Desktop CNC mill/router?

[jeff000]

I am looking for a CNC mill, and am budget conscience.

I'd really love 4 or 5 axis, but I realize that 3 is really the only cost effective answer.

I NEED to be able to do aluminium at least 3/4" thick. And would like to do thin stainless, like 1mm thick, basically enough to hold it's own shape without being floppy.

Size I would love to have 12x12.


I am looking at the Shapeoko 3. But also looking on ebay, they have some 4 and 5 axis that look very rigid, but they call them engravers?
It doesn't matter to me much if it take a few passes.

But I am also not sure how it works for bit changes as one of the things I want to be able to make is some aluminium corner brackets, basically gussets for wood tables. But feel like I need 5 axis for this without needing a bunch of work after the fact rounding edges and drilling holes.

 

[zkling]

O boy, you need a basic crash course in machining, or two. A CNC router vs a 4, let alone 5 axis mill is an entirely differently ball park. Like t ball to MLB.

I think what you want/can budget is more of router and not a mill.

 

[jeff000]

O boy, you need a basic crash course in machining, or two. A CNC router vs a 4, let alone 5 axis mill is an entirely differently ball park. Like t ball to MLB.

I think what you want/can budget is more of router and not a mill.

While I would love to get a 4 or 5 axis, I do understand that a cnc router is probably good enough for me. But I wanted more if it was possible.

I want to be able to make aluminium brackets similar to this.
http://www.laurensthoughts.com/imag...s-2481-cast-iron-shelf-brackets-736-x-736.jpg

They would need to be 3/4 thick for what I am looking at doing.


But like this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Des..._1&btsid=50a3e59d-6476-4f2d-8928-2537ad2be4b5


vs this?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Fre..._1&btsid=50a3e59d-6476-4f2d-8928-2537ad2be4b5


Or this?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New..._1&btsid=cff72fbb-7c25-4003-9840-55218cb7bc4b

 

[Brick_Smart]

I have a desktop 200 x 300 mm cnc router that I picked up on trade. It does an okay job with soft wood and MDF type products, it is nowhere near stout enough to take on a job such as those aluminum brackets. Depending on the quantity that you want to produce you could look into using a jig saw or finding a machine shop with a water-jet.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Depending on the quantity that you want to produce you could look into using a jig saw or finding a machine shop with a water-jet.

Water jet for sure ! Fast !!

Making a bracket like that out of 1" aluminum plate would be VERY expensive. 6061 12x12x1 is over $100.

 

[PBCampbell]

I'd think it a better option to have those welded up. A whole lot of wasted material if milled or cut out.

 

[paranoid56]

Those are kinda neat and cheap.
i have a 2x4 cnc router and while i have done 3/4", its super slow as you taking off .04 off at a time with my setup. I think as others have said water jet, or weld and make are a better idea.

 

[koviack]

find a hobby kid nearby who is into that sandcasting/backyard metal foundry **** and have him cast some up. i think casting it is going to be the cheapest option

 

[jeff000]

Water jet for sure ! Fast !!

Making a bracket like that out of 1" aluminum plate would be VERY expensive. 6061 12x12x1 is over $100.

I would love water jet, but $$$
I didn't realize aluminium was so expensive, I was only thinking Al because it's easier than steel to machine.
Need them to be 3"x3"

I'd think it a better option to have those welded up. A whole lot of wasted material if milled or cut out.

I tried to weld it up with steel, but I don't have a way to make the subtle bends and using just straight pieces it just didn't look right.

Those are kinda neat and cheap.
i have a 2x4 cnc router and while i have done 3/4", its super slow as you taking off .04 off at a time with my setup. I think as others have said water jet, or weld and make are a better idea.

Starting to think maybe one of those cheap machines, millright actually looks good, to do light duty wood and lamacoids. Or maybe one of those chinese ones?

But maybe a manual mill, even a cheap one would serve my purpose better? Weld them up and then machine them a bit.

find a hobby kid nearby who is into that sandcasting/backyard metal foundry **** and have him cast some up. i think casting it is going to be the cheapest option

Looking into casting it's more expensive than I thought, But looks like fun too. lol

 

[koviack]

I think Tubalcain Mrpete222 has a couple videos on youtube on how to make the cope and drag and mix the sand to sandcast, you can melt aluminum with charcoal, or propane.

http://www.backyardmetalcasting.com/

 

[jeff000]

I think Tubalcain Mrpete222 has a couple videos on youtube on how to make the cope and drag and mix the sand to sandcast, you can melt aluminum with charcoal, or propane.

http://www.backyardmetalcasting.com/

Wow that looks fun.

 

[ovrrdrive]

What's the budget?