It was interesting to watch because you’ve run into some problems I thought you’d encounter. I’ve even more clueless on a CNC than you are. While I personally can see some huge benefits to having a CNC in my shop if I could ever figure out how to program designs I’d like to make at the current price points that I see them being sold for there is no way for me to ever afford one. Your conversation with Randy sounds interesting but in order for me to afford something even like the unit you have I’d have to become a “production” shop and sell a lot of products. That’s just not going to happen. The prices for CNCs would have to drop dramatically for one to ever appear in my shop. Yes, my wife let me buy a SawStop. In fact she even told me to buy one but there’s no room in out limited income for a machine that costs thousands of dollars just to cut and carve shapes. Would I love to have one? Sure. I’m one of those people who feel that a CNC is a great woodworking tool. Will I ever get one? Most likely the answer is no. I still enjoyed your video. Chad you’re one of the most skilled and honest woodworker on the Internet. I really value your videos and other efforts to help other woodworkers. Thanks.
wow those clamps take up so much space. thanks for the video. Really surprised how many bumps in the road for an entry machine. Entry machines should work the easiest to encourage people to use it. all these problems would discourage new comers to using it. Having to shim the deck...super uncool and no instruction to check that or to fix it? You made my day that you knew G force! lol
The problem is that the clutch engages when you come to the end of the axis and the router doesn’t move any longer thus preventing damage to the stepper motor....but the program is still counting the steps/pulses. That is why you when you went back to what was “zero” was not any longer. It was counting steps when the router wasn’t moving.Your machine should really have limit switches to prevent the clutch even engaging.
I'm a lifelong woodworker but know as little as you do about CNC. (now less) I have never been attracted to it for some reason. I do like seeing you get involved and giving your impressions because it's kind of like it would be for me. Also, appreciate your honesty. Would like to see how this progresses. Thanks Chad!
This was very helpful thanks, I looked at a few videos related to this device and yours is the best for someone new to the machine. My own has two fittings for the router and neither are labeled so it wasn't clear to me which one should be used: the one that had the tightest fit? Of course that's not the one installed on the machine...
I really liked your video! As you learn more about CNC machining (which you have), it will probably help you on other projects by being able to make components to integrate into them. My first job maintaining a CNC machine was at Dana in Toledo with a 6 axis machine. It was scary and challenging :>(). The computer was a PDP8 which didn't remember anything if the was a power glitch. It had to be manually re-loaded from a keyboard. The functions of CNC machines is basically the same as robot control programing. Love your channel!!!
Chad, This is the best description of what it takes to get a CNC going for someone who had no experience or concept of exactly what is needed to make the machine run that I have seen. Most assume that the viewer/listener/reader has some sort of background to at least understand the jargon. I have used 3 different CNC machines over the past 3 years. The only thing I am really good at is screwing up. That being said, I have a few comments: 1. All of the machines I have used have their XYZ Zeros messed up if you hit the limits of travel. When I hear that awful grinding noise, I have learned to stop and re-Zero everything. 2. Vectric has great tutorials about all of the aspects of their software in bite sized pieces. They also have a large library. of projects that can be downloaded once you create a V&CO account. Once you register your Vectric software, you should be able to create this account. 3. Mark Lindsay, a You Tuber from Oregon has an excellent crop of videos on Vectric for the Absolute Beginner. His lessons are very thorough and detailed. Best of luck with your CNC Journey Dave
Thank you, David. My fear is, not knowing much about it, I'm concerned about misquoting something. But if I do, i'll try to make a correction. thanks for the comment and watching
First off. dont use a router for CNC work. You need a Spindle. Its much much quieter and the speed is controlled by the software. I am building a folding CNC machine that will cut a whole 4x8 sheet and has a vacuum table - no clamps required
First off not wearing SAFTEY glasses when using a computer is very VERY dangerous...I know a guy who lost a couple of fingers trying to copy and paste Secondly 9 minutes to run a program? Big deal....The Bigger question is... Does the program have a sense of humor?...the answer obviously is no. Other than those 2 glaring points This video is AWESOME in terms of being Honest and informative Keep up the Great videos Signed One of the 3 guys that doesn't know how to use a cnc
At 24.41 you are not using the clamps correctly. Two things 1. use the short clamp end(distance from bolt to clamp end) to clamp work down. Most clamp down force obtained. 2. The clamp bolt is the fulcrum and should be vertical. There should be a design feature of the clamp should have a special feature that allows this hold down bolt to be vertical at all times. If not then the the clamp really is not useful. Hey you did a good video. It's the little things like calculating correct speed for the material you are cutting, understand cutting and clamping forces etc there's a whole raft of things to know and understand on your Cnc journey. Learn and enjoy.
Stay tuned for the very end of this video!!! Chad will do great impressions of all of us when we uh... Let's say overheat a bit when things don't work out like we expected to. Which will certainly happen if you buy this or most probably any CNC machine. Thank you for us noobs to explain the pitfalls. I would like to have a big one of these.
I have owned a NWA SD110 for 10 weeks and I still found your video and experiences helpful. I look forward to your next installment with Randy Johnson. I have Randy's book as well. I have made some demo projects and given them to neighbors hoping to get some new business. Thank you!
I'm pretty sure that I will never have a CNC machine for space reasons however I really identify with your efforts to understand how this thing works. Normally I skip videos when I see the word CNC. I guess it just goes to show that I'm not the only one who struggles with this stuff. Cheers & good luck John
LOL! I cracked up when I saw that Randy was doing a presentation on the V-Crave machine. Then I saw he was doing another free presentation on the V-Crave machine. Gott'a get that spell check workin'. I spent my life in computers doing programming but, the CNC has baffled me and I know that you are sort'a being drug kicking and screaming into the CNC world. I am still not there. But, I really enjoyed your video and am looking forward to more of them. I am particularly interested in where you get to doing something other than a sample. Then you will have to be a G-Code person. Regards, Bill
Great video, Chad. I agree with the comment below that you are using the clamps backwards. Most of those things you covered were "duh!" moments after you realized what was wrong. Keep plugging away at it. I'm considering a CNC for my shop but with a little more familiarity (71 yrs old). We'll see. Stay safe and well. Bill
This is one of the few reviews of the shark that actually goes into the actual stuff people need to understand about the machine. thanks for the video.
Thanks - interesting. Having just purchased one I went through everything in your video. Even following the pictures in the manual and finding out that the process is a little bit different. Fortunately, next wave technical help, helped me figure it out. Next wave technical help is good but a little slow in responding and calling you back.
Thank you for the informative video. I've had the SD 120 a couple of weeks and really like it. I didn't realize that overrunning the stops would mess up the zero points, good to know. I would like to check out the free webinars that Randy is offering but can't find that information. Will you direct me to it please?
The tinny mashine will probally not make a good fit for making furniture, I have one of it's big brothers 12" by 24" which I used to make a full sized 4' by 8' table, a couple weeks ago I just bought an even bigger mashine 24" by 52 ", which I bought to tackle bigger projects. can the cnc make money, yes it can ,but like any tool you will have to master the tool to get most out of it. the sticker shock is what gets most people, but there are some reasonable priced tools out there that can help open up a whole new world of possibilities for your woodworking. Just remember no fanncy tool can make you a better woodworker, tools are just there to help us express our talent and skills.
I stayed. However, I have ZERO desire to fleece myself to that extent. Heck, I don't even have a table saw. I would like a Wen 14in bandsaw and a radial arm saw. The theives here in FL that are trying to sell Radials are, just really, outrageous in their pricing scheme.
Thanks for doing the work so I don't have to. Kind of like Scrubbing Bubbles of woodworking. I'm curious as to whether or not you experienced and flex in the machine as a result of it being made of plastic. Or is it? As a woodworker you are having to learn what toolmakers and machinist already know. If you had to learn CNC the way I did, you would run for your life. Feeds and speeds are the bane of a CNC program. Pay close attention to them. The modern woodworker has many of these issues already worked out for them.
I can certainly understand the frustrations involved with computer-controlled devices of any kind but, as you seem to infer (is it infer or imply? I can never remember) Chad, these can gradually be ironed out, and we can get used to the idiosyncrasies of any workshop machine. My concern is whether the small woodworker would find a good/reasonable CNC cost-effective; my feeling at the moment is the answer to that is no. However, I wonder if some woodworkers who have a computer tech bent might offer a CNC service to other local woodworkers who only 'need it when they it', rather like a local photoprint store. Perhaps a sort of side-line service like that could be made cost-effective. Well, it's just a thought. Thanks for this Chad, I always enjoy your vids.
I agree, Mark. The cost is still high. But talking with others and I'm seeing there are opportunities with this tool. Oddly I had a company call me this week and what they were looking for would be perfect for this tool. So it is possible to make money with it.
G-code is a language. BASIC, Fortran, Ruby, C+ are all languages. G-code is neat as some computer programs will take your design data and translate it into G.
It was interesting to watch because you’ve run into some problems I thought you’d encounter. I’ve even more clueless on a CNC than you are. While I personally can see some huge benefits to having a CNC in my shop if I could ever figure out how to program designs I’d like to make at the current price points that I see them being sold for there is no way for me to ever afford one. Your conversation with Randy sounds interesting but in order for me to afford something even like the unit you have I’d have to become a “production” shop and sell a lot of products. That’s just not going to happen. The prices for CNCs would have to drop dramatically for one to ever appear in my shop. Yes, my wife let me buy a SawStop. In fact she even told me to buy one but there’s no room in out limited income for a machine that costs thousands of dollars just to cut and carve shapes. Would I love to have one? Sure. I’m one of those people who feel that a CNC is a great woodworking tool. Will I ever get one? Most likely the answer is no. I still enjoyed your video. Chad you’re one of the most skilled and honest woodworker on the Internet. I really value your videos and other efforts to help other woodworkers. Thanks.
wow those clamps take up so much space. thanks for the video. Really surprised how many bumps in the road for an entry machine. Entry machines should work the easiest to encourage people to use it. all these problems would discourage new comers to using it. Having to shim the deck...super uncool and no instruction to check that or to fix it? You made my day that you knew G force! lol
The problem is that the clutch engages when you come to the end of the axis and the router doesn’t move any longer thus preventing damage to the stepper motor....but the program is still counting the steps/pulses. That is why you when you went back to what was “zero” was not any longer. It was counting steps when the router wasn’t moving.Your machine should really have limit switches to prevent the clutch even engaging.
There are bigger CNC machines, 34x34 inch, out there that cost half as much as the SHARK. The shark is way more than it should be.
I'm a lifelong woodworker but know as little as you do about CNC. (now less) I have never been attracted to it for some reason. I do like seeing you get involved and giving your impressions because it's kind of like it would be for me. Also, appreciate your honesty. Would like to see how this progresses. Thanks Chad!
This was very helpful thanks, I looked at a few videos related to this device and yours is the best for someone new to the machine. My own has two fittings for the router and neither are labeled so it wasn't clear to me which one should be used: the one that had the tightest fit? Of course that's not the one installed on the machine...
As the saying goes Chad, "To error is human, to forgive divine..... BUT to utterly Fu-BLEEEP- up requires a computer."
Your skipping steps because your trying to exceed the machine limits so it doesn't know where it really is anymore.
I made clamps out of plywood. I felt much better using in case they got hit by the router.
I really liked your video! As you learn more about CNC machining (which you have), it will probably help you on other projects by being able to make components to integrate into them. My first job maintaining a CNC machine was at Dana in Toledo with a 6 axis machine. It was scary and challenging :>(). The computer was a PDP8 which didn't remember anything if the was a power glitch. It had to be manually re-loaded from a keyboard. The functions of CNC machines is basically the same as robot control programing. Love your channel!!!
Hey Norm. When COVID is done, you need to come over
Chad, This is the best description of what it takes to get a CNC going for someone who had no experience or concept of exactly what is needed to make the machine run that I have seen. Most assume that the viewer/listener/reader has some sort of background to at least understand the jargon.
I have used 3 different CNC machines over the past 3 years. The only thing I am really good at is screwing up. That being said, I have a few comments:
1. All of the machines I have used have their XYZ Zeros messed up if you hit the limits of travel. When I hear that awful grinding noise, I have learned to stop and re-Zero everything.
2. Vectric has great tutorials about all of the aspects of their software in bite sized pieces. They also have a large library. of projects that can be downloaded once you create a V&CO account. Once you register your Vectric software, you should be able to create this account.
3. Mark Lindsay, a You Tuber from Oregon has an excellent crop of videos on Vectric for the Absolute Beginner. His lessons are very thorough and detailed.
Best of luck with your CNC Journey
Dave
Thank you, David. My fear is, not knowing much about it, I'm concerned about misquoting something. But if I do, i'll try to make a correction. thanks for the comment and watching
nice machine chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad
First off. dont use a router for CNC work. You need a Spindle. Its much much quieter and the speed is controlled by the software.
I am building a folding CNC machine that will cut a whole 4x8 sheet and has a vacuum table - no clamps required
Thank you for the tips
First off not wearing SAFTEY glasses when using a computer is very VERY dangerous...I know a guy who lost a couple of fingers trying to copy and paste
Secondly 9 minutes to run a program?
Big deal....The Bigger question is...
Does the program have a sense of humor?...the answer obviously is no.
Other than those 2 glaring points
This video is AWESOME in terms of being Honest and informative
Keep up the Great videos
Signed
One of the 3 guys that doesn't know how to use a cnc
At 24.41 you are not using the clamps correctly. Two things
1. use the short clamp end(distance from bolt to clamp end) to clamp work down. Most clamp down force obtained.
2. The clamp bolt is the fulcrum and should be vertical. There should be a design feature of the clamp should have a special feature that allows this hold down bolt to be vertical at all times. If not then the the clamp really is not useful.
Hey you did a good video. It's the little things like calculating correct speed for the material you are cutting, understand cutting and clamping forces etc there's a whole raft of things to know and understand on your Cnc journey.
Learn and enjoy.
Stay tuned for the very end of this video!!!
Chad will do great impressions of all of us when we uh... Let's say overheat a bit when things don't work out like we expected to. Which will certainly happen if you buy this or most probably any CNC machine.
Thank you for us noobs to explain the pitfalls. I would like to have a big one of these.
I have owned a NWA SD110 for 10 weeks and I still found your video and experiences helpful. I look forward to your next installment with Randy Johnson. I have Randy's book as well. I have made some demo projects and given them to neighbors hoping to get some new business. Thank you!
I HAVE THE GREATEST RESPECT FOR YOU (YOU SEEM TO BE A SUPER PERSON) AND YOUR WOODWORKING KNOWLEDGE. I AM A LITTLE SKEPTICAL OF YOUR CNC ABILITY. LOL
I'm pretty sure that I will never have a CNC machine for space reasons however I really identify with your efforts to understand how this thing works. Normally I skip videos when I see the word CNC. I guess it just goes to show that I'm not the only one who struggles with this stuff. Cheers & good luck John
LOL! I cracked up when I saw that Randy was doing a presentation on the V-Crave machine. Then I saw he was doing another free presentation on the V-Crave machine. Gott'a get that spell check workin'. I spent my life in computers doing programming but, the CNC has baffled me and I know that you are sort'a being drug kicking and screaming into the CNC world. I am still not there. But, I really enjoyed your video and am looking forward to more of them. I am particularly interested in where you get to doing something other than a sample. Then you will have to be a G-Code person. Regards, Bill
Great video, Chad. I agree with the comment below that you are using the clamps backwards. Most of those things you covered were "duh!" moments after you realized what was wrong. Keep plugging away at it. I'm considering a CNC for my shop but with a little more familiarity (71 yrs old). We'll see. Stay safe and well.
Bill
This is one of the few reviews of the shark that actually goes into the actual stuff people need to understand about the machine. thanks for the video.
Thanks - interesting. Having just purchased one I went through everything in your video. Even following the pictures in the manual and finding out that the process is a little bit different. Fortunately, next wave technical help, helped me figure it out. Next wave technical help is good but a little slow in responding and calling you back.
Thank you for the informative video. I've had the SD 120 a couple of weeks and really like it. I didn't realize that overrunning the stops would mess up the zero points, good to know. I would like to check out the free webinars that Randy is offering but can't find that information. Will you direct me to it please?
www.eventbrite.com/e/vcarve-design-and-toolpath-essentials-online-class-registration-125991837979
The tinny mashine will probally not make a good fit for making furniture, I have one of it's big brothers 12" by 24" which I used to make a full sized 4' by 8' table, a couple weeks ago I just bought an even bigger mashine 24" by 52 ", which I bought to tackle bigger projects. can the cnc make money, yes it can ,but like any tool you will have to master the tool to get most out of it. the sticker shock is what gets most people, but there are some reasonable priced tools out there that can help open up a whole new world of possibilities for your woodworking. Just remember no fanncy tool can make you a better woodworker, tools are just there to help us express our talent and skills.
Should be way more then 7500 views. Very informative thank you
Aw, honey...
Battery power sucks. Got it!
WOW!!
Nice Job.
You look like John Travolta's kid.
Hahaha thank you. Usually I’m told I look like Jerry Seinfeld. 😁
OK CAM programming. Will this turkey accept SketchUp CNC out put?
What i know so far is the V-carve program is similar to sketchup
If SketchUp can output or convert the file you created on Sketch to gcoode it should work.😁🛫
I stayed. However, I have ZERO desire to fleece myself to that extent. Heck, I don't even have a table saw. I would like a Wen 14in bandsaw and a radial arm saw. The theives here in FL that are trying to sell Radials are, just really, outrageous in their pricing scheme.
Thanks for doing the work so I don't have to. Kind of like Scrubbing Bubbles of woodworking. I'm curious as to whether or not you experienced and flex in the machine as a result of it being made of plastic. Or is it? As a woodworker you are having to learn what toolmakers and machinist already know. If you had to learn CNC the way I did, you would run for your life. Feeds and speeds are the bane of a CNC program. Pay close attention to them. The modern woodworker has many of these issues already worked out for them.
Thank you for your commons, tips and suggestions, Doug. This is all new for me, but I love a challenge
It would appear that the clutch over-ride process is seriously messed up.
I can certainly understand the frustrations involved with computer-controlled devices of any kind but, as you seem to infer (is it infer or imply? I can never remember) Chad, these can gradually be ironed out, and we can get used to the idiosyncrasies of any workshop machine. My concern is whether the small woodworker would find a good/reasonable CNC cost-effective; my feeling at the moment is the answer to that is no. However, I wonder if some woodworkers who have a computer tech bent might offer a CNC service to other local woodworkers who only 'need it when they it', rather like a local photoprint store. Perhaps a sort of side-line service like that could be made cost-effective. Well, it's just a thought. Thanks for this Chad, I always enjoy your vids.
I agree, Mark. The cost is still high. But talking with others and I'm seeing there are opportunities with this tool. Oddly I had a company call me this week and what they were looking for would be perfect for this tool. So it is possible to make money with it.
G-code is a language. BASIC, Fortran, Ruby, C+ are all languages. G-code is neat as some computer programs will take your design data and translate it into G.
We really need to be thankful that we're no longer using paper tape to get our machines to work. Remember those?
Thanks for the video.
Maybe I will become interested in a CNC at some time in the future, but it is not on my priority list.
I understand. I'm still on the fence with it and can't decide if I like it or not.
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