[dvirb]

Hi guys,

I am looking to machine precision parts from brass (small parts - 1-2cm in size, some a little smaller)

I was looking into the $1K USD chinese made mini-CNC routers (3-4 axis) offered on eBay.

What do you think? would It be able to machine small precision brass parts ? It's not for a jet engine, and the parts are not too complex (mostly plates of 2mm thick brass with various of curves and holes in them) but I need good precision.

Any advice would be appreciated

thank you !

[ger21]

Define "good precision".

[dvirb]

It's for machining small parts for a miniature live steam engine, and possibly other micro-mechanic projects.

Define "good precision".

[LeeWay]

360 brass is easy to machine, but it is still metal. Those machines flex quite a bit. I would not put one of those in the same sentence with precision.

[dvirb]

I see

And what If I can upgrade the frame a bit to avoid flexing, do you think it is possible ? Or it's a waste of time - like adding some weight and rebars to the frame of the stock machine.

Would you say that I rather spend my money on another machine? is there anything that can get this job done and not costing $5K+ ?

thanks for your reply

360 brass is easy to machine, but it is still metal. Those machines flex quite a bit. I would not put one of those in the same sentence with precision.

[LeeWay]

Those machines are poorly designed from the start. There is very little usable material that would actually work well. I do think they are a waste of money. Of course I am opinionated. I have built several of my own machines. It's not that difficult to do yourself. Just about anything that you design first has a better chance of working well then the cheap Ebay machines. Cost will be more and you will have labor involved. The satisfaction you get from doing it yourself can make that part worthwhile. Especially if it does what you need it to.

[dvirb]

What about bench drill to cnc conversions ? are they any good ?

What parts would you recommend me to use in case I am going to go about assembling a machine from parts ?

thanks

Those machines are poorly designed from the start. There is very little usable material that would actually work well. I do think they are a waste of money. Of course I am opinionated. I have built several of my own machines. It's not that difficult to do yourself. Just about anything that you design first has a better chance of working well then the cheap Ebay machines. Cost will be more and you will have labor involved. The satisfaction you get from doing it yourself can make that part worthwhile. Especially if it does what you need it to.

[LeeWay]

A drill press is the wrong animal to start with. They are not designed to take side loads like you would see in milling. Straight down drilling loads only.
While I have made several cnc machines, none have come in under $5000. I would suggest that you do a little reading and research here on the Zone. Check out what other guys have made ad see the results they achieved and what the cost was.
That is how I first started.

[dvirb]

Thanks for your honest replies, I will check into that

A drill press is the wrong animal to start with. They are not designed to take side loads like you would see in milling. Straight down drilling loads only.
While I have made several cnc machines, none have come in under $5000. I would suggest that you do a little reading and research here on the Zone. Check out what other guys have made and see the results they achieved and what the cost was.
That is how I first started.

[victorofga]

take a look on the grizzly conversion..

you buy the machine at grizzly and all parts you get from automation technologies..

that machine already makes you metal and in a good precision... by yyour description..


https://www.grizzly.com/products/Dri...th-Stand/G0704

High-Torque Stepper Motor, Stepper Motor, Driver, Stepper Motor kit, DC Servo Motor, DC Servo Motor kit, Stepper Motor Power Supply, CNC Router, Spindle, and other Components. Stepper Motor | Stepper Motor Driver | CNC Router | Laser Machine | 3D Prin

you need some time to put together.. also you need mach3 license for but you can getaway around 3000 pending on what tooling you get...

clamps, vise, different endmills for METAL you get from shars

Home page

they have all tool you ever need..


just a sidenote, there are the moving table 3030 Chinese router what closely enough for milling these small parts.. and about same price, but a lot less rigid than this mill,,,

[LeeWay]

Those are very good suggestions. Not sure on the budget though.

[dvirb]

thanks for the replies and suggestions, very helpful

How about this Taig CNC mill ?
Taig Gecko CNC Mill Milling Machine ENGRAVER Router | eBay

[victorofga]

probably you don't see the difference

with grizzly, you spending 2600
with taig gecko you spending 1900

the difference is 700

look for the pictures.. the nema 23 motor size you know..

the grizzly machine 2 times wider
and 2 times taller

grizzly has all parts cast iron, other machine has steel rails..

if you have the money go with the grizzly... even wait little or borrow some..
if you have work in your hand, then it will return ...


after you buy a machine, and finding on first week, why you didn't buy a little larger, then its too late..

even at this second you think, it makes the work you plan.. a little larger machine makes more..

also pending where are you located, the shipping might break every deal..
shipping within us might 100 dollar, but going out of us, might makes immediately 500 even just about over the border in Canada..


best you can do try it.. we don't put money in your wallet.. we just try to suggest which one could be better..

[fishinguy1]

Check to see what the Asian top level companies use for manufacturing small RC / car parts, small fishing reel parts. Okuma, Matsuri come to mind.

[dvirb]

thanks for all the replies guys! I appreciate it very much