Re: CNC JR

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "davidjaypark" <davidj93@...>
wrote:

>
> Hi all,
>
> Haven't posted in awhile, but have absolutely Love reading the
> correspondence between everyone. I purchased awhile ago a 3rd party
> CAD/CAM software program and outsource the machining to a job shop.
> It is starting to get pretty expensive and am interested in getting
> my own machine tool, but just don't know whether or not those small
> desktop machines can get the job done. I make little relief sculpted
> cavities and the material I use is aluminum. The depth never
> exceeds .18 inches deep and usually the cavities reach a height of 3
> inches and a width of 1.5. Can anyone validate whether or not
> something like the MaxNc, CNC Jr., or Taig Tools would work for my
> application. Run time is not super important as I definitely do this
> work part-time, and am not sure it makes financially sense to
> purchase a substanial piece of equipment if I only use it 3-4 times
> a week. However, definitely want a quality cavity with beveled sides
> and small detailed relief. Anyways any and all advice for a new guy
> in the machine tool technology industry would be sincerely
> appreciated. Really do love this group and thanks again!
>
> Sincerely,
> Dave

It looks like you picked 3 very different machines.

I don't know if there is a classification for the machines, but the
should be something like we have on autos.

small, proxxon.
econo - the Micro-Mill, Seig X1
small - Mini-Mill, Seig X2
compact - Seig X3
full bench - Rong-Fu, Cnc Jr.

3/4 floor - Harbor Freight
full floor - Bridgeport


Each has a work envelope and the tools/bits limit the useful work area
in that envelope.

Each machine is capable of milling aluminum. the question is how much
at a cut and how fast can it take metal off.

Another question is that of conversion or pre-made, or retro-fit.

a funny thing about these machines is that if you already have one, it
is much easier to make a conversion.

Some people have cobbled together a CNC unit to use it to make parts
for a much better unit.

The only thing I am surprized about is the CNC Jr having such a short
listed Z height, not Z drilling, but from the table to the bottom of
the tool holder.

Dave