What machine to buy

[Hunterbh]

I am a pilot who has a weird work schedule, i only work 4 months a year so i have 8 months off a year and i want to learn how to cnc. I want to build prototype golf equipment. So mostly stainless and carbon steel and itll all be 6in x 6in in size. My question is what would be the best machine to buy with a ~20k budget that'll be easy to learn with but also something i can grow into in case it ever becomes a small business. Thanks in advance

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[Jim Dawson]

If you want to buy new, the Tormach machines would be worth a look, all in your budget range. https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html

Another option might be a used Haas TM or VF0 machine

[ger21]

Putters?

[Hunterbh]

Putters?

I want to mess around with irons wedges and putters

[Hunterbh]

If you want to buy new, the Tormach machines would be worth a look, all in your budget range. https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html

Another option might be a used Haas TM or VF0 machine

Thanks for the fast reply, from the limited research ive done, it seems like those models come up a lot but just wasnt sure what would be best

[ger21]

With a budget of $20K, the Tormach is probably your best option. Or perhaps a Novakon. There aren't really any other machine at this price level.
$20K puts you at the top of hobby class machines

If you really want to make it a small business, you really need to spend about double that, or buy a used machine. You're likely going to be removing a LOT of material. To do it in a reasonable amount of time, You'll want a heavier duty machine.

[peteeng]

Hi Hunter- have you looked at metal printing? Maybe better to start contracting printing. Plus printing can do things milling can't? Hollow parts internal features etc Peter

[Hunterbh]

Hi Hunter- have you looked at metal printing? Maybe better to start contracting printing. Plus printing can do things milling can't? Hollow parts internal features etc Peter

From what I understand, metal printers are 50k on the cheap side? I looked into it before but never found anything that was in my price range

[peteeng]

Hi Hunter - I meant contract the printing not buying. Peter

[ger21]

I know of one company selling 3D printed putters (National Custom Works), but I don't think it's suitable for any other clubs.

[maxspongebob]

If you are looking at making golf club heads, wouldn't you really need a 5 Axis machine? The geometry of a golf club head is so complex that it would be very difficult to machine on a 3 Axis machine.

I like the idea of 3D printing it. If you can't print metal, then print plastic and use a lost wax casting process.

[Hunterbh]

If you are looking at making golf club heads, wouldn't you really need a 5 Axis machine? The geometry of a golf club head is so complex that it would be very difficult to machine on a 3 Axis machine.

I like the idea of 3D printing it. If you can't print metal, then print plastic and use a lost wax casting process.

I think youre right, it might be difficult to do 3 axis. I think i can get away with 4 axis but ill have to get my budget a bit higher if i go that route. Thanks for all the input

[Kenny Duval]

You could do it on a 3 axis machine but the run times and setups would be painful.