Elemental_Garage
Plastic
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2023
Hello all,
I run a part-time small business building custom cars. These would generally be considered pro-touring builds if you're familiar with the space. I have spent some time on hobbyist machines using mostly Mach 3 as a controller, and a little time with path pilot. I'm looking to step into a more industrial machine as that opens up the workspace for larger parts, which I would have needed to mill in multiple pieces and assemble. I'd like to move forward smartly and get balance getting a machine that has EVERYTHING, with the reality of being cost-contrained and getting something that will work nicely with what I'll actually be milling.
Serviceability is important to me. I don't mind problem-solving the occasional issue, but also don't want a machine that when I'm in over my head there is no one to call or come service it. I do have some Haas techs in my area, hence why I was looking that direction. But I am open to other machines/suggestions that you all might think I should be looking towards.
Apologies for the entry-level question. Just trying to make the jump in a semi-intelligent way.
Cheers all!
I run a part-time small business building custom cars. These would generally be considered pro-touring builds if you're familiar with the space. I have spent some time on hobbyist machines using mostly Mach 3 as a controller, and a little time with path pilot. I'm looking to step into a more industrial machine as that opens up the workspace for larger parts, which I would have needed to mill in multiple pieces and assemble. I'd like to move forward smartly and get balance getting a machine that has EVERYTHING, with the reality of being cost-contrained and getting something that will work nicely with what I'll actually be milling.
- Most of the pieces will be either one-off or low volume (a couple a week or month), so easier programming and operation is a priority as opposed to the ability to run off hundreds of parts.
- Materials would primarily be 6061 for larger parts (ex. 22x15" dash insert), 316 stainless usually for smaller parts (ex. 6" bracket, knobs, buttons), and mild steel for some misc weldable brackets. The occasional copper and brass depending on the vehicle theme (and some odd jobs for the girlfriend)
- Speed is not a huge concern since this isn't a machine that will be anywhere near a full-duty cycle
- Any auto-probing is helpful, either with edge-finding or tool height, but again not 100% required
- Tool changing is helpful since a lot of what I do goes through a number of tools to go from roughing down to fine detail, but is not a game-breaker. I can't say speed isn't a priority and then limit myself to all speed-enhancing mods I suppose.
Serviceability is important to me. I don't mind problem-solving the occasional issue, but also don't want a machine that when I'm in over my head there is no one to call or come service it. I do have some Haas techs in my area, hence why I was looking that direction. But I am open to other machines/suggestions that you all might think I should be looking towards.
Apologies for the entry-level question. Just trying to make the jump in a semi-intelligent way.
Cheers all!