milling

tag · 19-01-2008

Hello all
I am looking for advice as my bench drill is poor and inaccurate I was thinking of replacing it with a Vertical Mill roughly the same size
But while searching I came across some CnC Routers and I was wondering if it would be more use BIG BUT I have no knowledge of CAD either 2 or 3D and was hoping it would be graphic based and not code but my way of thinking, Routers are for woodworking and although my work is mainly in wood I also like using plastic and I have a few projects where metal would be better
also what happens if you want to just drill a couple of holes is there any manual control
whats your thoughts please

Thanks Tony

radish1us · 20-01-2008

Hi, you have got a few questions within your question, so here goes MY view on this subject, others will have different opinions, sift through ALL answers and you might get a clearer picture of what you want.
Firstly, a mill/drill machine is FAR superior to any old drill press.
What one to get, now I'll ask you, how deep is your pocket?
If you have never done any milling before this, buy a manual mill, it will be a cheaper option than the CNC route and you can drill any amount of holes, anywhere your heart so desires.
The CNC's all work with codes, some of the operating systems work with CAD, which you WILL have to learn. Some CNC'd machines have the ability to over ride the electric's and use it manually, but this type of operating system is generally dearer. If you really want one, you got one steep learning curve ahead of you. Others have done it the hard way, so it is not a total impossibility.
Buy a metal milling machine, as it can be used with timber if you have to, but, a timber router CANNOT be successfully used with metal.