First time build - Steel Frame CNC Router

**examorph** · 17-02-2016

Dean - Thanks for the advice and yeah, that was just for cut aluminium with no holes/profiles, etc.
Damn, almost half the price...that's cheap! Will ask around locally and see if I can find someone decent. Is there anything I should ask for specifically when requesting quotes for this? I see people go with EcoCast from Aluminium Warehouse, I don't know if many locals would do this so would I just ask for Ground Cast Aluminium Machine Plate? Is there any grade or reference I need to mention?

Davek - Thanks for the reference prices.

**Neale** · 17-02-2016

I bought Ecocast from Aluminium Warehouse but subsequently I've been told about MIC6 tooling plate which is sold by Blackburns - branches around the country. Might be worth checking for a comparison.

**JAZZCNC** · 18-02-2016

Tooling plate is what you want to ask for. Like Neale says it's often called Mic6.

**examorph** · 18-02-2016

Cheers Neale & Dean for the advice, will search around for this.
I am guessing its going to be the same case with the box section also (local supplier being cheaper than online) so will search around for this also. To confirm is it just bog standard mild steel box section or is a specific grade recommended?
With a 4mm wall the gantry box section and side plates alone weigh 20kg (no motors, no Z axis, no ball screw, no spindle, etc) will the 6.1Nm Nema 34 @ 70V with AM882 drives previously recommended handle this ok with good enough speeds for both aluminum and some wood work?

**JAZZCNC** · 18-02-2016

Yes just mild steel boxsection nothing special. Don't worry 20Kg is nothing you'll be ok upto 80-90kg.

**examorph** · 18-02-2016

Thanks Dean and wow 90kg...I massively underestimated how powerful these things are.
Any chance you have any reference costs for 100x50x4 and 50x50x4 mild steel box section? Will be buying in standard lengths and cutting it myself.

**JAZZCNC** · 18-02-2016

Originally Posted by examorph

Thanks Dean and wow 90kg...I massively underestimated how powerful these things are.
Any chance you have any reference costs for 100x50x4 and 50x50x4 mild steel box section? Will be buying in standard lengths and cutting it myself.

Yes don't underestimate these little things when attached to ballscrews. The mechanical advantage the screws give is massive, it will snap your arm like carrot and carry on like it never happened.!!

It's been while since bought any steel but last time I paid about £35 for 7.5mtr lengths 50x50x4. If you work on just less than double that for 100x50 you'll be close.