[p3t3rbuilt]

I am looking for a CNC mill for use with plastic and aluminum. It would be nice to have the option to be able to do steel as well, but not a necessity.

Speed is not a huge factor. Accuracy needs to be as good as possible.

Budget is not set in stone, but probably needs to be around $5000. Cheaper is always better.

This will mainly be used to make prototypes of aluminum and plastic enclosures. It will also be used for other prototypes of random projects.

Hopefully that is enough information for you guys to help me out, but I can answer other questions if you need more information.

I greatly appreciate any help you guys can give. TIA

[hoss2006]

Welcome Aboard,
Hope you will find some of the following useful.
The first job you need to tackle is to READ, a lot. Be patient.
There is so much to learn and it's going to take some time to absorb it all.
It takes years, literally, to become a good machinist. Don't get frustrated
if something seems difficult, it'll come to you eventually. Hobby CNC requires
you to become familiar with machining, designing, electrical, programming and
computer skills to name a few. Oh, and get ready to spend a lot of money too.
You don't have to spend it all upfront to get started, you'll have years to add
to your shop. You can though, make your money back and then some if you make
something with your mill that customers want.

New to Machining in General?

Don't know what chip load or climb milling are? You'll need to start with the basics.
Take a class at your local VoTech or Community College if you can, the experience will be invaluable. Nothing like learning by doing.
If classes aren't possible, start by watching all ten MIT Machine Shop videos. They will give you a great overview of many of the machines
used in a typical shop and how to safely use them.
http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-to/videos/142-machine-shop-1
Little Machine Shop has a great selection of books and videos to help as well.
Basic Machining Reference Handbook
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=1735&category=993665105
Machine Shop Basics
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=3129&category=993665105
Machine Shop Essentials: Questions & Answers
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2465&category=993665105
You can also rent DVD's from Smartflix.com that cover milling, turning CNC and other subjects.
http://smartflix.com/store/category/115/Metalworking

New to CNC?

CNC is cool but it's not magic. YOU have to know how to machine a part before you can tell the software how to do it.
Refer to Bob Warfields CNC Dictionary to get a leg up before attempting to jump into CNC.
http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCDictionary.htm
Learn what G-Code is and what each code does. CAM software (Computer Aided Manufacturing) will make life easier but
you still must learn the codes so that you can edit or write your programs.
The CNC Programming Handbook, Third Edition by Peter Smid is a great comprehensive guide.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Handbook-Third-Peter-Smid/dp/0831133473/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235881817&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Handbook-Third-Peter-Smid/dp/0831133473/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235881817&sr=1-1[/ame]
CNCInformation.com has an e-course you can sign up for free to learn the basics of CNC.
http://www.cncinformation.com/SP1.htm
As mentioned, CAM software is very beneficial, almost mandatory for some parts.
CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) is used to design your part and usually outputs a full scale dxf file that most CAM programs can use to
generate a toolpath (g-code) to machine your part. Some software is packaged as CAD/CAM and can do it all at once.
There are MANY to choose from that range from FREE to tens of thousands of dollars.
Hobbyist don't need the capabilities of the high end programs. I have links to several programs that I've tried that are either free or
very reasonable at less than $1000, some very fine programs are only a few hundred.
I'd suggest you download and try them all, most are free to Try before you Buy.
It's important to pick a program that makes sense to YOU and not force yourself into using something that others find appealing.
Install the program and run though a couple of the tutorials that are either included with the software or available for download from their site.
http://www.hossmachine.info/links.html
Once you find something you like, you can get help, tips or samples from forums on Yahoo.com or CNCZone.com
CAD software forum
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=404
CAM software forum
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=5

Looking For Your First Machine?

Don't rush out and buy a machine that's "On Sale", chances are you'll regret it later.
You need to have a handle on what type and size of parts that you're likely to make to make
an "informed" decision. The hobby will quickly turn sour if your machine cant "cut it".
Pay heed to those that have "been there, done that". There's nothing useful to be gained by
repeating someone else's mistakes. If you have an initial budget limit to jump into the hobby,
spend as much as you can on the machine. You will spend the rest of your life buying tooling,
so don't scrimp on the machine to get extra tools to start. A vise, clamping kit, a pair of calipers
and a small selection of cutting tools is all you need to start. Some companies include these with the machine anyway.
When the time comes to add more tooling, don't scrimp here either. A well made tool will last for years and years.
Measuring equipment is one place where you should spend more of your cash.
Your parts will only be as good as the tools you use to measure them.
High quality manufacturers such as Starrett, Brown and Sharpe or Mitutoyo won't let you down.
http://www.starrett.com/
http://www.brownandsharpe.com/
http://www.mitutoyo.com/
I told you this hobby is not cheap.
Reading thorough reviews will also give a great incite into the machine of interest.

g0704.com
Minimill reviews

Mini Mill Product Reviews



Even more reading here.
Attention Newbies! - CNC - The Hossmachine Forum

Told there was a lot to learn, but be patient, it'll only SEEM like a lifetime.
It may take weeks or months, but things will start clicking. Before you know it,
you'll be designing your own part, creating the toolpath, loading the program, setting up the machine and pressing START. Magic.
Hoss