Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Machining on Opposite Sides

----- Original Message -----
From: exeric1 <exeric1@...>
>
> By the way, is it considered bad practice to use a mill to machine
> wood? The only thing I'm concerned about is sawdust getting in the
> works. I have the ways covered. Is there a better material out there
> for preliminary modeling thats not too expensive? This question is
> addressed to anyone.
>
> Eric

With the exception of oak, teak and a few tropical hardwoods, wood in
general is amazingly non-abrasive. Professional loggers typically get two
years out of a chainsaw in spite of a poor air filter. Wood makes a good
practice piece. Maple, birch, ash, alder and poplar all work well. Poplar
is generally the least expensive.

The machinable waxes I've used cost more than aluminum. Core-Cell foam
makes a good practice material though not cheap. Five pound density 3/4
inch 4X8 sheets are about $100. There is a company that sells a machinable
plastic that appears to be repackaged Core-Cell at four times the price.

You can make your own filled casting resin with epoxy and any of a dozen
fillers. Wood flour is cheap, phenolic microballoons are great for finish
sanding and talc also works well. You can make a cubic foot of casting for
about $50. That much machinable wax cost ten times as much. And unless you
use a lot of it you will never get around to melting it back down.

Doug