Building a robotics lab

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by quillford

Can you explain the difference? I thought a cnc router was just a mill for softer/easier to cut materials.

Since most FRC work is lighter duty cuts, it's a substantially larger work area which is easier to fixture sheet to. This lets you nest many gussets/plates into a single run easily.

Also, it's nice to take advantage of their long travel and build a long vice-style fixture for holding tubing so it can be machined quickly.

A good router can be had for $5k (if good discount), and $15k will get you something pretty solid for FRC.

You're going to have an incredibly tough time getting the same bang for your buck out of a CNC mill in that price range.