Hi,
I was wondering if it will be possible to cnc steel, I noticed there’s a larger CNC available.
I was also wondering if there will be inductions for the larger CNC soon?
Thanks,
Mo
Hi!
No steel on the small or big cnc, but we are working on commissioning the Sieg CNC that can do steel! If you want to help make it happen let @CNCtechs know!
Cheers,
Andy
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I’m trying to recreate a piece from an adjustable dumbbell, so weight is important. I’ve been doing some research and brass looks like its denser, but also softer (really cool!). Would brass be possible?
As for the Sieg, are you looking to buy one, or rent? How can I help, is there a fund?
Brass is ok for desktop cnc prividing you have correct bits for cutting brass. Currently desktop is out of order, hopefully reinstated tuesday after hose is fixed. For big access, become proficient with desktop and seek independent induction for the big from a cnc tech.
Cheers
We already have a seig. It’s being setup by a group of cncers. Operational tbc
oh nice, I think the desktop cnc is all I’ll be needing if it can do brass. I’ll need to do an induction so I’ll ask a bunch of questions when I’m there and bring the right materials.
If I’m unable to find a brass block big enough, any advice on welding them together? I’m looking into it and it looks like the soldering method is only for small pieces.
I’m trying to recreate a piece that’s about 120x65x35mm so I’ll need a block a little bigger and can’t seem to find them that big online.
Hey! Larger metal CNC should be available soonish, but it’s definitely dependent on a few things we need to figure out, I’d say in the next couple of months but not super imminent
Can I ask what sort of shape you’re trying to make? I’ve CNC’ed a fair amount of brass on the current CNC and something 35mm thick would most likely take absolutely forever - typical passes are ~0.25mm on that machine
If it’s relatively simple geometry the vertical mill might be a better option, that thing’s a beast
It’s quite a chunky piece, so cutting off the major pieces outside the cnc will probably be worth it. It has a hook which I might struggle to make by hand.
My main concern is finding a block big enough.
I take it what I’m trying to do is quite complex, especially for my current level, considering its a curved shape.
Can the vertical mill can be used with a basic woodworking induction, or is there a vertical mill exclusively for metal?
The vertical mill is exclusively for metal, with no wood allowed on it.
Also is has it’s own stand alone induction as it is a beast of a tool.
The piece you want to do is doable but very complex to do on a manual machine, but if it’s possible in your application I would suggest a semplification in design, as that will be complicated to do on a CNC too… 
The main problem is finding a block large enough. I could do some brazing, but not sure if that’s doable at the makerspace and I’ve never done it before.
It would need to be this shape, almost exactly, I could cut some corners, but most of the complexity is there so it can slot into the dumbbell.
It’s looking hopeless at the moment.
I could maybe 3D print an enclosure and fill it with brass powder dust, or brass pieces, maybe this could work.
Well I don’t think it’s difficult to find the raw stock.
Metal supermarket has round stock up to 6.5 inches in diameter
There would be a fair amount of waste but it’s doable.
By the way, brazing is not allowed in the makerspace
I didn’t know about Metal Supermarket, thanks!
Thanks to everyone who commented as well, I think I’m getting closer.
The only part that needs to be metal is the hook, I could probably get away with an ABS hook, but it might break after a while.
If I could just CNC the hook and screw it onto the enclosure, then fill that with brass, or tungsten dust, it might be enough of a compromise without waste, while still being the right shape and weight