WTD: CNC Milling Machine for Alu & Steel

[Chaz]

Hi there,

Looking for a Mach3 (or similar) converted machine for producing prototypes from Aluminium and ideally harder materials such as Mild and Stainless Steel.

Looked at ex-school Boxford machines that look great, but something with a 4th or even 5th axis would be ideal.

Not looking to spend a fortune, but budget can run into 4 figures if need be.

Thanks

Josh

I recently bought a Denford CNC machine with ATC. It looks smallish in the pictures but its a large lump. A few months later and a fair bit of cash invested, it can cut aluminium and brass easily. Ive done a small bit of stainless on it.

http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/8800-...Conversion-Fix

Those small desktop type of machines will struggle. You need something more sturdy. What type of size things are you looking to machine? What endmill size (diameter) are you looking to use?

I am 70ish miles from you if you wanted to come and look at the machine and what it can do. I may be selling this, depending on my work / contract situation over the next few weeks. It may be out of your budget but worth a look to see anyways to set expectation on whats out there and what the options are.

This is a Triac VNC Auto Tool Changing Machine.
I have replaced the old PC controller with a high end Ethernet controlled - CS Labs - IP-A
All the servo motors and controllers have been replaced with new, modern servo motors. Servo motors are positional and typically a lot more accurate than stepper motors (but cost more too).
The machine runs on Mach3 which includes full control of the Auto Tool Changer.
I have also bought a small vacuum table for it and it comes with numerous tools, collets, bits etc.
I could also include the 100L compressor for a fair price if you were interested.



Chaz

[Wayne]

I'm in the same situation as Joshi, although I'm not looking at cutting stainless, which I understand to be horrible to work with. I think my bits would be 90% aluminium. Providing I could do a bit of 3D machining (not fourth axis) and get a good surface finish, I'd be happy.

I'd be interested in looking at the Denford - it would suit me well (not too large).

[JAZZCNC]

I think my bits would be 90% aluminium. Providing I could do a bit of 3D machining (not fourth axis) and get a good surface finish, I'd be happy.

I'd be interested in looking at the Denford - it would suit me well (not too large).

Sorry if I'm going to sound negative but the Denford won't be good for Aluminium and 3D.! . . Why.? . . . Because of the lack of spindle speed.

Aluminium in general needs faster spindle speeds than most mills can offer. Yes they will cut it no problem but feed rate will be slow and the surface finish not the best. This gets worse when your looking to do 3D work because often smaller Diameter tools are involved which require much higher spindle speeds.

So if your thinking mostly aluminium work and looking at mills then bare spindle speed in mind.

[Whurlyburd]

Your Denford is just what I am looking for. Have you decided to sell it yet or perhaps you already have? I would be very interested if you are. Call me on 07803 895933 if you wish. Thanks, Roy

[Chaz]

Your Denford is just what I am looking for. Have you decided to sell it yet or perhaps you already have? I would be very interested if you are. Call me on 07803 895933 if you wish. Thanks, Roy

Me? You should quote, we get alerted and then I know who you are referring to.

Still using mine but if you are interested, make an offer.

[Crichards]

Me? You should quote, we get alerted and then I know who you are referring to.

Still using mine but if you are interested, make an offer.

Hi Chaz,
Id be interested in buying the mill, how could I get in touch?

Chris

[Chaz]

Hi Chaz,
Id be interested in buying the mill, how could I get in touch?

Chris

Ill pm you my email address.