Printable View
I've read that they won't last etc, but how long will they last?
If I want to make an item from Nylon, which involves cutting a 64mm x 64mm block from 16mm sheet and removing 15cm3 from the inside.
How many will it make ?
If it makes a 1000 it will have paid for itself.
Answers on a postcard to ...
High Chance it will do that and much more if you spread the production out but no one can say for certain you won't have issues or how long before you do. I've seen some work fine without any problems and I've seen some give up the ghost within the week.!! . . .Here in lies the problem.!!!
For it to work thou you'll need to buy one with a decent spindle like the water cooled/vfd setups, the poxy little DC spindles that come on the cheaper ones won't be any good.
Thanks, I'm itching to get making things, and I have a plan.
I think a little 3040 will do me to make the my plastic bits I'm interested in. I'll see if better spindles are available but I might just get a cheap one and then get a water cooled replacement ready for when it dies.
This way I can get into the hobby quickly while I design a better and bigger machine or two :)
Will be searching eBay now, if anyone has suggestions let me know. I won't hit the buy button until at least Sunday.
Wouldn't do that or buy the spindle at same time because those brushed spindles are Crap and will fry within the weeked if pushed hard. BUT Then you also have other issues like mounting the spindle and running the cables. Those cheap 3020 machine with poxy spindles have no spare room in the energy chains for water pipes etc but worse the Z axis is often not designed to take the heavier spindle and you will have problems.Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbowley
Worst thing you can do is go rushing in so just hold off the "buy it now" button and do some more reasearch. What's your budget.?
Well, I was very happy with £480 for 3040 (not 3020) when I thought that would do what I wanted.
£180 for water spindle and VFD is OK too, as that will carry over to my next machine I assume? although it doesn't seem to include pipes/pump/etc.
Post the link because if it's the one I'm thinking then wouldn't buy that.!Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbowley
Loads of them for £450.
I haven't tried to work out if there are any differences yet.
Here's a 800W spindle/vfd. Any good ? Do I need 1.5kW ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/0-8KW-WATE...-/181270875660
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MILLING-DR...-/250960628553
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UPDATED-NE...-/330880647549
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOP-QUALIT...-/330880647715
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-3040-R...-/330880647628
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-ROUTER...-/250960627505
Here we have 4th axis and ballscrew (don't the £450 ones have ballscrews?)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-axis-3D-...-/291019696713
and here we have water spindle too. for £1160
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Latest-CNC...-/221347111338
I can stretch to that after a bit of time to adjust to the step up from what might have been a £450 purchase.
But is it £400 better than the £450 model with added spindle/vfd ?
Ok well there are several reasons why to stay away from the £450 models.
First they use Acme lead screw not ballscrews. Acme screw as much more inefficient and high backlash so you accurecy is poor plus they are only 4mm pitch so can't reach the feeds require for cutting plastics correctly. They wear out very quickly and become baggy n sloppy in no time.
Next the Z axis on just about all I've seen won't take the water cooled spindles and are one piece cast units that are very weak. To replace you'll virtually have to rebuild the machine.
The electronics are junk and under powered so won't stand the strain of heavier loads for prolonged periods.
I wouldn't go for any of these chinese machines unless they can take 80mm spindles and have ballscrews with at least 5mm pitch or better still 10mm thou I havent seen one yet that as 10mm.
Even though I've been considering a self-build copying someone else. I'm itching to get on with my real projects!
Lets forget the wish for aluminium cutting capability, and concentrate on my actual wood and Delrin needs.
If I go for a 6040 size with 1605 ballscrews and watercooled VFD spindle, then I get the choice of:
800W for £1090
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331128096204?
or 1500W for £1390.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221376944050?
Do you think the 800W is enough for my Delrin milling work?
I'm mindful of what's been said about the electronics, so 1500W spec might be more likely to last. But also, they are covered by warranty, and if it lasts out the warranty year it's likely to last a bit more.
I'm nearly decided, just need some kind of approval from the forum, even if it's be-grudgingly given :)
This 800W one is only £980
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190566922244?
Only difference I can see to the £1090 machine is the gantry beam being made of sheet metal, which doesn't look as good to me, but do the guides provide the torsional stiffness?
Anyone got experience of this machine?