Help planning a small(?) router for aluminium please

[Clive S]

I'm in the learning/pre-planning stage and am trying to get my head round what to buy for my first machine.

First of all its best to keep all your posts in one place as the thread will be easier to follow. Wal this is his blog https://wrbl.tumblr.com/mill-build has built a small mill with a fixed gantry.

Do you have a budget in mind? What ever you do don't buy any kits as they are never matched and ask plenty of questions.

[suicidal_orange]

Thanks Clive, I kept the title vague and was just going to update the first post with new questions rather than spamming lots of threads then when/if it happens I'd start a build log.

I don't want to be wasting money on materials and tooling because I skimped on the build so was thinking I would learn and plan what I should get to meet these specifications but keep saying I want to keep it cheap so people don't suggest premium options (unless they warrant the extra spend over a capable alternative), then when I have a plan I'll start looking at prices. If it comes out too much so be it, I'll have learned lots and will be able to consider a smaller, less future proof, build. I may win the lottery by then and not care about the price!

The linked machine looks nice but looks like a moving table on X and Y? I was planning on having the spindle move on the gantry, though I guess it's partly the same... Not seeing any text yet so will check back later.

Do I take the linking to a fixed gantry to be you saying that is the cheapest option for this size machine?

[JAZZCNC]

Hi,

Fixed or moving gantry the cost will be very similar. Swings and roundabouts really. What you save on one style you'll ie: shorter rails/ballscrews you'll lose on other ie: more frame material etc. So suggets you forget costs and choose based on whats best for your needs.

So would be better if told us what want to do with machine.

Now biggest mistake people make is trying to build on the cheap.and buying/designing on the fly with result 99% of the time ends up costing them 1/2 much again because they buy cheap components then realize not up to the job or design changes so useless.

The best approach to building a machine that will fit your needs exactly and happen in a stress-free manner is to research and design the machine to a decent level of accuracy before doing or buying anything.
Then when you have design nailed down it will lead you to material and component sizes etc so can get accurate costings.

Building a great cost effective machine isn't difficult but it's very easy to go about it wrong and starting off with a mindset of Cheapest is not a good approach IME.