Building a 2x4 CNC Enclosure - CNC Project #96

Working around a CNC won't kill you. But it might destroy friendships. So minimizing noise and dust is a highly-recommended upgrade for any CNC hobbyist. This is the approach I took, and it's by no means the only way. Check out the Carbide3D forums for more ideas and inspiration.

[MakeTinkerShare]

These are hard concepts to convey through videos. I think you did an incredible job and informing everyone. Great job and I'm sure it's much quieter for all hour use!

[BrodeySheppard]

Hi Winston, I made one similar for my 1000x1000x x-carve, however, mine is a quite a bit bigger. I opted to insulate top and bottom with acoustic wall insulation, as well as foam sound treatment inside. This was done top and bottom as my shop vac sits in the same spot.

The router speed control box is something you have I don't and thanks to your video I will now get. Mine withholds the noise a little better though as in both combined and garage closed you cannot hear a single thing. I will share it on the inventables forum when it gets out of storage (moving)

[pmelchman]

Excellent Winston. Glad you decided to in the name of science

[Blackrainxmas]

Very nice! I'm finishing my second 2x4 enclosure right now. I've got the 1000mmx1000mmm xcarve so mines ginormous. I used floor mats w rubber lining as insulation. Very nice build!!

Man, that vac of yours is a beast!

[bigbee]

Thank you! This is EXACTLY what I am looking to build! Very well thought out and comprehensive. The vacuum enclosure also. I'd love to see how you made the baffles for that. Thanks again, well done!

[racehavoc]

Your enclosure looks verry good. And it isolates sound better than a metal case. Better then the one we have. You actualy got me thinking at a weekend project. Thank you verry much.

[PaulPangrazzi]

Been wanting to do this with my Shapeoko for ages... thank you for sharing.

[FreddieTheRobot]

Great Video, this is probably similar to what I will do for my desktop cnc. If you haven't thought about it yet, you could probably use magnetic cabinet catches to keep that annoying, slightly ajar door closed tight!

[Ninja_Shepherd]

Great design approach fitting YOUR needs is far better than "Looking Professional/Good".
I am really interested in how the old iPod used to watch remotely works and its capabilities!
Genius idea for long run times!
Keep up the great work!

[karlfimm]

Looks good - much prettier than mine. I wanted to cut down sound but also reduce the risk of a fire so lined the inside with gib-board (drywall), then polystyrene, then mdf on the outside.

[FunctionalDesign]

Okay, I need to build myself an enclosure for sure. I'm using the Makita router using both earplugs and earmuffs at the same time. Nicely presented!

[codyorlovsky]

This is awesome!! I'm totally going to have to make this when I get a house with a garage!!

[Richhays]

If I am ever on a plane that is going to crash, I hope it’s your voice on speakers. Another great video!

[RozetRides]

i notice you still have an un insulated bottom below the router. instead of insulating the floor you can always try building an insulated wall around the base as it will aid in insulating noise coming from the base of the router as well as from the shop vac. also sound travels via vibrations, but have you tried foam liner inside as a deadener in the cutting area? it will absorb noise rather than allow it to bounce off such a smooth and hardened surface. they use that method alot in sound rooms for musicians. keeps the echo down. also use a proper sealant around all the cracks. possibly even rubber strips around the door contact areas. not much you can do with the two front doors unless you attempt to double pane it, lock it, and add rubber seals .

[catthetrout]

Hey just a thanks for your very well done videos on Shapeoko. You got me hooked inspired me to find a great deal on an early version used S3 on CL . Your videos are spot on in length, quality of recording and content. M

[ficklecycler]

For anyone watching and Winston too, you are extremely unlikely to crack polycarbonate doing any drilling or cutting operation to it. It's a totally different beast than acrylic and you can even cold bend the stuff like metal. It's and amazing material!

[pauldevey]

As always, nicely done and appreciated.

[synergyjohnwv]

i love the matter of fact talking about why you chose 2 bys and the like lol
keep it up winston

[dennismacwilliams]

You could switch out, your router for a spindle and the sound
And power mostly the sound will be so much better !

[maxpagliuca]

try weather stripping every gap on the inside of the doors. then add a latch to keep the doors closed with pressure on the stripping. that right there cut the sound coming out of my enclosure in half. maybe some insulation taped into the holes around the cables, but i left mine open. another thing i did to isolate vibration from the enclosure was put the shapeoko 3 on a thick sheet of neoprene rubber. i can watch a movie next to it while it's running now.