OK, since the topic of CnC has come up in here. I don't remember if I asked this here before but...
I'm shopping for a CnC. My use cases though.. aren't woodwork for the most part. But there isn't another good thread to ask this in. What I want to do is:
- mill graphite molds for metal pouring (example : Graphite coin mold - Gringotts Galleon coin! | eBay )
- Do some amount of aluminum milling, for example... engraving aluminum plates
- Preferably also be able to use a laser module and rotating bottom plate to crank out those "customized" yeti tumblers.
Has anybody around here had experience in any of those spaces, or just good general CnC recommendations? My budget is moderately open ended right now, but I want to stay under $2000 if I can. Ideas? If you end up making the suggestion I go with I'll even throw in a hand made FoH belt buckle for you.
I just did this analysis. My use cases (furniture/carvings) are not yours. However, I have some general observations:
1. Dont assume that all electronics (controller hardware) is equal. The controller has a big impact on the accuracy/speed of job processing. And make sure you have a post processor that supports the software you plan to use to generate your GCode (this is software and usually provided by the manufacturer).
2. Requiring mixed mode operation (mill / laser / plasma) reduces your field considerably.
3. Your budget of 2k won't get you a robust CNC that also runs a laser at sufficient wattage to etch metal. So youre left with a Chinese chinese menu of parts you assemble yourself, or low end setups from decent companies.
4. Another problem is anything under 2k is going to be made of aluminum. Aluminum is strong in crush resistance but weak in torsion (twist). They are hard to keep accurate to .001" otherwise if "good if its within 25 thousandths" is all you need, this is not an issue.
If you're a tinkerer, can navigate linux well enough, or like programming arduino, You'll have more fun building your own robot than making widgets. You have lots of options if this is you.
That said, take a look at avidcnc.com. They make the best aluminum mills ive seen. Easy to choose the options you want, and you assemble the kit. I don't think they have a $2k setup.
I'm curious: is graphite milling easy? It's brittle isnt it?
If you can cut it with a small trim router (16k-20k RPM) and carbide bit, all of them should do it. However, if you're making coin molds of any complexity like heads/hair, small lettering, smooth arcs in Z, it might not be accurate enough to matter.
I think Avid is a good starting point. Also look at vectric.com and check out their VCarve software. This is paid software, but its good.
5. Good results is 50% software mastery, and 50% machine quality. Software is huge. You need Design (CAD), Toolpathing (CAM - that supports laser), special "driver" support for your hardware (post processor- make sure it supports laser). Make sure you know the stack you're going to use.
Hope this was informative. Happy to answer questions. Also I don't want to harsh your tool buzz. CNC is fun
