Need advice, buying new Avid 4 x 8

1

I have built a few custom vans and want to offer “Kits”. I want to start with a 4 x 8 piece of plywood and use the CNC to cut up standardized cabinets that DIY’ers can assemble themselves and install in their vans. I’ll mostly be cutting 1/2” plywood, and the heaviest would be occasional 3/4” baltic.

  1. Will the AVID 4 x 8 be big enough for a 4x8 sheet if I have a vacuum system or composite nails?

  2. I want to be able to do quick tool changes. I was told by a salesperson that the 4 HP Hiteco Spindle w/ VFD Controller comes with 4 collets. Does this spindle have a button for a quick release so I can change tools quickly? Or will I have to use wrenches?

  3. Do I need the CNC control pendant?

  4. Any thoughts on if I should get the laser system?

Thank you for any advice you can give. This will be my first CNC and I’ve seen a lot of you say, “Buy your 2nd cnc first”. So I want to take that advice and do it right the first time.

Thanks,

Tommy

2

Yes, the actual machine travel is a little over 4x8 (see the specs page for details)

If you can fit a 5x10 I’d go with that. It’s not much more money and you get more flexibility for what you can put on the machine (including 5x5 baltic birch!)

Any spindle we offer has “MTC” functionality, that’s built into our EX control software. Basically you can send a job with as many tool changes as you need. When it comes time to change a tool the controller asks you for a new tool, you insert it, and the machine measures it and continues cutting. You do NOT need to reset your Z zero between tool changes (which is a huge advantage over our Mach systems)

If you want a “push button” tool change you can equip your machine with an AV Smart Spindle. This is the spindle that will work with your full ATC upgrade coming out in a few months.

You don’t “need” it but you’re going to want it. It’s awesome. https://youtu.be/bbHBYR_2vqQ

For making van interiors? I don’t know how it would immediately be useful outside of marking things or adding signatures. If you don’t get it at purchase it’s very easy to add afterwards.

3

The control pendant is the fastest way to work.

You will not regret it.

4

Thanks for the quick replies.

”When it comes time to change a tool the controller asks you for a new tool, you insert it, and the machine measures it and continues cutting.”

So what you’re saying is that I will change out the tool (or bit) by using wrenches, and the machine re calibrates itself on the up and down axis (Z axis), so I don’t have to worry about putting the bit in the collet exactly the same every time? Is that correct?

And with the smart spindle, you use multiple “chucks” with the collets and tool already loaded, so you can just quickly change out chucks?

Last question, The new 45w laser says it will cut 3/4” plywood. Is it practical to do that for cabinets? Or does it leave the edge too “burnt” or rough to use for cabinets? I can’t find a video of anyone cutting 3/4” plywood with a laser.

Thanks again!

5

Exactly.

No. You can do it, but it’s very smoky and slow. In addition to having to mitigate the smoke, you can potentially set the wood on fire

You should always use a spindle for cutting out cabinet parts.

6

Yes you can cut full sheets on a 4896 I do it all the time. Like Eric said a 5x10 would be better . If you go that route look into Frost tooling. I cut birch plywood at 450” per minute with his bits they are very good and excellent customer service. Definitely will want a vac table too!

7

Thanks for all the help here.

I’ll need to upgrade my air compressor if I buy the Avid 4 x 8. I could not find air compressor requirements on the website.

I’m assuming I would need more capacity if I go with the smart spindle, and even more capacity if I go with a laser. Do you guys have a guide for this?

8

It’s all on the support site: