Hey folks,
Couple questions about design for those who know this stuff a bit better.
Still in the design phases of a 12x12x4" moving gantry router, HSS construction (Its what I know, have and am comfortable working with). Main goals were to cut acrylic and thermoplastics with the occasional piece of aluminum.
Not enough room (or budget right now) for 2 machines so ...
1. What design considerations would I need to make - if I realized I'm going to want to mill the occasional piece of steel (ie cutting adapter plate out of 1/2" x 6" flatbar)? Strength I'm not too concerned with - I think I'm well beyond beefy enough...
2. Can smaller milling projects be done without liquid cooling - or should I start investigting how I can add that? Having a perfect finish isn't needed - mostly just need a decent cut (about equivalent to what I'm getting now using a 4 1/2" grinder and a drill press to make the same components free hand)
3. I was planning to use a laminate cutter, is there something more appropriate in terms of being able to cut both acrylic - and steel, where the motor speed is variable enough to handle both with enough torque on the low end for the steel?
4. Is there a recommended 'off the shelf' tool that could be used for steel I've spied some that look like grinders but with a vertical chuck in the mill forum - but no clue what they'd be called/where to source them. That's assuming I needed to use two different tools and swap as needed.
Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated