Quote:
Originally Posted by Sperkowsky
1st on the priority list is a table saw as we plan on building a 50% field for our shop and possibly even a 100% field to host a week 0 competition next year although this is dependent on hoping next years field is a lot simpler to build then this years. We allotted about $300 for this and plan on getting a portable Dewalt model.
2nd is a basic CNC router like an X-Carve. Although I would love something a bit more powerful as we would really like something we can cut gussets on regularly. We also plan on using it for belly pans.
3rd is an Arbor press with a hex broach. Would love recommendations for something decent that will work with the Andymark broach.
4th is a small bench top lathe. We are looking at something basic from harbor freight at least for now.
Last is a belt sander although we probably will not have enough funds left over.
Id love to hear your recommendations on what we should do. I have a few peoples input but would like more as we want to make sure we can best utilize the money.
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1. Table saws are good, very useful and you have selected a reasonable price point. Remember that carbide blades will cut aluminum with great care.
2. I have no recommendations for you at that price range really, I have heard good things about the X-carve and shapeco and those should be in the range you need. One of them 2 has full cad of the machine free to download so you could get the minimum and beef it up and/or make another with the first.
3. A nice arbor press in that range will be around 400-700, plus 200 for the broach. The cost of entry sucks but a good arbor press is a very useful tool for FRC teams even more so when paired with a lathe and mill.
4. The Harbor Freight one will be enough to start you, I have a few upgrades to suggest.
Buy some digital scales for the X and Y axis (and your mill)
here and
here
A
Quick Change Tool Post
I would suggest a set of
cutters like this as well
5. Harbor freight has a 1 inch belt sander for around $50, not fantastic but it helps.
Shars.com
littlemachineshop.com
micromark.com
All those sites have good stuff for cheap, let me know if there is anything in particular you are still looking for.
EDIT: Chris is me has a good point about the lathe