Bogstandard said:
MadKad,
You are asking a very difficult question on your last post.
The reason being, the limitations of a machine are in the mind of the owner.
A very experienced machinist will know how far he can go with a machine that he is used to, a beginner will go nowhere near to what the machine is really capable of.
It is always experience that counts on that one. I have done jobs on my old mill that you wouldn't have thought possible.
The rule of thumb is always go bigger than what you think you will ever need, and expect to pay at least 50% of the machine purchase costs on tooling, maybe more.
By what you show as to what you want to make, it looks like 90% of that is lathework, with some sort of indexer and a toolpost drill, the other 10% looks like diework and hand shaping. A mill isn't the answer to all ills, in fact, for some types of jobs, it is a total waste of money and workshop space. Milling to rather good standards can be done on a lathe at fairly reasonable cost.
The materials for body piercing might require specialist tooling on its own because of it's machining qualities, as I am sure brass and the odd bit of steel just won't be body compatible (it isn't when I get some under my skin). That would be a thing to look at before you go any further in complicating things.
Maybe the first questions you should be asking, is how to machine the materials you are contemplating using, and take it from there.
I am not suggesting you do not do anything you want to do, but by the looks of it, a lot more research on your part is needed first, before making any further high cost decisions and jumping in with both feet.
John
np mate I understand, I just know that the next parts to the work I need to be able to complete is with a mill, I just didnt want to get one that I would brake cutting titanium.
I see the X1 cant really go at slow RPM's and the X2 can go as slow as I need for the cutting of Titanium, then as fast as would need for other things.
When I said steel by the way I was just being lazy, I really only use titanium, when it comes to metal's as there is no way your body will brake out in a reaction from that, but believe me there are people that where brass as ear weights, also I have been asked to use surgical steel in the past.
My cnc is going to be used for carving etc, but I plan to use a mill for irregular shapes, like the tear drop plugs and lots more, in time I also plan to convert the mill to CNC so that I can bring out work a little faster as I get that many orders I have to place every one on hold so I can clear the backlog a little, and with the CNC ideas I can get out the more standard stuff like PTFE, Delrin and wood plugs while I work on the more hands on things (ie. Tear drops etc)
Also drilling titanium on a mill that isnt round due to the constant pressure needed will be better on a mill, here are some things I have drilled that are titanium, (bad pics sorry) but the first 2 were ok on a my lathe due to the being round:
Then I had this, I had to drill two 1.45mm holes and then tap them (taping I didnt use the lathe) but I drilled them on the lathe and it wasnt fun in any way.
I think a mill will be needed as well to put a love heart in a titanium plug. It is a lot of cost really, but I like to do it, and make lots of other things for my self so it will get its use also I can only learn by using something, its just some points I need to clear in my mind first lol
Thanks for all the help by the way and your time.
Karl.