The Framers Forum

I’ve got a new toy (a CNC) and this is the first attempt at engraving an oak frame sample. I may explore this further.

Very nice! What else can you engrave on? I'm not sure what the potential for this machine may be, but I'm thinking that it might have some quite interesting business related potential.

Just about anything, but not steel. All woods, alloys, plastic Perspex etc.

Alan, that looks very professional

I can think of a number of ways your new toy can generate extra income. Would you be kind enough and post a few details about your machine and what prompted you buy one?

Peter.

It’s a Workbee from a company called Ooznest. A CNC is basically a computer controlled routing machine. You use software to do design work and upload a file (gcode) to the machine

https://ooznest.co.uk/

I have the 1000x750mm version. It comes as a kit. I’ve only just got it running so will post more photos as I make framing related things. I’m working on a couple of side projects at the moment. The photos shows it partially built and completed.

Here is a sample I just made. Flutes cut in oak moulding The original moulding is Rose&Hollis PW203.

I think that ticks a lot of the right boxes. However, nothing has been said about the financial viability aspect as of yet and it would be interesting to know more about this. For instance what does it cost to buy one of these CNC machines and how much usage do you need to get out of one of these machines to make it pay for it's self.

Also how clever do you need to be to program the machine. I not being negative about this machint, but I just don't understand enough to know what you could make with it and how meaningful it is in terms of making money. I think it could be a fun machine to play with, but that's not what would make me want to buy one.

£1800

Lots of stuff online.

It works for me.

Hi Alan, thanks for the info' and link.

Does the OX CNC Kit differ from yours or is it similar? I see their is one on offer less than £800.

Once again thanks for your reply and I am sure it will work for you.

Peter.

The OX is an earlier version which is no longer being developed. The Workbee took over from the OX and utilises some developments in the extrusions which make up the main framework.

The OX on offer is just the mechanical kit, you still
need the electronics and router. The ox is also belt driven whereas the Workbee is lead screw driven, provides
better accuracy and is available in larger sizes (up to 1500x1500mm)

Alan, thanks very much for that detailed information, that was extremely helpful. FWIW I am very impressed with your example of engraved Oak and I bet I'm not the only one who can see the potential.

Peter.