Hi all. I would like to start some machining to make computer cooling blocks and
motorcycle/truck parts. I know nothing of CNC or milling. Should I get a manual
mill vs CNC? How hard is it to learn to CNC? Can I convert a manual mill to CNC
later? The mills I am thinking about purchasing are Taig, Lathemaster, Homier, Maxnc, or the Sieg X3 or X4. Are the Sieg mills the same as the ones that Harbor Frieght sells? They look very similar. I plan to be working with primarily aluminum, but may dabble in copper and stainless steel. Any recomendations?

Thanks in advance!

Charles

First Welcome to this great Website.

You mention that you want to machine waterblocks for computer cooling then you should start looking at bigger units (AKA Lathemaster's) as the seasoned people on www.procooling.com reccomend as smaller mill will be very slow in milling out copper.

As for converting a mill to CNC, it can be done (I am presently finishing a Taig CNC Ready mill) which is quite easy but not cheap.

There are tons of resources here in the download area for learning about CNC.

As far as programming CNC, I am really new to this so not a good person to answer you.

Best regards

frenchnew

Hey;)

I do a lot of copper, I can complete a copper base plate in half hour, that is 3000rpm 3ipm with a 1/8" EM taking .05" passes then drilling holes to be tapped.

I have the seige X2 that I bought from homier converted to CNC as you may have seen, If it was easier to convert I woudl suggest that one to you, the only thing I do not like about it is the Y travel, The X travel isnt quite enough either.

The lathemaster squair column mill is the one I have been eying but I do not have a adequate shop for it.

For you, I would suggest a manual mill and learn the basics of machining, I think it is hard to do good cnc work without having manual experience. You kinda need to know the coordinate systems and the general ways of doing things.

If you could find someone locally with one and have him teach you a few things, try a few things then maybe it wouldnt be quite so hard to jump right into cnc.


Jon