Quote:
Originally Posted by Leav
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Some CNC routers can cut aluminum quite well. I recently built
this one (27" x 50" version), and using a Hitachi router and special Onsrud router bits, it cuts aluminum quite well. NOT like a mill, somewhat slower and lighter cuts, but no problems cutting.
The whole machine cost me about $3300 to build, using the generous FIRST discount with the local 80/20 distributor and some careful work on my part. The "official" cost is closer to $4000, and sources and prices are given for everything needed. You can surely buy everything you need, either from the USA for the smaller stuff, or locally for things like steel and aluminum parts. I did have to add a coolant system for cutting the aluminum. Cost under $25. A single person can assemble the machine in 10 working days, but I did it over about 3 months.
The Probotix Comet is a much lighter machine. It will cut aluminum, but even slower than the KRMx02. You also need to buy a spindle for it, which can be a non-trivial expense.
But to answer your basic question: Yes, a CNC router can be very useful for FRC. If you have time, it can rival the work on a CNC Mill, but only for softer metals like aluminum, brass, etc. Oh, and it cuts Polycarbonate really well, too!