[qwerty123456]

I want to machine some custom auto parts from 3 inch thick 6061-T651 Aluminum. How much Horse Power would I need on the cutting motor?
Could I use a dremel, or hand drill for the cutting motor?
Would a 1 HP electric motor work?

Would 880 oz-in stepper motors work for the table?

I don't care if it would take days to machine one part. I have no time constraints on production, since they're just for me.

[awerby]

which aren't specified in your post.

I want to machine some custom auto parts from 3 inch thick 6061-T651 Aluminum.

[Does the machining go all the way to the bottom of these parts? Most cutting tools are only 3 inches long, total.]

How much Horse Power would I need on the cutting motor?

[It's hard to say. Some machines that cut aluminum use as little as 1/3 hp, but they go pretty fast and are intended for small tools. How big a tool are you using? The bigger the tool diameter, the more torque you'll need.]

Could I use a dremel, or hand drill for the cutting motor?

[Not very effectively.]

Would a 1 HP electric motor work?

[It's possible, depending on the motor, the pulley ratio, and the tooling.]

Would 880 oz-in stepper motors work for the table?

[Maybe - or they might have too much induction, or if your static forces are too high they might not be beefy enough. You need to balance the load, the drives, the power supply, and the expected level of performance to figure out the optimum configuration for your machine.]

I don't care if it would take days to machine one part.

[You might not, but that Dremel tool would be long dead...]

I have no time constraints on production, since they're just for me.

[Even so, figuring out a system that works efficiently will save a lot of headaches down the line.]

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[qwerty123456]

I would need to cut 2.5 inches deep with a 3/16th diameter bit into 3 inch to 6 inch thick 6061-T651 Aluminum.

In the setup I was planning the stepper motors would control the table via an ACME threaded rod.

Maximum Raw Metal Pieces would be: 6x6x6 and 1x15x15

What rating of motor should I use to cut this?
What rating of motor should I use to move the table?
What would it take to do the same cuts into A23 carbon steel of the same size?

[br1]

Look into a used bridgeport Used Mills | Bridgeport Mill | Vertical Mills | CNC Mills | Horizontal Milling Machines- Sterling Machinery, just a suggestion.