Is a "Router" the Right Machine?

[jdownie]

Hello There,

I have been lurking for a while, reading, searching, etc. I have learned a great deal, but need a little help in focusing on the best machine for my application. Primarily, I want to be able shape resin, wood and aluminum into 3D prototypes/models. Most of these would be under 3' x 2' x 1' (XYZ). I had been looking mostly at router designs, but have read a lot conflicting advice regarding the correct tool for shaping aluminum. When I say "router", I am referring to a gantry-based design, as opposed to the cutting head. I would be prepared to put a Perske or similar spindle on the machine, as required.

So...

Is a gantry table design appropriate for the described purpose? I realize I might need another axis, depending on the shape in question.

Should I be looking at knee mills or some other design?

TIA

John

[CJL5585]

Wish I could answer your question.

Normally, a router is used to do 2 1/2 D work. One would have to have a rotary table also installed to do 3D.

Look at the photo section. There are some people doing some 3D stuff in wood and foam. They are using a gantry style router with rotary table.

Maybe this will point you in the right direction.
Jerry

[chuckknigh]

A router can easily do 3D work -- but it has limitations.

For example, it can't do undercutting...that requires a 4th axis.

What types of shapes do you intend to make?

-- Chuck Knight

[jdownie]

I want to be flexible with regard to shape, and could add another axis later. For now I am really trying to figure out if the gantry/spindle combination can shape aluminum. I am not in a rush.

Thanks

John

[ger21]

Originally Posted by jdownie For now I am really trying to figure out if the gantry/spindle combination can shape aluminum. I am not in a rush. Thanks John

If it's a homebuilt machine, it needs to be very stiff and strong. And you may need to use coolant for the aluminum, which can get messy without a way to contain it.

[MikeAber]

I would recommend you consider a fixed gantry moving table design. Those dimensions you desire are quite large for anything other than a gantry style machine. You may find an old super size industrial mill that could provide a basis for such a machine (10,000 pounds or so). If you are a DIY'er I would recommend you consider building it out of box steel or cast iron for rigidity or consider one of these machines or a similar design. http://www.cmscnc.com/index.cfm?fuse...=100&pageid=40

[ViperTX]

Knee mills won't give you a 2' y-axis. You'd have to step up to a VMC...