Re: CAD/CAM for Education

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "dougstuiv" <DOUGSTUIV@c...>
wrote:

> I teach CAD at the high school level, and am considering adding a
> CAM unit. I have two questions:
> Does anyone have suggestions on an affordable bench-top size
> mill
> that will survive in an classroom environment? I would like
> something more robust than the little toy-size units that are
> marketed to educational institutions, with a work envelope at least
> 4 x 6 x 12 inches or so. I don't have room for, nor can afford, a
> full size machine.

Rather than a milling machine, you may want to consider a desktop
router. You will find they are generally less accurate than a mill,
but run much faster and will provide an ample CNC learning
experience. The student projects can be made from inexpensive
materials like plywood or plastic sheet and 2x4's and completed in a
few minutes as compared to metal working that will take 5-10 times as
long to complete. A 4 ft by 4 ft or smaller machine can generally be
purchased complete for less than $5000. There are a couple of
machines in the 12 in x 12 in size for less than $3000.

You will need a dust collection system and/or fume hood for either
type of machine if you machine much wood, plastic or similar
materials.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/hobby