Newbie- Newbie DIYer

[dcparks]

I have been lurking in the forum for about a month now and I would like to inquire as to getting some help. I see many really good designs and I know that this may be kind of off-topic since this is in a woodworking subsection. I am mostly looking to mill 3/4" aluminum with a DIY machine and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a sturdy design. I don't have access to any machinery immediately so my first machine will have to be made out of MDF or some sort of easily modified material (wood) but eventually I will make my final cnc machine out of aluminum that will be cut from my wooden machine. Can anyone help me please

[ssutton]

If your machine is going to used for aluminum you are going to need something that is very strong and rigid. You could build with MDF but (I have no experience with MDF machines) you could also build with 80/20 aluminum extrusion. You can cut that material all day with a chop saw and a 60 tooth carbide tipped blade. This is VERY expensive but the end result is that you have a machine that will last a lifetime. 80/20 is a great option for those with minimal shop tools but want a strong long lasting machine. There are several good designs based on 80/20. You can also find "off-brand" 80/20 like material out there but again I have no experience with it. I know that the real stuff is VERY straight and if properly sized is rigid.

-Scott