[launchpad]

I`m looking for some recommendations and after searching for some time, I decided to make a post and ask for help..

I`m looking for a small CNC 3-axis machine with the following requirements:

0. must be at least 12x12x2 inches cutting area
1. be able to cut pieces out of 0.25 inch thick polycarbonate sheet
2. be able to drill 2.5mm holes in the polycarbonate
3. be able to TAP M3 holes in the polycarbonate, meaning I need either a tapping head or just a robust spindle that also reverses.

I`m looking for OUT OF THE BOX solution, preferrably with a reliable, free software available. I am looking at the fireball router tables but I can`t tell if you can change the heads on those to something that can actually tap holes.

[doorknob]

I don't have an answer for you, but I do have a related question (a friend of mine has a Fireball router table, and from memory it seems that the Z-axis capacity is far less than that of a typical milling machine or drill press).

Does the Fireball actually have sufficient Z-axis height range and table clearance to accommodate a tapping head?

[m4bushy]

Topper or robodrill make small machines that will rigid tap.