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Ok, we fabricated some of Formica’s 3cm. We did very close tracking in our shop. All in all, the stuff is heavy. Although it cut our fabrication costs truly about 30%, you can play with about 10%. Our guys are not used to the heavy material, so we may be able to push it to 40 but not on these runs. Overhead cranes would also make a difference. You may have a little more time in the field because I would be afraid to send out pieces of that size all in one. The granite guys that are used to it may have a whole different outlook. We do have a AXYZ CNC. We ran three passes and on the 3rd pass we came in a fuzz and did a final cut. However, we did seam right off the table. Now, I have no way of knowing I can only inagine, on a stone CNC this stuff would cut like butter and I’m sure the edge profile would be finished right off of the machine. I would imagine that would create more of a savings.
Mory
Just talked to my EOS rep and he was going to send some info on it but hasn’t yet. We are going to see if we can incorporate the 3cm material into some of our jobs but I am just not sure how to go about it. Still thinking.
I like the labor savings. If you save 30% on the labor, are you saving about 15% on the total job?
Ok guys I will tell you this. I am very familiar with 3cm (EOS). We ran it on a Multicam and had no problems. But i never ran my profiles on the cnc. From time to time we would run it on the Northwoods if we used a stone profile. It worked great, and all you had to do was polish the tops. We used to carry the tops by hand all the time and would install them as large as we could. One thing you should consider getting though is a set of Gorrila grips…they work the best on 3cm. If you have any more questions I’d be glad to help out just email me at robparker@vzw.blackberry.net I know I know……****ing BLackberry =))
Mory,
Can you give me some specs on your bit used for the 3CM? We have the same machine so any specs on bit, speed, RPM etc would be great.
Last time we cut, Wesley Tools recommended a single flute 1/2″ bit, I cut in 2 passes, but the bit was shot after 3 sheets. It was so loud by the time we were done, I thought the machine was going to fly apart. Not looking forward to do it again with those specs.
Appreciate any help.
We ran some tests on Eos. The product is nice, our fabricators liked it, our installers didn’t. Our installers are used to installing half inch product all day, and we don’t install any stone, so the weight was a big factor for them. Also, we work on new construction, where we can’t always drive right up to the house, so they usually have to carry it a short distance to get to the house. I think this was a factor too. If your guys are used to installing stone/engineered stone, it probably will be second nature to them.
For those of you interested in cutting the 3CM, here is what we found worked best.
First. 3/4″ rough cut bit (leaves wavy edge) cut through about 75% of depth in first pass and oversizes by 1/16″
Second 3/4″ finish bit double flute up spiral. Finishes all the way through and cut to final size.
Last. Profile.
All bits are diamond. The carbide just does not last but a short while. Try to sell stainless steel sinks with it, becuase routing the rim of a solid surfac sink is a bear even for a 3 1/4HP router. You can have your CNC do the entire operation.
John C.
Matt,
We use a 3/8 Onsrud spiral bit. Our cut speed is slowed down to 120 and on the third pass we come in .05 and it looks good. We’re not used to seeing the machine run that slow, but it did a very nice job and it didn’t even break a sweat.
Mory
Is this stuff going to be practical if you do not have a CNC? Do we have good enough tools for those of us without A CNC?
You don’t have to have a CNC to do 3cm. If you have a circular saw(good one) and 3 1/4hp routers you’ll be ok. I wouldn’t want to push through a table saw though. Hope you have a Streibig verticle or like product.
Anyone with 3cm questions is welcome to email me @ gordon@eos-surfaces.com I’d love to answer any questions you may have. Greatlakes machinery has created a Stellite Diamond bit that works great with 3cm Material, its expensive but lasts a very long time, you can run a profile in 2 passes and not have to hand polish the edge at all. There are some great videos of 3cm fabrication on our website http://www.eos-surfaces.com. (Andy, feel free to edit if I crossed the line by posting our site, just thought it would be a good way for these guys to see the 3cm run in a CNC shop and by hand)
Thanks
Gordon Shell
Gordon,
Good post. We have a link to your videos in the Gallery section. I encourage everyone to check them out. Great site by the way. The old one was neat but it was hard to navigate. This one has better information.
Is anyone coving 3 cm or just square splash? How much work is it to get it coved. a Fab manual be great. I don;t think there is one on this site.
Gordon, how do you get those guys to work that fast on the comparison video? Drugs, cattle prod, WHAT?
Amir wrote
Is anyone coving 3 cm or just square splash? How much work is it to get it coved. a Fab manual be great. I don;t think there is one on this site.
Call Gordon or email him ( I think his email is in another post). They have a fab manual, but I don’t think they want me to post it here. Most manufacturers sent me theirs to post. If anyone else has a manual to post, let me know.
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