Howdy y’all, I would love to know if there is anyone out there that has knowledge to help build a steel milling cnc machine. In other words how to build a mini haas!! I’d love to start a talk about learning more and getting to know you guys more!
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I’m building a PrintNC which is a very rigid router that can do aluminum fairly well, and some steel. It’s not a VMC like a HAAS or Tormach, but better than a Shapeoko XXL for the same price or less.
I’d recommend converting a Grizzly G0704 to CNC or similar chinese mill. It all depends on what you actually want to do and have resources for. The spindle torque and rigidity of the frame are the limiting factors for speed/chip load/reducing chatter.
Here’s an interesting video about chatter:
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So my idea of building it was to build folding knifes which would consist of cutting/milling titanium, hard steels not just mild steel. The size I was looking for is something that can be fitted inside a cargo van. Obviously nothing crazy in size because I’m not planning to cutting larger pieces of material.
For a small desktop class cnc the Omio is hard to beat. It will machine aluminum really well and can do steel in a pinch.
Well that is good to hear is there any modifications that can be done to make that cnc cut primary steel. I’d say I’d cut aluminum in a pinch but would rarely use aluminum
That is definitely a good size cnc I’d say that size if not a bit smaller would be great thank you.
I started with a Grizzly G0704 with the intention of doing the CNC conversion but lucked into a Grizzly G0761 that is considerably more powerful and more capable machine. I do plan on doing a CNC conversion to it sometime next year. There are readily available conversion kits and parts for the G0704 but not for the G0761 that are turn key.
I know some of the smaller CNC routers can do steel but you must go very slow and take lots of small passes. The G0704 can machine steel but you must go slow. The G0761 can run larger tooling and take more material in a pass.
I am currently in the process of getting everything setup to start making parts on my G0761 mill. The tooling and accessories cost more than the mill. Some of the first projects will be making the parts to convert it to CNC.
Grizzly G0761
Grizzly G0704
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So the 761 is the one that would be more reliable for steel cutting? Looking at the dimensions that would be able to fit in a van for sure. This machine would need to be converted to cnc though?
The G0704 is around 250 pounds. The G0761 is well over 700 pounds. Helps having an 2-ton engine hoist and lifting straps… If you crank the head down on the G0761 it is about 4 feet tall.
There is not a simple off the shelf drop in CNC conversion kit for the G0761 that I have found at this time. Some of the parts needed are available from different sources though.
Also take a look at Precision Matthews branded mills.
Holy moly that’s a heavy dude. Like I said this would be in a van… Would probably work but oh man that’s heavy
Also forgot to mention that the G0704 can run off a 120v 15 amp circuit. The G0761 needs a 240v circuit at probably 10-15 amps depending on load.
Below are the links to the product pages so you can compare specs and look at other models offered. Right now many items are currently backordered due to the supply chain issues.
G0704
G0761
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