Quote:
Originally Posted by techhelpbb
If you take a look at my post you'll see that the Haas TM-1P can machine just about anything an average Bridgeport can which includes aluminum. It's more than fast, powerful and rigid enough, it's got coolant and with the proper tools it'll do a great professional job.
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Sorry I didn't get a chance to click the link when I wrote my post, I was on my phone.
Now that I've clicked, I must say I was taken aback by the price!
We were looking to get something for under $5000.
Quote:
Originally Posted by techhelpbb
Gantry routers will do aluminum but there are limits in speed, power and rigidity. I've cut plenty of aluminum on gantry routers just know: your machine, keep the number of flutes down as low as possible, use smaller diameter end mills, and mind the suitable feed rates (you'll mind the feed rates anyway on most CNC machines). If you must use a general purpose shop router as the spindle consider getting a SuperPID for it.
Will these cheaper machines be a 100% replacement for something like the Haas TM-1P: absolutely not. Will they do some work: sure just don't get too crazy. Keep in mind the forces involved and respect them.
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I think that's an important thing to take from this: If we're willing to keep feed rates down, It would probably be ok to use a gantry router.
This is good news as far as I'm concerned, since the gantry router form factor is better suited to our shop (the ceiling is pretty low, about 3m/9feet at most).
Thanks everyone! i'll be back when we compile a list of optional machines and i'll ask for your opinion again.