[Rodm1954]

Hi All,
Got to thinking about what jobs a CNC Gantry router can do that other specialised and single purpose machines do. Here is my list and add to it if I haven't got it covered. This could help justify the cost to SWMBO one day.

router table
bandsaw
table saw
drill
engraver
planer
mill for non ferous metal

[CarveOne]

Hi All,
Got to thinking about what jobs a CNC Gantry router can do that other specialised and single purpose machines do. Here is my list and add to it if I haven't got it covered. This could help justify the cost to SWMBO one day.

router table
bandsaw
table saw
drill
engraver
planer
mill for non ferous metal

Pen plotter
Vinyl cutter
Foam cutter
Plasma cutter
Laser cutter

CarveOne

[lgalla]

kitchen cabinets
wall units
laundry box
etc.
things women like
Larry

[ger21]

But while they can do some of those things, there are still jobs better suited for the table saw, band saw, router table, and drill press. I'll be keeping mine.

[pminmo]

Router table I would agree with, band saw possibly, but I won't be getting rid of my tablesaw and planer.

[lgalla]

If I had zero tools I would perfer the router.On the other hand if you are building a router you need a table saw,chop saw,drill press,mini mill would be nice,mig,hand router etc.etc.But the time you buy all the tools to build the router you may not need a router.
Larry

[milhead]

I agree with all the usefulness of the CNC router but I also could not live without most of the other tools in my garage..

Most notably my cheesy router table that I slapped together during my first build.. It quickly became and remains the most used surface/tool I own.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=13

Mil

[Rodm1954]

Wasn't thinking of replacing those machine - heck where would I store all my junk if I didn't have those horizontal surfaces to park gear.

Was thinking more on the lines of how versatile a CNC machine is and what function it can duplicate that dedicated machines can do.

I go agree though there is no way I would part with those other machines.

How about
dovetailer - I saw a video of somebody doing this on a CNC machine
Mortiser

[lgalla]

Having gone bankrupt in the past,if starting over I would buy a router first and start in my garage.My first choise would be a Shoda NCW 516-1665 with 2 106"X160"fixed gantry and sliding tables for $6999.99 on the web.Comes with 50HPVacuum.
4-30HP spindles
4-piggy back 15HP spindles
4-tenon heads
Of cource only having a 2 car garage,I would only use one table for routing and the other as a bench.Sure would be better than a Dewalt table saw.
I have attached pics of my former machines and the dream Shoda
Larry

[ger21]

That's 230HP in motors. Do you have a power plant behind your garage?

[Switcher]

Don't forget Probe