Hello, I'm looking to put together a CNC machine for DIY home use this spring.
- I want to be able to cut large 4x8 pieces of sheet metal (Plasma would be best)
- I want to be able to cut smaller thicker pieces of metal into shapes for parts, like making a engine mount or some bracket that fits well onto an axle tube, etc. (A mill CNC style would be best)
- I want to be able to cut wood into various objects (A router style CNC would work best)
All three styles are 3-axis, and a mill and router is very similar... in fact what is the difference? Is metal cutting done at a slower speed than a router?
My manual hand crank mill cuts wood just fine.
Would a 3-axis mill style CNC machine fit all my needs? Speed isn't a problem, I'm not a business that needs to make hundreds of a certain part.
Would I encounter problems if I want to make a 4x8 table to cut large objects on, and then have a tiny 2"x2" object that needs intricate cuts?
Sorry if this has been posted before, I tried searching for a few key words, but was unlucky.
The main purpose of the CNC would be to cut metal. 45% sheet metal, 40% any other form of metal and 15% wood.