Why don't we see DIY machines for cutting steel? With the accuracy limitations of plasma and the cost of water jet and laser, I would think there would be a movement toward steel cutting router tables.

Here is a video Video of a guy cutting 1/2" steel on his machine, so it is doable. However, what about a little more purposefully built machine?

I must be missing something, since I don't see these machines being built. What am I missing?
Why don't we see machines like this?

Idea:
  1. heavy gantry
  2. low rpm spindle
  3. tool cooling (air or liquid)





Thanks,

-Mike

PS. A couple days ago, I started a very similar thread in another section of CNC Zone, because I figured this was not a "router"; however, after zero interaction, I thought it might actually fit better here. I could not figure out how to move it, and PMd a moderator, but no answer. So, please forgive me if I committed Zone rule error.