Interested in machining small parts

[iflymyhelishigh]

I have a helicopter, a T-Rex 450, hence my username, and I was thinking about starting to mill my own metal parts, but I wasn't sure what kind of machine I'd need, I was thinking maybe 3 to 4 axis, and that I could manufacture it myself. It will be cutting Aluminum.

[philbur]

If you are looking for another hobby build it youself. If you're interest is making parts then buy ready rolled.

Something to think about

Phil

Originally Posted by iflymyhelishigh I have a helicopter, a T-Rex 450, hence my username, and I was thinking about starting to mill my own metal parts, but I wasn't sure what kind of machine I'd need, I was thinking maybe 3 to 4 axis, and that I could manufacture it myself. It will be cutting Aluminum.

[iflymyhelishigh]

I think I need another hobby, something less expensive...

I am only 13 years old, but I am receiving CAD training through TSA at my school. So I know about the points and all that and surfaces. I just need a cam software to run the CNC mill...

I was thinking of building a replica of that pipe DIY mill, do you think it can precision make parts, or is there a cheap mill that I can use...

This would be for making my own helis, and selling them. These parts are TINY, some of them only the size of your pinky finger, the thing is they're made from aluminum, which is I heard easy to cut.

[mactec54]

iflymyhelishigh

Very cool to have a 13 year old ready to build things the pipe mill would not be a good place to go the Rockford type of mill, built in metal would be better for your projects With a good ER type spindle would do the job for you You can PM me if you need some help

Also take a look at the little sherline mills these might do you as well but it will be more fun for you to design your own & build it

[Stepper Monkey]

The little pipe mills and similar are fun to build, awesome demonstrators to get the understanding and experience of how CNC machining works, and can actually even turn out some fun stuff in wax/foam/plastic/wood.
What it won't do is turn out precision pieces, or much of anything in aluminum at all. You are looking at a very significant investment there no matter how you go.

I think its great to see someone so young into this, if you need help I'm in too, let us know what you need.

[Regnar]

Originally Posted by iflymyhelishigh I think I need another hobby, something less expensive....

Boy did you pick the wrong hobby......

Like some of the others mentioned the pipe cnc isnt going to cut aluminum the way you are going to want it. Just starting out and with a small budjet you might want to search some on the Seig X1. Its small and affordable.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47158

Here is a cnc kit for it

http://cncfusion.com/micromill1.html

and the motors and controller for it

http://www.xylotex.com/3AxSysKit.htm

Of course it can be even more affordable if you make the cnc kit yourself. And ebay often has some deals on motors and drivers.

Here is a free program to control the motors

http://www.linuxcnc.org/

And a free cam program

http://gcam.js.cx/index.php/Main_Page


Im willing to help out as well if you need it.

[DogWood]

yep definitely the wrong hobby if your looking for less expensive, I also fly RC heli's (trex 450, ECO 8, numerous FP micros) and the helicopters are far cheaper

I've made a few parts for my ECO's, and plan to make more, but its cost a whole heck of a lot more to make them than it would have been to buy them, good thing its a fringe benefit of the hobby and not the desired goal.

[Fixittt]

one other thing to think of is the understanding of how these parts are made. Alot of people buy a cnc machine thinking that it will be easy. Well it is not. Alot of machines end up on ebay or in garages under piles of other stuff because it is not easy. You will spend more time machining fixtures and hold down methods to make the part then actual time making the part. Please do not take this wrong, but it takes alot of patients and for thought. If I were you, and you are interested in CNC not just to make heli parts, I would start off cheaper and gain some understanding how the CAD/CNC mesh together. it is one thing to understand how to make a part in cad, but its totally different when it comes time to try and make the part. If you start off small and work your way up. By the time your in high school you could be making really cool after market parts for your first car. imagine that..... all your friends wanting a cool part for their cars.......
We are here to help in any way possible.

[iflymyhelishigh]

Wow! So many people offering help! Thanks guys.

I think that I will be machining different parts other than just helis, because I'd be wasting money then. My school has a DaVinci CNC Mill, its a 3 Axis, but its supposed to be really good.

I am currently building a Lego NXT CNC mill, which is for cutting my name into burnt toast

[Stepper Monkey]

I am currently building a Lego NXT CNC mill, which is for cutting my name into burnt toast

That so completely rocks I am at a loss for words.

[fretsman]

indeed, we need pics and or video -

Dave

[iflymyhelishigh]

Not yet, I'm going to work on my homework for now. I have the X axis tray done, but the Y axis, I'm not too sure about that.

right now, I have it set up so that the "cutter" motor is turned by another motor, which will curve the lines, but the programming is going to be REALLY hard, because everything will have to be in sync. I will work on it over the weekend, its really getting the actual Y tray(already built) to move without having to mount the motor on the X tray. I do not have rider bars, so without those, its a LOT harder. I will keep working and post a vid and pic when I'm done