For the last 3 years I've been producing make custom branding irons using a Plasmacam table & CNC but I'm extremely limited with the items that I can cut. I get complex logos with free floating pieces and I have to pass on the job.
I've been asking around and I'm told that milling is going to be my best bet. I'm looking for a milling machine that could produce a piece similar to that found on the homepage at Brandish dot com.
I'm not looking for a large production machine because at best I see maybe producing 4 or 5 a month but larger orders could come so something that may be expandable would definitely be nice.
I have a small shop so I need something bench top or slightly larger.
I'm just a hobbyist and these are only opinions.
My cnc mill could cut those pieces no problem. They'll look "milled" though and I don't know what kind of finish you require. Do you also hand finish them?
I have done a few raised lettering type pieces with excellent results, but again they have that nice "milled" look to them..But I like that.
Looking at your sample it looks like there may be some pretty small cutters required. That requires either a lot of spindle speed or very slow table feed which can really slow down the job. Something to keep in mind.
I have used 1/16" solid carbide endmills in my x3 mill in brass for that type of stuff. They break easy though. I would think you'll need some V cutters.
If only making 4 or 5 of those a month I am sure a cnc mill would work out. And of course a cnc mill sure might come in handy for tons of other stuff.
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my question. The 'milled' look doesn't make that big of a difference as long as it leaves the correct image when it's heated and used for branding.
Do you have a few smaller mills that I may consider?
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