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Unread 21-04-2016, 00:04
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JohnFogarty JohnFogarty is offline
FTC, I have returned.
AKA: @doctorfogarty
FTC #11444 (Garnet Squadron) & FRC#1102 (M'Aiken Magic)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Rookie Year: 2006
Location: SC
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Re: Cheapish CNC machine

Quote:
Originally Posted by jkelleyrtp View Post
We actually used the X-Carve to machine our practice robot this year and it did a pretty good job. We put a LOT of work into learning how to properly use CAM software and feeds/speeds but eventually we found the sweet spot for both 5052 and 6061 with our setup. We machined our bellypan, chassis rails, superstructure gussets, and shooter components from components .050" to .1875" thick. You definitely will have better luck with with an actual CNC mill, but for a router, the X-Carve (with mods) can take you just about as far as you are willing to put into it.
I'd be interested to hear what settings, speeds/feeds you used. I really couldn't get the one I had access to for a short while to do that much with with aluminum. I used Autodesk 360 to do my CAM and my guess is that I had some depth/plunge and speed/feed rates wrong.
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John Fogarty
2010 FTC World Championship Winner & 2013-2014 FRC Orlando Regional Winner
Mentor FRC Team 1102 M'Aiken Magic
"Head Bot Coach" FTC Team 11444 Garnet Squadron
Former Student & Mentor FLL 1102, FTC 1102 & FTC 3864, FRC 1772, FRC 5632
2013 FTC World Championship Guest Speaker

Last edited by JohnFogarty : 21-04-2016 at 00:06.
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