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Unread 20-04-2014, 20:19
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DonRotolo DonRotolo is offline
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Re: CNC Router for Aluminum

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dale View Post
Thanks Don for the great info. Do you (or anyone else) have an opinion on the ShopBot Buddy, with it's moving work surface, vs the standard gantry ShopBot? Is one more accurate, versatile, or less fussy than another for FRC applications?
The moving gantry system is somewhat more versatile, but they are roughly equivalent. The gantry system also needs 'less' space since the outside edges of the machine are fixed, while the moving table needs some empty space to move into. But again, they're about the same. I can't say if one machine is better than the other though. Cost is a good indicator.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cxcad View Post
My team has a sheet metal sponsor. Would it be worth it to get a router or a CNC mill? We already have a lathe.
To be honest, a standard mill would be the next choice for me. CNC stuff is not a panacaea, you still need skill to run it, while a manual mill is a lot better educational value...especially if the mill is larger than the CNC version you're considering.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coach Norm View Post
. We also got the collets from Precise Bits.
+1 on precise bits.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kellymc View Post
Check out cncrouterparts (dot com) for machines, they are located close to Seattle so you could go see the machines and get help, plus they are priced better than shopbot.
I have also bought parts from them but not a machine. However their CNC router is not as rigid as I believe necessary.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FIRSTgenius View Post
How do you know what is the best router bit and spindle rpm for each application. Is there a website or resource that provides this information? It is just so confusing to find out which router bit and spindle rpm is best for each application.
Google "feeds and speeds". There are books and software that allow you to calculate this precisely. You also need to consider "chip load", which is specified by the bit manufacturer. Onsrud.com has some good info on that point, but do some research.

Repeating what I wrote before, the Kronos Robotics KRMx02 machine is probably the best on several levels. I built my 27 x 50 machine for well under $4k, but that was making several parts myself and using the FRC 80/20 discount. For just over $4k* you can get everything pre-made, making it a bolt-together project.

*This includes everything, like software, that's usually excluded from most other similar machines.
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