[briant1362]

Looking for community suggestions on a dedicated machine/setup for drilling holes of a precise depth in acrylic/plastic over a relatively small area (this would be for drilling holes to receive Braille dots for custom ADA signage). We have a (very old) 4x8 ShopBot PRT(using Vectric) and a new Boss Laser 30x16 (using RDWorks) but neither machine can create holes to the necessary tolerances/consistency to accept Braille dots. We are experienced in CNC, technically savvy and don't mind assembly/configuring a custom solution. Trying to find the right balance between cost and functionality/capability. We're currently looking at an OpenBuilds MiniMill/CNC or an Probotix CNC. Are these machines capable of what we're looking for or any other recommendations from the community? Thanks in advance.

[Jim Dawson]

I assume the placards you are making are rather small, less than 12x12'' or so? In that case, any modern CNC mill should hold the tolerance that you need, mass and rigidity is key to making precise holes. Then it's just a matter of deciding on what production rate you need which will partly dictate the required work area in that you may be able to put several placards on the table and run them in batches. Then of course your budget will also partly dictate the machine that you buy.

Don't be afraid of buying a used CNC mill. You might look for a Haas (many models) or a Tormach 1100.