[vizion]

Hi

I am a photographer and want to design and build a machine for cutting the mount board matts for framing images.

Here are the specifications I want to meet.

1. I really only need to cut rectangular apertures.
2. I would like the ability to cut multiple apertures in the same board.
3. The maximum board size to accommodate is 6 feet by 4 feet.
4. I need to incorporate a mechanism to hold the board down probably by two edges.
5. The cuts through the board must be at an angle of 45 degrees.
6. It would be very useful to be able to also cut one or more grooves of a controlled depth parallel to the main cutout.
7. Most mount board is under 2mm but I want to cater for boards to at least 4mm
8. I will need to manage X-Y movement plus control over the depth of the knife and a means of ensuring the 45 degree angle cut from the X cuts and Y cuts make a perfect mitre for both the cut outs and the grooves at the points of intersection.


I do not know how to go about specifying any of the components.
I have a lot of experience machining components and in computer programming.
I have no experience in building cnc machines.
Can anyone point me in the right direction to start planning. There is no time pressure for the project.. it will take as long as it takes. My priorities are:
1. Accurately cut matts
2. Low cost
3. Learning about cnc.

[travisc]

Check out the Phlatprinter. http://www.phlatboyz.com/
This will do what you want, not sure about the 45 degree cut,
but it will do every thing else.