Any one got info on CNC Machines for a hobbyist

karltone

Looking into possibly getting a cnc machine for engraving, circuit boards etc

Any one got any info on the best place to buy? 

Cheers

ecc83

Didn't Sporkey have one?

Not seen much monkey business around here for some time!

Dave.

karltone

Thought i'd bump this, still looking to get one. Anyone got any knowledge/advice to give me would be much appreciated.

Sporky

I do have a Bungard CCD/2, which I've used for 10-odd years to make PCBs, including most of monkeyFX's output. Fantastic machine and a massive step above most of the eBay junk; massively over-engineered including a Kavo spindle. It also has a proper "float" mode for isolation routing - without that you'll shatter bits and break boards.

Got it here:

http://www.megauk.com/cnc_production_centre.php

About ten grand new including the enclosure, vacuum extractor (essential for GRP/FRP work), software, a big rack of bits and half a day of training. That said it's not getting a lot of use now, so yours for four grand including the PC that runs it, some training, a set of PCB shears and all the PCB blanks and bits I have left. Which is a substantial collection.

m_c

Have a read of this thread - http://thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/67692/help-with-choosing-cnc-routing-milling-etc

Sporky

That's more for heavier work - for which I have a K2.

PCBs require much higher spindle speeds, a different grade of extraction, and float. I might have mentioned float already.

This is what comes off the CCD/2 with a quick cleanup with a 220-grit sanding pad.

http://monkeyfx.co.uk/pictures/bigrouter/18 pcb_cleaned.jpg

karltone

Thanks for the info chaps. I need to do more research, thanks for the offer Sporky, but i won't have the readies for a while and probably a bit too good for me.

Sporky

No probs.

I know a few people who bought cheaper PCB mills and regret it - without float you'll snap a lot of bits, ruin a lot of PCBs and waste a lot of time.

You can save money on the bits though - I've found the low cost carbide engraving bits from eBay actually last longer than the more expensive German ones.