Hello everybody!
This is my first post here, after being an anonymous reader for some time
Background: I am a software engineer living in Germany with minor background in 2D CAD design, but want to plunge into machining small parts using CNC technology and a hobby and later who knows.
I am considering sometime in 2020 to buy my first machine.
I will be machining mostly Aluminum, and some mild steel parts.
I was looking into the following options (from the cheapest to the more expensive):
1. Proxxon MF70 + CNC Conversion kit.
2. Sieg SX1 + CNC Conversion kit (butso far could not find a ready-made kit to buy.. anyone?)
2. Taig CNC-Ready micro mill with ball-screws + Stepper motors, drivers and control box kit.
3. Sieg SX2P + CNC Conversion kit + Stepper motors, drivers and control box kit.
About the Proxxon, yes I have read many people say it's only for plastic and wood, but is it true? should this machine even be considered in this consideration list?
I guess that the Sieg X1 is a step-up from the Proxxon, but less robust in compare to the Taig and the SX2P ?
Then comes the next question, what's the difference between a converted Sieg SX2P and a Taig micro mill CNC with the ball-screws ?
I will be modeling small mechanical parts such as model engine machinist parts, and need pretty good precision - not something like .001 ?
I plan to use FreeCAD (at least currently I can not afford SW, and Fusion 360 on the cloud - I don't like licensed software that is on the cloud which to me means that I don't really have a permanent license )
I should also mention that another parameter is that I live in Europe, so probably to get a Taig will add-up import frees and such.
(I hope I did not forget any info, if I did - I will add it briefly)
Any input will be much appreciated.
Best Regards