I am a mech. engineer with a few ideas of things I'd like to make for myself and maybe to sell to others. Interested in taking some cnc programming classes and/or learning from books etc. I am trying to figure out what specs I need in a starter machine and, beyond travel, have a hard time determining the capability of a machine.
Most important parts I want to make are described below. I'd be running this on weekends and/or evenings and I'd also want to make similar parts from aluminum.
First part is ~12" long (would shorten for tool diameter but use max X travel on the Taig). Made from 5/8" x 2" Brass 360 Bar with ~50% material removal. I would like to use 5/8" x 4" bar and make 2 at a time.
Second part is also brass 360 ~ 3/8" x 1.25" x 3" with ~30% material removal. I'd like to use 3/8" x 2.5" bar, maybe 10" long and make 6 at a time.
Are these parts something the Taig can handle?
How long would each take (not counting tool changes and flipping the parts) and how dependent on machine is this?
Do I need coolant? I am not interested in building an enclosure, I could set up compressed air. If I need coolant for those parts then I would want to step up to something that comes with coolant and an enclosure.
The next options up that I'm aware of are below. The first 3 have slow spindle speed since they are converted manual machines (my understanding) but I like the travel and the price point. Do I need a faster spindle and why? What are the limitations of a slow spindle and could they be overcome by running a lower feed rate for finishing pass?
Procutcnc PM-728VT - slow spindle
Procutcnc PM-30MV - slow spindle
Grizzly G0875 - slow spindle
Tormach 770m - I do not think I need the rapid travel or accuracy improvements of servo motors on the 770mx. This machine gets expensive with adding enclosures, auto-lubers, coolant, tool-changer... etc.
Used Haas Mini Mill