Hi,

New to this forum and CNC. I am looking at options for a CNC machine which I would like to use for engraving brass. Specifically it would be for clock and watch dials. The depth of the graving for me doesn't need to be very deep as I wax fill and silver the dials. The machine would be used for very low volumes of dials, but due to the nature of what I'm making I do seek very good accuracy and clean cuts; especially for watch dials. So I'd be etching anything between 30mm diameter to 300mm diameter.

I'm aiming at a budget of £1500 ideally (if realistic)!!!

Looking around ebay etc I can see lots of Chinese 6040 type machines such as this one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-4Axis-6...gsNXV_ZScwYOng

It certainly looks the part with ball screws to ensure accuracy etc. It also has the benefit of having a fairly large table.

Question is, will the machine be suitable for engraving brass? For the very best dials I'd be using CZ120.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also any ideas on alternative machines if I'm being unrealistic about these nice looking Chinese machines.

Thanks!