Hello I'm a retired electrical engineer with experience in industrial control systems and programming, but no experience in machining. I want to build a small CNC that can do the following things: 1. Help me learn about CNC on plastic, aluminum and maybe brass. 2. Printed circuit board manufacturing 3. Finishing of 80% AR lowers What mills would you recommend for this? Clark
There may be no one here with experience in all of those areas. I don't, so I can't make a recommendation.
That makes sense. I think the 3rd item might require a larger mill. I was hoping it could be done with a mini-mill, but maybe not. Suppose I eliminate that requirement... Does anyone have any thoughts about a good mill for learning and to make PCBs?
I haven't milled PCB's. Many of the machines listed in the Builds tab (CNC) will machine aluminum just fine. You might check out this discussion (and build) for info on PCB milling: https://openbuilds.com/threads/c-beam™-machine-for-pcb-milling.11267/
The Cbeam XL will probably work well for what you need. Or even the Cbeam. The kits are on sale with free shipping today.