WTD: CNC Milling Machine for Alu & Steel

[komatias]

Have you evaluate the Chinese 3040 5 axis design that looks like a mill?

Just remember that you will need to pay shipping and VAT on top if bought on EBay

[Joshi]

Have you evaluate the Chinese 3040 5 axis design that looks like a mill?

Just remember that you will need to pay shipping and VAT on top if bought on EBay

Do you mean this one - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-Axis-CNC...c=1&rmvSB=true

I have been specifically told to avoid this machine by the guys on here. Shame really, it looked so promising! haha

[dodgygeeza]

Those machines can hardly cope with machining wax, let alone any form of metal.

To be honest, if you are looking at machining anything harder than aluminium, then you are best looking at a mill.
Cutting steel needs much more torque and lower spindle speeds and a much more rigid machine than a traditional router design.
you would be best to get a 3 axis CNC mill and add two rotary stages to give you 5 axis, but you also need to consider the cnc controller as well.
Or get a second hand 5 axis machining center.

Have you evaluate the Chinese 3040 5 axis design that looks like a mill?

Just remember that you will need to pay shipping and VAT on top if bought on EBay

[DuffelBuffelWuffel]

Buy FS4MG LANG and add one of those china 4th/ 5th axis.
http://cnc-technik-mueller.de/fs4mg-...lgussmaschine/

This + usbcnc (Eding) + leadshine closed loop stepper 2nm (ebay) + gdk80-12-24Z/1.2-2.2 spindle
But be prepared that the end price is around ~6.5K euro without tax
Fusion 360 as CAM software (3+2axis) "free"

Also buy a haimer 3d probe , a bunch of 1/2/3 flute VHM mills for alu and a decent toolsetter + add limit switches to the machine + a decent vice (the Vertex VA4 fits nice on the bed)

Now you home the machine -> inset the haimer probe -> it auto measures length and does compensation (G49) -> zero the stock
Now run your code -> insert endimill -> auto measure length and G49 it (saves you so much time and makes your tolerances much better).

Having a spindle that has ATC is even better ... but those are quite pricey.

I have not done any steel yet , but I can't see why it is an issue (forgetting the spindle speed).
They Also Have the FS3MG which is "made" for steel. The base price is quite a bit higher but still doable for a small business.