Just joined and have a CNC project. Is there an expert here that can help me get started? I need to router out an insert tray on 3" thick stair treads. Thank you.
It is probably best if you outline your project in detail so people know what you are asking for. Sometimes people have an unrealistic perception of the effort that is involved for seemingly simple CNC projects. Could your project be achieved by using a hand router and laser template?
I have 16 floating stair treads that need router trays (cutouts, plate receivers…?). The treads are 48’ x 12’ x 3’ thick. The router tray needs to be 18’ x 7’ x 3.75" deep to receive the metal support from the single spine staircase. I have router templates but realized that, for the treads to line-up and be level that the router tray must be very precise. I tried to use a handheld router but that technique is fraught with issues. Here are the plans and pictures.
I discussed this with @got_tools this morning and we both concluded it would be easy peasy with a hand router and a template.
Using CNC each tread would require a bit change and resetting the bit height. You still have to index the tread.
I would just use a captive router jig, meaning it fits snuggly on all sides of the tread and have two routers setup. You could also have to fences and two end clamps if you wish. One router with a 1/4" inch bit for hogging and another router with a 1/8" bit to clear the corners. If you could live with a 1/8" corner, you could stick to single router with the 1/4’ bit for the whole job.
Anyone out there who can provide another opinion?
I spent a couple hours trying to use the router. Finding the correct bit with an edge guide that also had the appropriate depth and relief was very elusive. The opening is larger than the largest router plate I could find. I then purchased plexiglass to custom make a large router plate that would span the 7" x 18" opening. Now, I need another bit with another edge guide. I am not a professional woodworker and was looking for someone to mentor me with this project. In fact, it was the whole reason that I joined.
Why don’t you reach out to @got_tools via a PM and see if he might be able to help you. Personally I am saturated between my day job, woodshop and the expansion.
Actually, HB will have to reach out to him. I checked his profile, and he hasn’t hit Basic yet, which is where you get PM permission.
@davidmcf – you might read the Read Me First section and interact with the Bot as it prompts you. That will hit all the points to give you Basic status, which lets you PM people.
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Your router template doesn’t need to be the full 7” wide. Since your margins are symmetrical, you could use one template with a cutout that’s, say, 3.75” wide and 18” long. Rout out that pocket, then flip the template and rout the rest. Indexing should be easy if your template is sized exactly to your workpieces.
Also: auxiliary router baseplates are easy to do on the laser out of plexiglass. You could make a router base big enough to span the 7” if you wanted to (but as above, you don’t need to).
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Thank you. I must have missed that step.
Yes, I actually have secondary templates which did work. The next hurdle was the proper bit with edge guide. Thank you.
David. I just sent you a PM with my phone number if you still need help
I am finished for the day and will meet you early if that works for you. I am looking for your phone number.