Re: What should I start with?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "richard jensen
<richardviper@h...>" <richardviper@h...> wrote:

> Hello,
> I'm new to this group and would like some opinions on a good
> beginners machine. I'm a CADD drafter (autodesk stuff, ACAD, MDT,
> Inventor). I restore Hit & Miss engines on the side. I would like to
> get a small cnc milling machine set up to machine patterns for my
> foundry and then machine the parts I make. I've looked at Smithy's
> web site and Flashcut's web site but I'm not sure where to start or
> what I need! If anyone has any sugestions or advice I'll gladly
> listen!
> Thanks
> Richard Jensen

Richard,

I too, work with AutoDesk stuff (I teach classes) - probably not safe
to say that loudly... On the equipment: I have a Smithy - CB1220XL
(I think they've changed the models a bit since I bought mine). It's
not a bad machine if you are willing to go with what it is. More
capacity than Sherline, but not up to a good knee mill. They say
accuracy .002" - with some good tweaking I got .0005", but I don't
know how long it will hold that. I considered converting mine to CNC,
but my sons have convinced me that I'd be better off building from
scratch and using Smithy to make parts. If you're looking to build a
CNC mill (not lathe) you'd be better off to start with a mill of some
kind (other model Smithy or some other brand). If you want to build a
3 in 1 CNC machine I'd like to hear what you have in mind.

Just my opinion...
Ivan