I have read that people believe the X Carve is slow. However they don’t say how slow. My task would be to router out a grove, 3/8" deep X 3/8" wide X 20" long, in softwoods like pine and cedar. How long would this take with the spindle vs the DeWalt. The reason I don’t want to jump right into the DeWalt is I have read it is noisier than the spindle. Does anyone have a decibel reading on the two?
Boy, routing out a grove would take forever. I’d be concerned about grass getting stuck in my GT2 pulley tracks. And then there’s the whole ethical argument over deforestation.
Seriously though, it’s not just about speed. The Dewalt is more accurate and reliable, too. I’d say from what you described, with a Dewalt I could see that taking 3 minutes from the time you hit “go” until when the job is complete. Of course, there’s still a decent amount of overtime just setting up the part, the toolpath file in CAM software, and getting everything dialed in and ready. I’d say at least 60% of the time I spend on every part isn’t actually milling.
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Should only take 4 passes for each depth of cut increment. Depending on the variety of pine or cedar and how well it cuts, shouldn’t take that long.
Some feed-speed data: Shapeoko CNC Router, Rigid, Accurate, Reliable, and Affordable
Some noise comparisons here: Shapeoko CNC Router, Rigid, Accurate, Reliable, and Affordable — if noise is a serious concern, you’ll probably need to build an enclosure. Remember, you’ll want dust collection as well, not just for reliability and convenience, but for safety and health.
Seems like your bit size and machine stiffness would make a difference, but I’d guess it would take you 7 - 8 minutes to cut a groove like that. I base that assumption on some of the cuts I’ve made recently with the following setup.
1/4" 2-flute carbide bit
39 inch-per-minute feedrate
.075" depth of cut
It looked to me like Easel cuts half the bit width with each pass, so I think this operation would require 3 passes X 5 depth changes.
From what I’ve seen so far, the default feedrates and cut depths are pretty conservative. I’ll run a test later using your dimensions and will report back.
Thank you for everyone’s input!!!
FeedRate = Spindle speed X #flutes X chip load
The Dewalt 611 can spin 16,000 - 27,000 RPM
We are working on adjusting the speeds and feeds in Easel for X-Carve as they are often on the slower end of the range.
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