Still deciding whether to use aluminum or steel for the brackets. I got a quote from my metal supplier for 5" x 36" x 1" AL $50, for 5" x 36" x 2" AL $92, for Steel 5" x 36" x 1" $40 and for 5" x 36" x 2" Steel $112 because of the weight.
So if I use aluminum I can use my cnc router to machine it, does a pretty good job. I machined a bearing hole the other day at .625" and it came out .628" and it's pretty consistent so I'm thinking I'll just start small and work my way up trying the bearing each time. But after having said all that I think once the cnc is up and running I would want Steel brackets anyway to take all flex out of the equation.
So the questions is do I do aluminum now or use a machininst I know and give him the CAD and see if he'll make me a deal with the steel? I think I answered my own question. |