or indexable fly cutter,carbide insert tools are very popular in lathe/mill machining as the carbide inserts can usually be rotated to a new cutter face if one dulls or chips,though if your familiar with lathe or milling metals you'll know that tools can be made to suit the cut you want,not just tool steel but carbide too.
Thank you for such a nice compliment. I am on about a two week cycle for new videos... I wish I had more time for this.... but it's just a hobby that I am really enjoying. Catch you next time.
Hi George, I've gone through all your vids on the CNC machine. I love watching your journey that you're on. You constanly say you're just a beginner, however you're a expert on CNC to people who are just about to buy one. I initially wanted a £2000 OOZNEST workbee Z1. However after doing a little research on the vast array of CNC machines out there, knowing that I want a machine that's more robust to start a buisness with. I'm 95% convinced the German built Stepcraft M1000 is for me. Many thanks for all your invaluble information so far.
I have another video coming out soon about why I purchased the Jointer that I did for my shop. I am doing my best to get this finished in the next 30 days. I want to be able to walk out and take a project from start to finish with all my work stations set up, is a clean shop in what I consider very limited space.
If you can afford it Johnny look at EAS GMBH. They are way more rigid than the stepcraft machines. I bought one of those and there is literally zero flex in the z axis at all for the money and the quality you get what you pay for. Stepcraft are good there is no denying it, but you get what you pay for at a price point. I am in the UK too and I opted for the better frame.
Thank you for the comment, I figure about a year and I will be a little happier with my end products. Thus far everyone without any exclusion, has been great to work with in this hobby, I can see why people turn it into a business if they can.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser i started out using free software, the work around to try and get done what i wanted was very difficult, I’m not computer illiterate but after switching to vectric things got a-lot easier. might have been the learning from having to jump thru hoops but switching to vectric was awesome easy ✌️
@@JB-eo3iq thank you for the comment... just pulled of my most complex project so far... still in the process of building out my shop space. Have a few more videos on the way.
Got to always be learning.... who knows maybe make real estate signs with it... or gifts for agents? But not right now if ever... still learning. Hope all is good for you Kyle.
Great info. I also have a Stepcraft (D series) and several bits from Tools Today. Both have excellent customer service and Stepcraft support is top notch. They have a good podcast series too. Eric hosts the podcasts. Unlike you, I love the Vectric software but I have been using similar design software for years. I also have to agree about Mark Lindsay being the best UA-cam (or other) resource for Vectric training. He really knows the program and is an exceptional teacher. Another good CNC UA-cam instructor runs a channel called “Learn your CNC”. He covers Vectric very well too.
Vicki stay tuned for more. I have a collaboration planned with and exotic wood supplier in Phoenix that should interest you and a lot of other people that want to make special products or gifts. Will take me a few more weeks to get to PHX but its all approved and ready to go.
You should check out Carveco software. It's a much more intuitive interface with much better toolpath options especially for projects like stacked text and vcarve inlays.
Thanks for sharing! I am really curious about the Stepcraft. How thick hardwood can you through cut? What typical feeds and speeds and bit do you use on the Stepcraft to through cut hardwoods?
I am only to to give what I will call averages for Cutting SPEED about 85 inches per min, and my RPMs average 15000. But really if I was you I would call Stepcraft and ask them these questions. They were and still are very helpful when I have questions. I am no Expert yet, I have only been at this a few months.
I've tried a few different software options for designing for CNC. I haven't seen anything more powerful or workable than Vectric's. And if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. :)
I agree, over the years I have been asked about different "video editing suites" and I say, pick one and stay with it. I did some basic research and found Vectric was the standard. Everyday I get a little better at it. More Videos on the way... had the flu and it slowed me down.
No I have not. I do keep my machine very clean and do something similar to a pre flight inspection each time I turn it on. If you ever have a specific issue that is reoccurring please let me know. I have had my machine for almost 2 years and I am about to do a review, my subscribers comments are very important to me.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser I will let you know, I loosened the front plate a bit and so it has a little play that way I haven't got any binding, bit will try to sand away the paint around the bearing to see if that will help give it some play and not bind. Apart from that, the machine works flawlessly, I have the M500.
I've been researching CNC and Engravers. Came across your video, first thought was "I've heard that name somewhere" Then I see the badge before you pick it up and recognize it as a PA. Anyway, I'm exploring and researching trying to find a hobby, not sure if I should go CNC or Laser. I wouldn't mind making some money off of it. BTW, I'm session 290. Retired 11/2020.
I was in the 188th... if you have any questions e mail me at G.kenner@yahoo.com I will share any information with you that I can. I was in EPT for a while then went to CHU. Going to work on the badge project again today! Getting the Graphic all set up is the hard part. Honor First!
Cool.... It is not an impossible program to learn but without a "teacher" it is more difficult. I sure wish I had access to your classroom when I first got started... THANKS for the comment I am sure it will encourage others... CHEERS BRO..
I am happy with my machine, there are some things that are less than perfect for what I wanted to use it for, but all in all so far so good. I suggest talking to any manufacture and tell them how you plan to use the machine and then make your selection. I am not sponsored by anyone...
you must be the only person who hates vectric george, i find it much more user friendly than say fusion 360, i suppose it wont appeal to everyone but there are hundreds of video tutorials on youtube for it. happy cutting.
Maybe you did not understand my video. It is not that I hate vetric. I was going through the process of learning the system and like most of the videos on this sort of designer program the instructor do not tell you about the use of the MOUSE and what they are clicking on. For Totally Dummies like I was that frustration can drive them away from the HOBBY.. my message is STAY with it. THANK YOU for the comment. The comments help people to understand intent and it is my intent to get more people to get involved just as I did... CHEERS Bro.
As I first came to CNC work this was difficult but I get better and better at it all the TIME.. if I can do it so can anyone else. Thank you very much for the comment. Cheers!
I have a Millright CNC, 16" X 16" working area. Had it for about a year now and even on something that small I can do complex inlays and I've done solid Teak tables 40" X 20". I've totally out grown it and will be upgrading, maybe to a stepcraft. Once I do that, I know I can launch a business with it. I would recommend not going too small in the beginning as I have, but get something right sized for what you want to do. The Millright will serve as a prototype machine for ideas I have and then I'll push up to a larger production scale. Keep the stepcraft insights coming and the software reviews.
Thank you very much for the imput. I had read comments like yours when I pulled the trigger on the M1000. One of the things I liked about it was you could remove the vacuum table and if you wanted to set it on another surface and get even bigger... Beyond what I think I will ever do but it was possible.
Agreed, I have the same millright cnc for about a year now and I'm looking to upgrade and size up.
@@coolerman_13 I now have a Stepcraft M1000 with automatic tool changer. What a game changer this is. I've increased the size of parts and the number I can do in one setup. As I have the ATC and the machine is more reliable I can multi task and not just stand there waiting for an axis slip or tool change. I recommend it.
search indexable end mill or indexable fly cutter,carbide insert tools are very popular in lathe/mill machining as the carbide inserts can usually be rotated to a new cutter face if one dulls or chips,though if your familiar with lathe or milling metals you'll know that tools can be made to suit the cut you want,not just tool steel but carbide too.
Excellent information and I don’t even have a CNC. Makes me want one now. Great video work too. Waiting for the next installment!
Thank you for such a nice compliment. I am on about a two week cycle for new videos... I wish I had more time for this.... but it's just a hobby that I am really enjoying. Catch you next time.
Hi George, I've gone through all your vids on the CNC machine. I love watching your journey that you're on. You constanly say you're just a beginner, however you're a expert on CNC to people who are just about to buy one. I initially wanted a £2000 OOZNEST workbee Z1. However after doing a little research on the vast array of CNC machines out there, knowing that I want a machine that's more robust to start a buisness with. I'm 95% convinced the German built Stepcraft M1000 is for me. Many thanks for all your invaluble information so far.
I have another video coming out soon about why I purchased the Jointer that I did for my shop. I am doing my best to get this finished in the next 30 days. I want to be able to walk out and take a project from start to finish with all my work stations set up, is a clean shop in what I consider very limited space.
If you can afford it Johnny look at EAS GMBH. They are way more rigid than the stepcraft machines. I bought one of those and there is literally zero flex in the z axis at all for the money and the quality you get what you pay for. Stepcraft are good there is no denying it, but you get what you pay for at a price point. I am in the UK too and I opted for the better frame.
@@jonathanwinn9402 thx m8.
I'm happy to see your progress. I agree Vectric is a bit confusing at first.
Thank you for the comment, I figure about a year and I will be a little happier with my end products. Thus far everyone without any exclusion, has been great to work with in this hobby, I can see why people turn it into a business if they can.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser i started out using free software, the work around to try and get done what i wanted was very difficult, I’m not computer illiterate but after switching to vectric things got a-lot easier. might have been the learning from having to jump thru hoops but switching to vectric was awesome easy ✌️
@@JB-eo3iq thank you for the comment... just pulled of my most complex project so far... still in the process of building out my shop space. Have a few more videos on the way.
Great tip about the RC2249 bit!
Sometimes it is about who you blindly listen to and in this case Greg at Stepcraft was spot on... he hooked me up.
Great video! Lots of good information.
Thank you!
Amazing work George 😮
Got to always be learning.... who knows maybe make real estate signs with it... or gifts for agents? But not right now if ever... still learning. Hope all is good for you Kyle.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser pretty good here
Great info. I also have a Stepcraft (D series) and several bits from Tools Today. Both have excellent customer service and Stepcraft support is top notch. They have a good podcast series too. Eric hosts the podcasts. Unlike you, I love the Vectric software but I have been using similar design software for years. I also have to agree about Mark Lindsay being the best UA-cam (or other) resource for Vectric training. He really knows the program and is an exceptional teacher. Another good CNC UA-cam instructor runs a channel called “Learn your CNC”. He covers Vectric very well too.
Vicki stay tuned for more. I have a collaboration planned with and exotic wood supplier in Phoenix that should interest you and a lot of other people that want to make special products or gifts. Will take me a few more weeks to get to PHX but its all approved and ready to go.
Hi George, I'm thinking of getting the same machine and going into this with no experience. It seems a little scary but you only live once
so did you buy.... I have had the flu and lots going on ... new video soon.... have made progress in my shop.
Hi George, I'm still a month or 2 away from making any purchase too much going on.
Hope your feeling better.
Lots of info, thank you
My pleasure! I got another coming out shortly..
You should check out Carveco software.
It's a much more intuitive interface with much better toolpath options especially for projects like stacked text and vcarve inlays.
Thanks for sharing! I am really curious about the Stepcraft. How thick hardwood can you through cut? What typical feeds and speeds and bit do you use on the Stepcraft to through cut hardwoods?
I am only to to give what I will call averages for Cutting SPEED about 85 inches per min, and my RPMs average 15000. But really if I was you I would call Stepcraft and ask them these questions. They were and still are very helpful when I have questions. I am no Expert yet, I have only been at this a few months.
I've tried a few different software options for designing for CNC. I haven't seen anything more powerful or workable than Vectric's. And if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. :)
I agree, over the years I have been asked about different "video editing suites" and I say, pick one and stay with it. I did some basic research and found Vectric was the standard. Everyday I get a little better at it. More Videos on the way... had the flu and it slowed me down.
You ever had issues with the y axis skewing or binding and loosing steps? Binding issues?
No I have not. I do keep my machine very clean and do something similar to a pre flight inspection each time I turn it on. If you ever have a specific issue that is reoccurring please let me know. I have had my machine for almost 2 years and I am about to do a review, my subscribers comments are very important to me.
@@GeorgeKennerLaser I will let you know, I loosened the front plate a bit and so it has a little play that way I haven't got any binding, bit will try to sand away the paint around the bearing to see if that will help give it some play and not bind. Apart from that, the machine works flawlessly, I have the M500.
I've been researching CNC and Engravers. Came across your video, first thought was "I've heard that name somewhere" Then I see the badge before you pick it up and recognize it as a PA. Anyway, I'm exploring and researching trying to find a hobby, not sure if I should go CNC or Laser. I wouldn't mind making some money off of it. BTW, I'm session 290. Retired 11/2020.
I was in the 188th... if you have any questions e mail me at G.kenner@yahoo.com I will share any information with you that I can. I was in EPT for a while then went to CHU. Going to work on the badge project again today! Getting the Graphic all set up is the hard part. Honor First!
I teach vectric to my high school students in about 2-3 hours
Cool.... It is not an impossible program to learn but without a "teacher" it is more difficult. I sure wish I had access to your classroom when I first got started... THANKS for the comment I am sure it will encourage others... CHEERS BRO..
Do you recommend this machine?
I am happy with my machine, there are some things that are less than perfect for what I wanted to use it for, but all in all so far so good. I suggest talking to any manufacture and tell them how you plan to use the machine and then make your selection. I am not sponsored by anyone...
you must be the only person who hates vectric george, i find it much more user friendly than say fusion 360, i suppose it wont appeal to everyone but there are hundreds of video tutorials on youtube for it. happy cutting.
Maybe you did not understand my video. It is not that I hate vetric. I was going through the process of learning the system and like most of the videos on this sort of designer program the instructor do not tell you about the use of the MOUSE and what they are clicking on. For Totally Dummies like I was that frustration can drive them away from the HOBBY.. my message is STAY with it. THANK YOU for the comment. The comments help people to understand intent and it is my intent to get more people to get involved just as I did... CHEERS Bro.
I thought Vectric was easy to learn. I have lots of experience with CAD/CAM software for metal machining though.
As I first came to CNC work this was difficult but I get better and better at it all the TIME.. if I can do it so can anyone else. Thank you very much for the comment. Cheers!
open brace, TD, close brace
fyi
Thank you for sharing. Cheers