Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: ThomasCB21 on August 05, 2011, 03:41:17 PM

Title: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: ThomasCB21 on August 05, 2011, 03:41:17 PM

Hi Again,

As I said in my last post, I am a total, total, total noob here.  If I wanted to make parts out of aluminum, what type of machine would I need, could I build it?

Thanks,
Chris

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: BR549 on August 05, 2011, 03:45:45 PM

Well that is a pretty open question(;-) What type of parts what type of alum is this production or just hobby. Now HOW big are your parts(;-) and what shape considerations are you talking. SImple 2.5d parts 3d parts 4th/5th axis machining?

It all depends, (;-) TP

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: ThomasCB21 on August 05, 2011, 03:53:28 PM

Hobby definitely.  I would start small, do some badges and stuff for friends, would eventually like to make some small models.  You mean there is more than one type of aluminum?  (total noob, remember)

Thanks,
Chris

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 06, 2011, 01:38:41 AM

Hi Chris,

The "router" type of construction is ideal for wood and plastics.
The "mill" type of construction is ideal for metals.

Although each will, to a certain extent, do each others job it would not be ideal.

In general, home construction of a "milling machine" requires specialist machinery and knowledge so it is best to buy a mill and if necessary do the CNC conversion yourself. The "router" is relatively easy meat for home construction and requires a bit of skill but is not rocket science.

Hope this helps,

Tweakie.

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: ThomasCB21 on August 06, 2011, 07:36:32 AM

Thanks Tweakie, I think I'll keep it simple for now and not let my dreams go to to my head and wallet! :D

Chris

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: RICH on August 06, 2011, 07:56:10 AM

Quote

I'll keep it simple for now and not let my dreams go to to my head and wallet

Reading is free but we all want help the economy so speed read and start spending. ;D

RICH

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 06, 2011, 09:08:57 AM

Quote

Reading is free but we all want help the economy so speed read and start spending.

Not sure about that Rich - We have been told that it is our spending that has got us into debt.  ;D

Tweakie.

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: Hood on August 06, 2011, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: Tweakie.CNC on August 06, 2011, 09:08:57 AM

Quote

Reading is free but we all want help the economy so speed read and start spending.

Not sure about that Rich - We have been told that it is our spending that has got us into debt.  ;D

Tweakie.

But in reality its the tossers in the investment banks that have got us into trouble and will do so again because we are either too scared or too thick to do anything about them ;)
Hood

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 06, 2011, 09:26:51 AM

"Tossers" I am really surprised at you Hood - They are called "Bankers", or at least it rhymes with Bankers  ;D

Tweakie.

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: Hood on August 06, 2011, 09:54:22 AM

:D

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: BR549 on August 06, 2011, 11:18:07 AM

Hood has you on track.  To do metal parts a Mill is best overall.  A router can do simple metal parts BUT its limitations are normally the spindle is way too fast and the machine is NOT near rigid enough to maintain accuracy in metal work.

(;-) TP

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: ThomasCB21 on August 06, 2011, 02:32:36 PM

Thanks everyone for the replies, keep them coming.  I've been reading through the projects that others have completed and I must say I'm a little intimidated, but mostly encouraged to see that there are folks that have limited mechanical backgrounds that are making truly beautiful things.

Chris

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 07, 2011, 02:03:35 AM

Hi Chris,

Don't be intimidated by others stuff - you can do it just as they do if you are determined enough (although I would hold on a while before attempting one of Steve's V8's  http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,15091.0.html ).

I have made quite a lot of stuff that I really don't have the skills to make by conventional or manual means - all thanks to Mach3 and CNC.  ;D

Tweakie.

Title: Re: Type of Construction for Aluminum Milling
Post by: ThomasCB21 on August 08, 2011, 07:30:40 AM

Thanks for the encouragement, Tweakie.  I've checked out your site, you're way too modest. :D