I'm thinking seriously about getting a CNC.  Been browsing on Ebay.  Mostly these China made 3020 cnc machines are popping up, and they all seem to  be relatively well priced.  Just thought I'd get some opinions from members on any actual experience on these.  Also any recommendations on getting a hobby CNC machine in general would be greatly appreciated.  I'm planning on using the machine to make hub plates, motor mounts, etc.  I'd probably be milling aluminium and/or carbon fibre.

LIST OF EQUIPMENT UNDER CONSIDERATION:

Motors/Controllers:

  1. cadcamcadcam.com (servo motors and controller)
  2. 3-axis Stepper Motor System based on DQ542MA, on Ebay
  3. 6-axis Stepper Motor System based on DQ542MA, on Ebay
  4. DC1 Servo Motor Controller, from Makerbot
  5. Servo Motor Encoder

05/26/2012:  After some discussion.  This blog is starting to look into building a CNC machine of our own.  Keep following to stay informed.  We're in the brainstorming stage at this point any input from users is welcomed.

05/27/2012: DIYDrones CNC Project group is created.  Let's move our activity to that group.

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Comment by Ellison Chan on May 24, 2012 at 11:44am

Yes, but where would I go about getting a old plotter from?

Comment by wilfrid.babilas on May 24, 2012 at 11:45am

@Ruwan

I buy it in september 2011 on AliBabaExpress.com for 888$ with Shipping to France (Without Mach3)

The model is CNC3020T

Today, less price !  AliBabaExpress

The Soft used is Mach3

Cut Fiber and Carbon FiberThe CNC


Moderator
Comment by Alex on May 24, 2012 at 11:46am

I recently purchased myself a zenbot CNC, great service and great prices

Comment by wilfrid.babilas on May 24, 2012 at 11:54am

@Monroe

cut Aluminum

Comment by Bart on May 24, 2012 at 12:04pm

I recently got a Probotix Fireball V90. It'll do the carbon fiber / delrin easily enough. 

Aluminum I hear might be possible at slow rates, but not recommended. Its not a bad price.


Distributor
Comment by Dany Thivierge on May 24, 2012 at 12:05pm

I was also quite interested in that one Wilfrid, I did a lot of reading and found out that the base had too much flex to be precise and that the rotor is not good enough for long run... 

I do want to buy something for the store, imagine what I can do and sell if I could cut my own fiber/carbon boards.... Alu is also a must. 

Monroe, help us out to select the perfect one, entry level in terms of budget but best in class (knowing it's a bit slow but still capable!) 

Looking at "just" cutting vector files in 2D (for now) but also basic things that these 3 axis can provide. 

Basically an all in one machine for basement with limited space. (enclosure MUST be build around these, they become less noisy and self contained debris are better with wife!) 


Developer
Comment by R_Lefebvre on May 24, 2012 at 12:06pm

@Wilfred, so it can cut sheet or tubular aluminum, how about Billet?

Comment by wilfrid.babilas on May 24, 2012 at 12:11pm

@R_Lefebvre  Sorry, I never try with Billet

Comment by Ellison Chan on May 24, 2012 at 12:21pm

Here is is engraving a pretty thick aluminium plate.  Not quite billet.  But like Monroe said above, milling at a slow speed might work.

Comment by Ellison Chan on May 24, 2012 at 12:25pm

Monroe, wish I could get one of those plotters shipped to me.  The shipping might cost as much as the desktop 3020 machine.

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