pastera
NES Member
$1k for the machineWhat would a good entry milling machine cost to do things like this? Are there desktop models that would do well?
$1k for the tooling (vice, micrometers, calipers, cutting tools, tool holders, etc)
Same problem as with guns - buy once, cry once leads to can't afford.
If you can get your hands on an old knee mill at auction - jump fast as it will serve any purpose a home guy could dream of.
Otherwise, the Seig X2 or X3 is a great entry point - no, they are production shop quality or power but they will get the job done if used within their capacity.
For comparison - the pocket volume is about 2.6 cubic inches and aluminum requires about 0.25-0.35 HP/CI/minute so a 1/2 HP machine with no loss of movement could machine the pocket in under two minutes.
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