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17-06-2018 #1
Hello,
I am looking to invest in my first CNC router, and would like some advise please.
I am UK based and would preferably like to buy from UK distributor.
This is a hobbyist use, mainly electronic printed circuit boards, woods (including hardwood), some plastics and I would like the option of milling aluminium, so speed is less important than accuracy.
I would require accuracy/repeatability better than 50um as I would like to mill features of 100um.
Size is also not super important, I expect to be doing mainly small jobs but the more room the better of course.
I would also like a 4th axis.
My budget is not really fixed, all in I think my limit would be up to maybe £6K (GBP) but this is somewhat flexible, I dont want to spend £4k on something rubbish if spending a bit more would get me something much better.
I have no recent experience in CNC and so i'm starting from scratch, if you guys could help recommend what software packages I may need, as hobbyist i think I will start with cheaper/free packages and upgrade later if need be, unless you recommend starting with certain packages.
For the PCB milling I would like to be able to do height-mapping such as shown in this video linked below, I am not sure if I need specific/additional software for this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TRqrLqnKa0
In terms of machines I have only really found one machine that looks reasonable, the High-Z series from Prototools:
https://www.prototools.co.uk/
These come in around the right budget with all of the add-ons including the 4th axis, however what puts me off is: I have read that they can be somewhat under-performing when cutting hard materials
Also the Prototools website's specifications for the machines do not match the manuals which is worrying (for repeatability, accuracy and step size).
Would I be better for looking for something second hand?
Could you please provide me some advise of possibilities for machines, general advise and links to useful reading about first machine.
Many thanks!
Dom
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