[Doug G]

I had a similar experience this past summer. I managed to get ~$4000 from a few different budgets and purchased the Microkinetics 4-Axis milling system. It's a nice setup but I find that the g-code for intricate parts is tough for most students. However, I teach them Inventor and with MasterCAM the parts convert easily. Then you just got to get the right postprocessor for your mill and learn about toolpaths and job setups. We plan on using this season to just learn more about CNC and hope to use it to make a few small parts here and there. Next year, I'll work it into the curriculum some more. Be warned that a small benchtop CNC won't make your parts that fast. We made a few sample transmission plates out or 3/16" Al plate and it took several hours (setup and cutting). With an 1/8 endmill we take passes about 1/16 deep at a time (it's all about speeds and feeds!).