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Recommendations for first CNC router for cutting aluminum. 
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Engineer

Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2007 9:58 am
Posts: 3
Post Recommendations for first CNC router for cutting aluminum.
Hi
I need to get a CNC router to be used to cut out sheets of aluminum for use in PC cases. It would need to be at able to cut out panels at least 600*400mm and need to be able to cut 5mm sheet. I wont need much Z axis travel.

I can spend around €4000 but need to get everything I need for this, including router cutters and tool holding and software.
Do I need coolant for this?
I already have a pc that I can use for control.
Can anyone recommend a UK or European company that can supply and service something like this?

Many thanks in advance.


Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:19 am
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Engineer
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Joined: Fri Jun 16, 2006 6:15 pm
Posts: 168
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I think you will be lucky to get somthing like that new for that sort of money. A good quality new cnc router with a 6000mm x 4000mm table would typically set you back about €15,000.

www.suregrave.com sell machines that are suitable but theyre not cheap

If you want somthing in the under €5000 range, ebay is probably going to be your best bet.

Coolent is not essential for cutting aluminium though it will make your cutters last a lot longer. A coolant setup can be added later and is problably a worthwhile investment. It's worth researching the different options as some coolants are not too good for your health.

I have seen some new systems that drop tiny ammounts of vegetable based oil onto the tool which cools and lubricates it without creating the mess and fumes associated with normal spray mist or flood coolant.

You probably want to budget at least €1500 for your CAD/CAM software. You can probably find enough free demos/trials to get you started but eventually you'll probably need the features only provided by the more expensive stuff so be prepared for that.

If you're doing a lot of sheet metal work then you might want to consider budgeting for a vacuum table which will allow you to hold down your workpiece totally flat without the need for mechanical clamps , glues or sticky tape.

Of course if computer case cutouts is all you want to do a CNC plasma/laser cutter may be a better option. Most wont let you engrave part way through the material but the speed is faster than any mill or router.

Then theres water cutting but neither you or I can afford such things so I wont even bother explaining further!
:)

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Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:39 pm
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Engineer

Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2007 9:58 am
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Hi Dom
Thanks for the advice.
I am currently bidding on this ebay item 250169870233.
I have heard good reports from their previous customers.

What do you think?


Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:29 pm
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Joined: Fri Jun 16, 2006 6:15 pm
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It looks nice from the photo though perhaps not very ridgid. Its quite an unusual design using two motors on the X axis like that. It's probably not a bad machine for the money though if possible i'd try to see it working before bidding too much.

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Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:15 pm
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