Found out about the current promo the day after Christmas, and after a week of hand-wringing, I just pulled the trigger.
Order #54XXX so I’m well into the last date range listed on the shipping page, March 16+. And probably later as I’m a few hundred orders AFTER the beginning of that range. But hey, good for them.
I’m already drawing up my table/enclosure, and have dust collection, other benches, tools, etc.
Besides bits, is there anything else I need to source in the meantime so when it does arrive I can get started right away?
Congratulations! I am in the same batch and can’t wait for mid-March.
From what I’ve seen in other posts and YouTube videos, make sure you have a dedicated circuit for the controller. If you selected the 2.2kw spindle, you would also need a 220v outlet.
I went with the 100v spindle purely because 220 would involve upgrading the entire outbuilding it will live in, so that’s out for now.
Currently I have a branch unused that the machine will occupy but I will be adding another as it is advvised to have the VFD on a separate circuit than the spindle.
Lord knows I’ve got the time to get it done before arrival.
I’m telling myself first week of April so I can have a happy surprise if they beat that.
Great you will love it. One thing I just added is a MPG and you might want to consider after you get set up. A good dust collector that is also not too noisy ( Like what your spindle will be …very quiet) I think is important I install the festool
Just so good…
1 - software - CAD and CAM. Get what makes sense for your skill level and desired outcome. My recommendation - DO NOT buy something expensive to start. Start with the free options and work up to the more complicated software.
2 - bits - 1/4" flat end mill, 2 flute – up and down cut. These will be your go to. Don’t buy anything else until you need to. Probably a 1/8" end mill or a v-cutter or maybe a ball end mill. You won’t need anything else unless you do something specialized.
3 - You will need a table and waste board. Tons of options here. Just make something rock solid for the base and something easy to replace for the top. You will thank me
4 - shameless self promotion - Digital Manufacturing 101 – designed to give the new user the whole end to end look and avoid common mistakes.
I’m already at least a beginner in CAD/CAM, I use conFusion360 and OnShape for 3D printing, as well as G-code for the 3D printer as well as my laser engraver. The machine comes with that first year of carveco but i wont activate that til I at least can anticipate a delivery date. Ive already been messing with a trial of Vcarve and have a hunch I would be OK with paying for it.
I’ve got 1/4" up/down/compression bits, 1/8" downcut spiral, a surfacing bit, and a bunch of other router bits that have no business in that spindle. So other than maybe a V bit it sounds like I’m good there until, like you said, there is some specific need. By now I know better than to buy anything besides socks in a ‘set’.
The table is in the layout phase presently and sbould be built weekend after next. I just built a new lumber rack for full sheets and will stock it with some MDF on my next trip to the plywood supplier for some 3/4 ply for the table top below the wasteboard and eventual enclosure.
So it looks like for now all I need to worry about is #4 and #5
