n00b CNCer need help.

[arisking]

Anyone know approximately what a good laser cutter would be for aluminum? I would probably want a cutting area of 12 x 20 inches. I would be cutting probably 1/4" aluminum 6061 and 7075 at the max. What are some brands I should look at? I am interested in this as I want to make parts for my RC car.

-Josh-

[ger21]

I have a feeling you'll need at least $100,000 to cut 1/4" aluminum with a laser. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[arisking]

Well I am looking for pretty cheap, nothing too crazy. I am only 17 years old...LOL. But yeah I have heard of laser sutting machines for $10 000.

-Josh-

[Zumba]

Gerry is right. 1/4" aluminum requires a high wattage laser. The machines you've seen for $10K are for much thinner materials such as 1/8" wood.

Look into getting a plasma machine instead.

[arisking]

So a plasma CNC machine is cheaper? If so that's awesome. How much am I looking at? What are some good brands that come complete with software and the whole kaboodle.

-Josh-

[dfurlano]

To really keep the cost low you need to build it....

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...ee+table+plans

Dan.

[arisking]

Looks pretty good man. Does everyone use Auto CAD? Also what kind of computer would I need for this type of stuff to have it fully automated? Also besides a plasma cutter is there something else that is still cheap that makes a smoother cut? Sorry for all the questions, I want to get this all right before I start anytihng.

-Josh-

[dfurlano]

Smoother cuts, maybe a waterjet but I have never used a plasma or waterjet but there is a waterjet yahoo group that you can join to find out.

A lot of people use Mach3 as a controller for their equipment go to www.artofcnc.com and read about it. You do not need much computing power to run Mach3 in fact many people use old laptops. The only requirement (for now) is step and direction motors and a parallel port.

As for CAD software there are many different packages it depends on what you are going to use it for. You can only do 2D cutting on a waterjet, plasma, or laser. So and simple 2 1/2D program will work fine. When you get into 3D then you need more of a solid modeling or surfacing package. Beyond 3D it gets expensive for both equipment and software.

There are tons of webs site to read all this from you just need to go look for information.

Dan.

[arisking]

Okay thank you Dan, I really appreciate the help.

-Josh-

[arisking]

Hi guys after looking around I have come upon the Plasma CAM. Is this what I would need to do what I need? At only 9000 USD I think it is a very reasonable price. I already have the plasma cutter (Hypertherm) and a computer. I have got the free DVD from them and watched over and over agian. It seems the possibilities are endless for this machine. I might think of going half and half with my dad. Tell me if you guys think this will work.

-Josh-

[arisking]

Anyone? Sorry, for bumping but I would love some reviews on this machine other than the ones in the video.

-Josh-