Metal Cutting Build Questions

762 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by marecat3, Jan 27, 2020

Billy Bee

Discussion Starter · Jan 23, 2020

New to the CNC world. Ive done lots of research and have an experienced buddy who is helping when able. However, there is a lot of information and different opinions. I have a background in metal fabrication, engine/car mechanics, some electrical knowledge, wood working/construction, etc. I understand this build will cost a decent amount, but Id like to keep it as cheap as possible my making what I can rather than buying.

I am looking to build a CNC table that can cut aluminum and steel up to 1/8" thick. Id like a cutting area of 4x4ft, but 3x3 or 2x4 could work as well. I understand that the bigger it is, the less rigid/more reinforcement needed.

My buddy mentioned building from epoxy type stuff for the forms/structure. Any thoughts on this? Links and information on how to do this is great.

What about table construction and materials? What parts should be reinforced/stronger materials and what would you recommend?

I believe Ill need liquid cooled motors and such, what motors, router, equipment would you recommend and why?

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PhilBa

· #2 · Jan 23, 2020

welcome to the forum. AL and Steel kind of push you in opposite directions. The machines people focus on here are more for wood cutting. A wood cutting machine can do some AL and plastic but not steel very well.

I suggest you check out CNCZone. It's a big and sprawling site but there are a number of sub-forums that can probably help you.

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BalloonEngineer

· #3 · Jan 23, 2020

Aluminum can be done on a sufficiently stiff router, sheet steel can be cut using a plasma, larger steel needs a mill. I have seen combo router/plasma, but separate machines will make life much easier.

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Pro4824

· #4 · Jan 23, 2020

BalloonEngineer said:
Aluminum can be done on a sufficiently stiff router, sheet steel can be cut using a plasma, larger steel needs a mill. I have seen combo router/plasma, but separate machines will make life much easier.

I agree, sounds like you'd be better off with a plasma table. Or at least an Avid cnc and add their plasma and water table to it.