Newbie entry level CNC mill for electronics panels

[dslocum]

Hi all,

I'm new here as of today and love the site. I'm an almost complete novice to metal works, but I need a way to produce small runs of .062 aluminum panels (up to about 9" x 10") for my home based electronics business. I do know electronics. My goal (he says with a grin) is to keep the cost under $1500 or so. Is it even possible?

I'm comfortable putting things together mechanically and electrically, but have no idea where or what to even start looking for. I have a drill press, a decent hobby lathe and a good assortment of basic shop tools.

Do I look for v mills, routers, kits, DIY, bits & pieces - I just don't know. I'm sure this question (or one like it) has been asked before so I just ask for guidance or links on where to even start looking.

Any assistance is most welcome.

Thanks!
Doug

[will gilmore]

Start reading all the answers can be found on this site.

Think very carefully about your required work envelope. For verticle mills 9" is pretty big Y travel which is going to blow your budget. For sheet work routers seem to be the way to go and 9"x10" is nothing for a gantry style router. I don't know anything about routers but that is my $.02.

[leggazoid]

http://8020cnc.com/

here is just one example...

[teerapong_ong]

Start reading all the answers can be found on this site.

Think very carefully about your required work envelope. For verticle mills 9" is pretty big Y travel which is going to blow your budget. For sheet work routers seem to be the way to go and 9"x10" is nothing for a gantry style router. I don't know anything about routers but that is my $.02.

Many thanks for good advise, I'm also in first step for this machine

[dslocum]

Right. That's more appropriate for what I need. Thanks for the points Folks!

[LeeWay]

You could buy a small router on Ebay or elsewhere that would be able to drill or engrave aluminum fairly cheap. Some come with software and electronics. Some are bare bones. Just depends on how much you want to do yourself.
Good luck with it and welcome to the Zone.

Here is just one example.
http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-K2-CNC-Rout...#ht_6809wt_947