Avid CNC Ep1: The Machine, 4'x10' - 339 

Just when I finally decide to break the bank and get my Axiom thinking it would be the greatest thing since sliced bread, you just made my mouth water with this gem! Happy for you!

Thanks for this series Jay. Nice to see your take on how to get the most from this machine.

I’m building an Avid 4x8. Excited to follow along!!

Next two years an Avid will be going into the loft above the shop. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the 2/4 idea under the spoil board , as I recently bought an Avid Pro myself . Great idea imo .

Awesome Jay, can't wait for the first project...!!!

I’ve been very interested in this machine brand for a long time. Nice to see you putting one together and using it. I’ll be following you closely on this one! Be well!

Wow. Can not wait to see some projects.

Great stuff and I am looking at getting the same machine, didn't realize 4x10 was an option but after seeing the rotary axis it makes perfect sense. I am totally new to CNC routing and really only a novice wood worker but I have a decent amount of design experience and I feel like with this machine I could start a business. Looking forward to seeing more in your series and I will hope to be joining the ranks with one of these nicely built machines soon!

Awesome machine Jay! I'm really happy with mine and I'm sure you're going to make lots of really cool projects with that 4 x 10.

I run a CNC machine shop. I was thinking if I ever added one of these CNC routers at home I would definitely want the verticle work surface for exactly what you are using it for.looking forward to seeing that setup.

Good afternoon Jay. Nice! Really appreciate you sharing the details on this. I am part way through making my own big CNC from scrap, and it's very interesting to see how this one's is shaping up. I am familiar with the roll in t-nuts from the extrusion chainsaw mill I made. I Like the way you attached 2x4s that you can screw the spoil board to - seems very sensible - and much less fiddly. Thanks again, Bongo.

That’s awesome. Pretty cool shop Jay

Grabbed a 4*8 a couple years back to be a huge planer using a carbine insert Amana bit. It's magic for table tops. It is also pretty amazing to print a cabinet out of a full sheet of plywood. Worth every penny. I am excited to see what you do with it. Btw thank you for your previous video about v carving a grid in your CNC bed....that was game changing.

Yes! I’ve been waiting for you to start sharing your experience (in video) on this machine. Thanks!

I love building those z axis. So much fun everyday.

Great video Jay! Thanks for sharing it with us!💖👌👍😎JP

One thing you should do is to continuously check and adjust level and square as the build progresses. And measure off the linear guides and trucks. Rough leveling and squaring the bed frame is important to start with but the accuracy of the router comes from the linear guides and hence their straightness and squareness to the other axes. Also, as you add mass to the frame it will flex and skew the linear guides. So similar to voting in Chicago, check early and check often. I really like the design and modularity of this CNC router. Only thing I would change or add would be mass/weight to the base. This would do two thing; 1) push the feet into the floor with more force to help with stability and predictability while leveling and squaring the frame and linear guides and 2) minimized vibration and improve the quality of the cut (accuracy and finish). Good luck and look forward to the rest of the series.

I use to work an Aircraft Parts MFG company Called Butler Industries, at one time they had the longest CNC machine in the country, it had 8 cutting spindles on 8 gantries, I was told it was supposed to make C-5 Parts. Where that thing really shined was running 8 separate parts at the same time. They billed the same machine 8 times for the same operation hours.

For the hold-downs in my spoil-boards I used a Microjig dovetail router bit (I made my own dovetail track nuts but you can also buy the plastic ones from Microjig). It's different than a regular dovetail in that it makes rounded edges instead of sharp edges, which makes for stronger tracks even in MDF (stronger than T slots).

Great video Jay!

4'x10'. That is bigger than my shop.

Nice looking machine Jay. You should look how Dave Gatton did his spoil board on his Avid.

cant wait for more

Geeze Jay, are you the same guy who's videos I watched filmed from what looked like a converted laundry room in an apartment complex? How many years ago? That's some serious focus dude. Good job.

Awesome stuff Jay! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

"I don't need it". Famous regretful words regarding new tools, pickup trucks and a longer johnson! You'l need that 5FT model since you defiantly said you don't! :)

Good Morning..Always good vids by Jay

HI Jay! I am considering an Avid machine. Appreciate the videos on it

You bought my dream machine!

Great video! 13-ply 3/4” Baltic Birch is as good as plywood gets in my opinion. I always prefer to use real hardwood lumber, but when you need sheets, hard to beat Baltic Birch ply. I think it’s all imported from Russia and is expensive, but is sold at most lumber yards in L.A.

superb technic stand

I work for a plywood/hardwood supplier. We primarily delivery to cabinets shops but smaller garage shops and will calls from people that drive in form far away. We sell a lot of 5x5 Baltic as well as different types of 4x10's and more 4x8 that I knew were out there. We have a lot of shops buy MDF, MEDEX, MDF-light, HDF for their CnC beds. Our delivery range is several hour drive in each direction, a few smaller shops meet our out of town drivers when they can't get home delivery. Find where your local cabinet shops are getting their sheet goods and give their suppliers a call, if you can't get to them they might delivery to you or meet you part way.

Jay, I do not know if you thought about this or if it really matters, but I have had issue with interference with the stepper motors loosing steps when the power cables are in close proximity with the power cables. Hopefully they used shielded cabling for the motors, but just food for thought, I would look at running my power down the opposite side from the motor cabling, but entirely my opinion.

Do you have a price breakout for this model yet? I am interested in upgrading my home built system.

What's your plan for cable management along the wall?

Great video on the setup of the Avid CNC, I have been interested in buying a CNC and after watching your video on a clean shop the Avid CNC caught my attention. As a beginner to the CNC world I am concerned about the assembly of this kit verses a pre-built machine. The thing that is drawing me to this machine is the price so with that being said do you think a newbie would be able to accurately assemble and use this machine.

Thanks for the great video. I am in the process of ordering my machine from Avid. Have you had any issues with your machine? anything I should consider before putting in my order?

Great videos. Including walk around space what is the footprint of that machine?

Nice Cnc. I’m about to pull the trigger on a 4x8 avid pro version as well. But you deff insteps got me interested in the extra 2 feet of work space for rotary, or joinery clamps. Question. What size spindle you got? And is it enough to cut 3/4” melamine (or similar plywood’s) with up/down spiral bits for chip free on both sides finish? I already have an edgrbander and don’t want to bother adding premill option, so I’d rather get a Cnc capable of thru cuts in 3/4” material 1 more??? Do you have any experience with heavier machines? Steel gantries? How’s frame deflection? Gantry flex? As far as the fact that it is after all aluminum, and is screwed together, not solid welded frame?

Did you make a video on why you chose this system? Pros and cons list?

Why was your decision process in going with this machine vs another axiom?

Hello Jay Can you tell me if the legs are made form the 40X80 material ? Going to build my own legs for mine. Thanks

Just ordered an Avid 4 x 9 machine with ATC. I have a question on locktite for the build, did you use any? And if so, when do you add it? It seems like you have to leave the bolts somewhat loose until the end, and then tighten them?? If you mentioned it in the build, I apologize :p Thanks for all your videos!

Some MDF can come in 4x8 nominal that is really another inch or so larger. Still nothing you couldn't trim off.

Good for you to have a shop that size - you have earned it - for some of us to put that size CNC would necessitate moving out a few things..... you know, like the table saw, the workbench, the jointer, the thickness planer, the bandsaw and the drill press. But other than that, no problem! Enjoy, Jay. Don't forget most your audience needs/wants woodworking videos.

baltic birch is for speakers and amplifier cabinets mostly. If you dont make them u dont need a five foot width. its the best voidless plywood out there.

Ya man good birch is within 5 ft. Cool video!

Awesome!!

Hi, Jay is the axis exactly 4 feet? We have sheets of plywood in Australia that are 48 inches rather than 47.2 inches. Could your machine cut this width?

best wishes CNC ..💯👍👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️

Jay, For a lot of projects i make i use plastic nails shot from a Senco nail gun. The CNC bit cuts through them just like wood. Saves a ton of time instead of using metal clamps. Not good for 100% of the time but 75% anyway. Good luck! ( I hope you are using VCarve Pro or even Aspire for design work.)

im guessing 4'x8' is for common sheet good sizes and the 5'x10' for baltic birch plywood because its usually a 5'x'5 sheet size.

For hold down options, check out Marius Hornberger's, he made a few iterations that went from great to excellent

Where can you get the Stabila in the states?

I really need a bigger shop, look at all that room.

It doesn’t matter how big your shop is. Give it time and you will be trying to rearrange to make more room. 😂😂😂

Goodnight friend! your cnc machine is homemade or purchased from any manufacturer?

Are you going to add a swinging platform like Frank Howarth did to his❓

I 100% suggest a flow through vacuum system. I have a 5x10 version of the same machine and thought I could mount everything with screws or nails.......gave that up after screwing up 2 sheets. You can make a pump from 4 central house vacs and some pvc pipe and fittings. I spent around $1,000 to get the whole pump/piping system up and running. I process mostly sheet goods on mine, but a couple jigs for smaller parts can me made and held down to the table with the vacuum when needed.

Jay, grab a bag of them threaded inserts that take a 1/4" bolt(not T nuts) use the cnc to plunge cut out a grid of positions, counter sink them below the surface.(keep the file handy for the next board, probably reusing the inserts) Then its just a matter of making a clamping system to suit

can you do a cost list itemized

so when you get the rotary attachment you need to go full circle and make a pool cue.

It wasn't in the time lapse but, you may want to go back and use the guide blocks that came with to ensure the side guide rails are spaced correctly; it will save you countless hours of troubleshooting when its not preforming as expected.

Great videos Jay. Are you custom making the vertical table? I want to get into CNC and want to get a unit that can accept a vertical table. Thanks

She’s a beast 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Great Video Jay!

Great machine, Jay! You are going to have fun with that! Are you keeping your smaller one?

Hey Jay, what’s that black protective cover you’re installing at 3:22 ? Is that something you created or is it something AVID now furnishes with their new PRO CNC version.

Dog holes and wedges, like that recent Izzy Swan video

BALTIC BIRCH is favoured for Cabinetry file & drawer boxes. You might be truthful about the use of that material in 5' iterations... Custom... definitely.

I've seen a few mentions of a vertical table in this (and episode 2). I'm having a hard time visualizing what that would be in the context of this. Can someone please elaborate?

Jay just curious, Legacy in Utah (made in the USA) has been the pioneer in 4th and 5th axis CNC for over 2 decades, did you consider them?

So Cool! So, "Frank" :) will the cutter head reach all the way to the edge of the 4' wide spoil board?

No vacuum hold down feature? I think it's worth the effort.

Is your office still upstairs because your stairs are gone and replaced with an extension ladder

Jay, Do you have a list of what exactly you ordered from AVID. If I wanted to order the same or similar setup?

Looks like you removed your staircase. You should consider making an alternating tread stair as these take up less room and are surprisingly easy to navigate.

Always loved watching your videos and have learned a lot from you on project building, tools and craftsmanship. I'll miss that and I thank you. Your tech level has surpassed my capabilities, not to mention my wallet. No CNC in my future.

Wow....nice bit of kit there.....wouldn't work for me.....I had trouble learning how to use a hammer...heh heh....can't wait to see your first project on that thing....keep well.

I've missed a few videos I guess. I knew it wouldn't be long and that monster staircase would be gone!!

what happened to the Lagun cnc

The projectile is even accurate.

I appreciate the intention behind the 2x4's but with the amount of movement seen in solid wood, especially a 2x4, you will likely have to surface your table much more frequently. If you are simply milling 2d profiles it wont be a problem but if you use it to surface or do 3d machining I would minimize the headache and just bolt it to the frame. 2c

I'm jealous, nice machine and video as always. I guess those thumbs down are from the "cnc is not real woodworking" ones 😆

the problem with these machines is u can buy a good used multihead multi tool pro cnc in an auction for 18k-24k.....

You can get Baltic birch in 4x8 sheets

💖💯😎👍👍⭐

this thing is 1/4 the size of my entire shop

I need 10k so I can buy one

your mic volume is set too low.

I’m not sure how I feel about CNCs and woodworking. I understand it’s a tool to be used, but where’s the craftsmanship in letting a computer cut out your parts? It’s just my opinion, no need to criticize.

You are makinig to much money