Im new, am a 3D designer. Need a New cnc machine and need advice and guidance

[Robin Hewitt]

Most machines will scratch Aluminiun away but to cut it correctly and accurately requires rigidity and NONE of these have enough to cut aluminium to any decent standard and survive.

I must be misreading this, I thought that Jazz and me would see eye to eye about routing aluminium, I did go to Specsavers so it can't be that.

Did I see that the proposed mill only requires 10mm in the Z axis? Was that a typo? People usually allow 6-12 inches on the Z axis just in case they need it in the future thus destroying the machine for what they actually do. I think 2" or 3" in the Z is optimal if you want 10mm.

If you are going to rout aluminium I further suggest you copy the milling machine. On a milling machine the long bed is only supported in the middle because that is where the cutting happens. No point supporting it where the cutting doesn't happen, let it overhang, no problems.

To make your router strong, bolt Hiwin carriage blocks upside down to something solid such as a concrete joist.

Next bolt your gantry to the same joist so the table can slide through underneath it.

Why not make the gantry out of a second concrete joist? You don't have to move it so go wild on the dead weight.

If you don't like this idea, the usual excuse for not going down this route is, "It takes up twice as much space in the X axis and I haven't got room".

If you want to cut aluminium, design in a flood coolant return from the start, anything else is a ghastly fudge.

[JAZZCNC]

I must be misreading this, I thought that Jazz and me would see eye to eye about routing aluminium, I did go to Specsavers so it can't be that.

No Robin we don't agree at all. I'm referring to the machines suggested lower down but your still banging on about that old chest nut that Routers can't cut aluminium properly.! . .Which is frankly stupid because there are many of us on here that do it quite nicely thank you.!

Agreed on the concrete machine thou, correct Concrete and epoxy can make a very solid machine.!!

[Robin Hewitt]

No Robin we don't agree at all.

That's a relief. I was just doing the forms to renew my gun/explosive certificates, can't afford anything that might cast doubt on my sanity.

[Clive S]

This must be the longest thread on here with nothing achieved ..Clive

[FlyHighRC]

I resent that :P I ahve learnt allot from this bunch, also I reply quick when I want to learn quick..seems most post on this forum are responses 2 weeks apart...

[JAZZCNC]

I resent that :P I ahve learnt allot from this bunch, also I reply quick when I want to learn quick..seems most post on this forum are responses 2 weeks apart...

They will be if you don't start reading and stop asking annoying questions you should have learnt. .

[FlyHighRC]

Wasnt refering to the people on this thread, You ad two others have been superb in terms of replying :P A compliment :P

[FlyHighRC]

Hello again, Right After going thourgh more of the build logs..Updated teh design of my gantry...people using 10mm 2D cut steel and wled it all together, Im using 6mm and have just reinforced it allot... Simply for cost. When it comes to driving the belts, I have done the drive system using the belts and Pulleys Jazz reccomended(your real name?) I did the basic calculation to get the mtor shaft to pulley distane and added a couple holes where i can add tensionsers if the tensions isnt quite right..

When it comes to the X axis, Its currently using two motors...but reading around Im seeing a fair few people having issues with losing steps (similar to z axis on 3D printers) how much of an issue is this? If so Ill redesign for a big belt using one Nema 34 motor driving both ballscrews (cant find it but saw a diagram you posted Jazz...)

Help?