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Originally Posted by Rickertsen2
Is it capable of doing even light machining of aluminum.
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I don't know the specs of the one at our woodshop off hand but if they are similar to the one you're looking at for all intents and purposes I'll have to say "No". While it may be capable of machining by taking small passes at a time I think it's service life will be greatly reduced. I'd rather not see you're team be disappointed when the unit fails in the middle of build season.
Now I don't know you're teams position but I feel you'd be better off purchasing a new or used mill like a Bridgeport. This suggestion should eliminate or reduce you're team's dependence on outside help for machining. Several bonuses of a mill is a wider selection of bits and attachments than you would have for that mini CNC mill. You would also be able to remove more material in each pass. This is if you have the funds and the space to put a machine like this. You might even be able to ask local businesses and they might even donate one as they upgrade to newer machines.
This may not be what you wanted to hear but my gut feeling is that the mini CNC mill will not hold up to what you want it for.
$.02
