Hi,

I am looking to purchase a CNC machine to cut flat sheet Sterling Silver, or if this is not possible, then brass or copper sheet. I would like to cut 10-30mm pendants from 1mm and 1.2mm sheet.

I would need it to connect to a computer, either via usb or parallel port etc. I need it to 2D cut designs from vector line files such as SVG. I can create vector line files for Razorlab laser cutting plastic no problem, so would need a machine that works on a similar line principle.

I have seen stepcraft do a machine that looks like it will do what I need, however I am worried this is a gimmick, so thought I would seek advice.

I have also seen eBay do quite a few CNC machines, but I know absolutely nothing about which one to get or how to connect it to a computer and what software I will need to control it etc.


Apologies if I am barking up the wrong tree or if this is not possible. I don’t need it to cut mass amounts of metal, I will only be using it to create prototypes. Could someone please point me in the right direction, or recommend a machine please?

I already have an engraving machine (Albeit not rotary) and this is perfect, i'd love to have the same freedom to make anything at the drop of a hat regarding cutting metal, plus it would be a nice little hobby to learn how to work a new machine.

Thanks,
Hannah

P.s I have considered subcontracting, but for prototypes spending hundereds of pounds upfront on setup fees is uneconomical plus MOQs of 50-100pcs. I've considered hand sawing them, but I would like a perfect machine cut look, I have also considered pancake dies, but for my thickness of silver I would need to get a hydraulic press. If I made 50 - 100 different prototypes a year, the costs would really rack up and i'd prefer to have the freedom to machine cut a design whenever desired.