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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
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    5

    What machine to buy

    I am a pilot who has a weird work schedule, i only work 4 months a year so i have 8 months off a year and i want to learn how to cnc. I want to build prototype golf equipment. So mostly stainless and carbon steel and itll all be 6in x 6in in size. My question is what would be the best machine to buy with a ~20k budget that'll be easy to learn with but also something i can grow into in case it ever becomes a small business. Thanks in advance

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717

    Re: What machine to buy

    If you want to buy new, the Tormach machines would be worth a look, all in your budget range. https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html

    Another option might be a used Haas TM or VF0 machine
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: What machine to buy

    Putters?
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Posts
    5
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    Putters?
    I want to mess around with irons wedges and putters

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Posts
    5
    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Dawson View Post
    If you want to buy new, the Tormach machines would be worth a look, all in your budget range. https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html

    Another option might be a used Haas TM or VF0 machine
    Thanks for the fast reply, from the limited research ive done, it seems like those models come up a lot but just wasnt sure what would be best

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: What machine to buy

    With a budget of $20K, the Tormach is probably your best option. Or perhaps a Novakon. There aren't really any other machine at this price level.
    $20K puts you at the top of hobby class machines

    If you really want to make it a small business, you really need to spend about double that, or buy a used machine. You're likely going to be removing a LOT of material. To do it in a reasonable amount of time, You'll want a heavier duty machine.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    6254

    Re: What machine to buy

    Hi Hunter- have you looked at metal printing? Maybe better to start contracting printing. Plus printing can do things milling can't? Hollow parts internal features etc Peter

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Posts
    5
    Quote Originally Posted by peteeng View Post
    Hi Hunter- have you looked at metal printing? Maybe better to start contracting printing. Plus printing can do things milling can't? Hollow parts internal features etc Peter
    From what I understand, metal printers are 50k on the cheap side? I looked into it before but never found anything that was in my price range

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    6254

    Re: What machine to buy

    Hi Hunter - I meant contract the printing not buying. Peter

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: What machine to buy

    I know of one company selling 3D printed putters (National Custom Works), but I don't think it's suitable for any other clubs.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Posts
    411

    Re: What machine to buy

    If you are looking at making golf club heads, wouldn't you really need a 5 Axis machine? The geometry of a golf club head is so complex that it would be very difficult to machine on a 3 Axis machine.

    I like the idea of 3D printing it. If you can't print metal, then print plastic and use a lost wax casting process.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYn9Yn9XH6o

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SajojbqwmkQ

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpf-7VU-UuU

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Posts
    5
    Quote Originally Posted by maxspongebob View Post
    If you are looking at making golf club heads, wouldn't you really need a 5 Axis machine? The geometry of a golf club head is so complex that it would be very difficult to machine on a 3 Axis machine.

    I like the idea of 3D printing it. If you can't print metal, then print plastic and use a lost wax casting process.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYn9Yn9XH6o

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SajojbqwmkQ

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpf-7VU-UuU
    I think youre right, it might be difficult to do 3 axis. I think i can get away with 4 axis but ill have to get my budget a bit higher if i go that route. Thanks for all the input

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    630

    Re: What machine to buy

    You could do it on a 3 axis machine but the run times and setups would be painful.

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