CNC Machines

[Colin Small]

What CNC Machines do you guys use? We're looking for a good CNC machine, 1-3 thousand dollars for our shop. And hopefully one that's not too hard to use.

[geomapguy]

What CNC Machines do you guys use? We're looking for a good CNC machine, 1-3 thousand dollars for our shop. And hopefully one that's not too hard to use.

you're not going to be able to get a good CNC mill for that price.

Maybe consider this though https://www.inventables.com/technologies/desktop-cnc-mill-kit-shapeoko-2

[Colin Small]

you're not going to be able to get a good CNC mill for that price.

Maybe consider this though https://www.inventables.com/technologies/desktop-cnc-mill-kit-shapeoko-2

So what would be a good one for a lower (obviously still higher) price? We're looking for a CNC machine, let's throw the budget out of the window, but nothing like 200000000000 dollars, of course.

[AdamHeard]

So what would be a good one for a lower (obviously still higher) price? We're looking for a CNC machine, let's throw the budget out of the window, but nothing like 200000000000 dollars, of course.

A full size CNC knee mill can be found from $3k to $10k used.

[Colin Small]

A full size CNC knee mill can be found from $3k to $10k used.

So, give me a good example of one I can get for 4000

[AdamHeard]

So, give me a good example of one I can get for 4000

I can't give specific examples, as these are used machines (check craigslist, ebay, etc...). A 3000+ lb knee mill with 30-32" of X travel is fairly standard, and lots of companies make them.

We have one from Millport that we just finished upgrading and we love it.

[mman1506]

We use a Bridgeport 3 series CNC converted to a full CNC with a Centroid CNC kit.
It's a good machine . You could probably find one used for 8000.

[George]

Hi Colin
look this over, http://www.boltontool.com/metal-lathes-milling-machines/milling-machine/industrial-grade-3-axis-cnc-milling-machines_880.html
we purchased a CNC lathe from Bolton and have had good luck with it, i would have got a miil too but the cash ran out, (they had one for 8K no program)
have Fun
Geo.

[kellymc]

Taig CNC tabletop mill, purchased through Nick Carter (google) and stepper/Mach3 package from Dan Mauch

We are using Cut2D for the CAM package

I've had mine for 2 years and the team has had theirs for 6 months. It's a tough little machine.

You can add a spacer on the y-axis to increase travel to 6.5"

For the most part with creative setup you can mill most of your parts. I added a piece of tooling plate with 10-32 holes drilled every 1" to make fixturing easier.

We are also using a flood coolant system with Trim E206 fluid which works very well for aluminum

Kelly