CNC Turning
Our CNC's are in storage and not accessible. We are waiting on concrete for the shop to be installed so that we can move them. We are HOPING to be back up and running in June, but at the rate things are going, its anyone's guess. Could be May, could be next January... Talk about frustrating!
Price Quotes: We can not give an accurate quote without seeing the part you are wanting duplicated. You will need to either send a CAD drawing (.DXF or .DWG file that can be opened by AutoCAD 2004), a spec drawing, or mail us a sample part. In some instances where the bore is very simple, it may be possible to quote the part from a picture provided the bore dimensions can be described and included in the email accompanying the the picture.
Setup Fee: Usually the Setup Fee is usually $75.00 - $100.00 per part or $150.00 - $200.00 per call. This can sometimes change depending on the complexity of the call to be turned. A call with extra decorative aspects, multiple radii, or complex bore configurations may cost more, which will be determined and quoted prior to any work commencing. The setup fee must be paid prior to beginning work on the CAD file and Programming. The setup fee is a one time expense. Subsequent orders of the same parts do not incur the setup fee. You may supply your own DWG file or DXF file – but it must be able to be opened in AutoCAD 2004 or earlier .DWG version 2000-2004 or .DXF version R12. If you chose to do this, the Setup Fee would be reduced approximately $25.00 to $50.00 per part (see note below to qualify for discount on setup fee).
(NOTE) Setup Fee Discount for providing CAD files: To be eligable for the setup fee discount, there are some guidelines for the CAD files that must be followed: 1.) File format must be in .DWG or .DXF file format, and formated to be opened in AutoCAD 2004 or OLDER. 2.) The drawings must be TO SCALE ie. 1:1. 3.) The centerline of the part must be along the X axis, and located at Y0. For example on a barrel with a .625" bore, the center line is the center of the bore, so all drawn lines would be either above, below, or both, of the X axis at Y0, So the bore would be represented by a line at Y.3125 and Y-.3125 and the shape would be above or below those two lines. The point of all of this is to reduce the time it takes to manipulate the file into the format that we use to write our programs. Basically, if the program be written directly from the drawing, it qualifies for the Setup Fee Discount, if not, there will be very little discount, if any, depending on the amount of work to get it properly laid out for our methods. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
Materials: The only materials we currently machine are metals and plastics – NO WOOD. Generally, this fits with what most people would prefer to do anyway – as acrylic and Delrin are the main choices of materials for calls to be run on a CNC. It is preferred to have acrylic in 4' sticks. Shorter sticks may be sent but may result in a higher per part charge due to more frequent material changes, additional setup, or increased process costs. Current capacity of the CNC lathe is up to 1.550" diameter material. We can handle other sized material for either parts, but there will likly be an additional per piece charge if the material is of a size that is out of the normal range for the part or in pre-cut blanks. We do not normally supply the material. The customer will need to supply the material to us (it avoids any issues with possible sales tax collection). Most suppliers will drop ship directly to us (most common vendor is Delvies Plastics), which will save on a second round of shipping costs. PLEASE use your name as the PO# so that we can identify the materials and match them to the correct job. If you require that we supply the material, you will be required to supply us with the correct color number (Spar-tech/Delvies color chart), order minimum quantities of 4 feet per color, and payment for the material must be made prior to ordering the material.
Turning Costs: Generally machining costs are roughly $5.00 to $9.00 per part. Though some pieces may be either less or more costly to machine, and that will be determined prior to starting work on the part after acceptance of the price quote by the customer. So far, in our experience, the average machining cost for a barrel or goose keg has been ≈$5.50 - $6.50 per part. Duck kegs with the tone channel drilled using our "double super secret probation" method have averaged ≈ $7.00 - $8.00 per part.
Turnaround Time: 5-10 weeks. When you are ready to submit a prototype, please inquire at that time as we may have a better idea of what the turnaround time will be based on current workload and scheduling.
Price Quotes: Price quotes are usually best done when we have the actual prototype in hand, and don’t have to make any assumptions. With enough specific information, it is possible for us to quote from a picture or schematic sent via e-mail. Price quotes are good only for the current batch of parts. Later runs are subject to possible price increases due to many variables, such as tooling costs, machine wear, utility costs, etc… You will receive a new quote each time you request a new batch of parts, and for the most part, there shouldn’t be much change in price.
Discounts: As a general rule, there are no discounts on WEBFoot CNC services on smaller runs. Large quantity runs (starting around ≈10 sticks of 4' material being cut into a single part in a single run), are eligable for quantity discounts.
Prototypes and Design: If you are designing your call in a CAD system please take note of the minimum order quantity per part (One 4 foot stick worth of parts). If you require a single prototype of your part prior to having larger quantities made, the per part cost of the initial prototype will be much higher than the batch of parts. This is due to having to do multiple setups on the machine to cut only one part. Generally, a single prototype machining cost will be in the range of $30.00 - $40.00 per part - because of the added time for tear down and setup. If you are looking to avoid the additional charge for a prototype, it is suggested that you design and make the prototype on your wood lathe or the like, and create your CAD drawing by measuring your actual part. If you are having multiple parts made by WEBFoot, the cost savings could be quite substantial if you do not require the single prototype. Also keep in mind, that the setup fee does not include drawing and program revisions. If you are designing from scratch, and have a prototype cut, we will need to charge for any revisions made to the drawings and programs, as well as additional prototypes ran.
We can also help you design your call if you are wanting to start from scratch. Generally it is a time consuming process, and can be expensive depending on expectations one has. We have found the fairest way to charge fro CAD design of a part to be turned is to charge by the hour. CAD design is $30.00 per hour. If we can help, just let us know.