# Looking to finally get a CNC **URL:** \ **Category:** Original/PRO Series (Buildbotics) (Gen 1)\ **Created:** [September 27, 2022, 1:51am UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/looking-to-finally-get-a-cnc/15506 "2022-09-27T01:51:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 3
**Author:** ![349iq2345](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/bb73d2/32.png) [@349iq2345](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/u/349iq2345)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2022, 2:10pm UTC](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/looking-to-finally-get-a-cnc/15506/3 "2022-09-27T14:10:36Z")
Hey Rob, > [@Woodbutcher](#): > > -How easy is it tow tile jobs for items bigger than the cutting surface(say 4’x4’)? Easy. Since it is a CNC machine that is open on the front and on the rear, you can do projects of inifinite length by having the machine process the workpiece step by step (search for ‘tiled’). You only have to make sure that you can place the whole workpiece stably and clamp it securely during feeding. And of course you need to check if your [CAM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_manufacturing) software supports tiled projects. > [@Woodbutcher](#): > > -is the Makita router going to last? On other units I have heard these trim routers last a couple hundred hours then die. It depends. Some people, in what they do with the Onefinity, put so little stress on the hand trim router that they say they are satisfied with it. However, it can be assumed that they have never had a direct comparison with a spindle, both in terms of performance, reliability, operating characteristics, life expectancy, and, first of all, the high acoustic noise of the hand trim router. I doubt they would want to come back to the hand trim router if they had. In general, one must note some facts that urgently speak against the use of a hand trim router in a CNC machine, as mentioned [here](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/fire-safety-in-workshop/8784/9), [here](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/how-do-you-ensure-your-model-translates-to-reality/13579/27), [here](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/how-do-you-ensure-your-model-translates-to-reality/13579/27#completely-different-types-of-motor-1), and [here](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/largest-clearance-bit-the-makita-router-can-use/13687/2). Since it is known that hand trim routers, when put under heavy load, especially at low speeds, [get very hot which can lead to malfunction](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/fire-safety-in-workshop/8784/9) and [tend to burn out](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/the-makita-router-ate-the-big-log/7933), some people (who have not yet switched to a spindle) always put down a spare trim router, or keep a stock of hand trim routers on hand. Technically, the main advantage (or should I say, the only advantage) of the hand trim router is that it is installed and connected easily. A spindle, which is an [induction motor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_motor), is far superior but needs a [VFD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable-frequency_drive) to run it. If you want to know about what is needed to use a spindle and a VFD, (besides searching the forum for [VFD](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/search?q=vfd) and [spindle](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/search?q=spindle) and [control cabinet](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/search?q=control%20cabinet)) you could find [this thread](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/what-is-needed-to-wire-up-2-2kw-220v-spindle-and-vfd/11123) and [this posting](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/hey-is-this-your-vfd-enclosure/10130/3) meaningful for your decision. There are many people on this forum who have installed a VFD and a spindle, you will easily find their success reports by using the search terms mentioned above. In general, people who plan to use the CNC seriously or even professionally will not use it without a spindle. > [@Woodbutcher](#): > > I guess an inexpensive way to see if CNC is good before considering a dedicated spindle. Possibly. But in case you already know you don’t want it, you can save the money and start right away with a spindle. Many people have done it that way. > [@Woodbutcher](#): > > -Is the QCW frame worth it This is a difficult question. [See here](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/machine-alignment-driving-me-crazy/15353/16#the-qcw-frame-1). > [@Woodbutcher](#): > > I might need to move the unit occasionally so I’m thinking the frame will make that easier. If you have the machine on a table with casters and move the table around, the [Any Surface Leveling System](https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/any-surface-leveling-system), which is an accessory (sold separately) for the [QCW Frame](https://www.onefinitycnc.com/product-page/journeyman-qcw-frame-secure-from-above), will allow to [make the machine coplanar again](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/tramming-the-router/1132/56#machine-could-be-twisted-1) after the move. But height-adjustable casters on your table can do this too (if you are willing to crawl around on the floor for it 🙂) > [@Woodbutcher](#): > > -is there a dust shoe for 4” hose? I have a 5hp dust collector that will suck the hair off a cat at 100’ I would like to connect the unit to. yes, using a [4" dust hose with Onefinity](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/search?q=4%22%20dust%20hose) has been a topic frequently, e.g. [in this thread](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/anyone-with-a-big-dust-collector-hook-up-that-4-or-greater-to-the-1f/6389). > [@Woodbutcher](#): > > Right now I have the following in the basket > Journeyman 48x30” unit > QCW frame > Touch probe wireless > Controller > And endmill assortment > > Other than the trim router, anything else? - [Brand new to CNC, looking for what is really needed](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/brand-new-to-cnc-looking-for-what-is-really-needed/10804) - [What should I order](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/what-should-i-order/15376) - [Onefinity Journeyman must haves](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/onefinity-journeyman-must-haves/15219/6) - [What does Onefinity recommend to purchase?](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/what-does-onefinity-recommend-to-purchase/11792) Welcome to the forum! --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.onefinitycnc.com/t/looking-to-finally-get-a-cnc/15506)._