After I'd built my large column-style CNC mill, and used it in a production sort of application, I learned a few very important things about what I was actually looking for in a next CNC mill:
The ability to make quick prototypes
Milling of aluminum and plastics with HSM strategies
Staying far away from milling ferrous metals since I despise cleaning these up
Sound dampening and a full enclosure that my neighbours might appreciate
Another project just for the sake of it I guess?
Knowing this, I went on to start planning for a new CNC mill/router build that focused on these things.Â
Writeup in progress, check back in soon!
As an intermission to these photos, I was also helping a friend who wanted to build a slightly larger version of my original mini VMC design. Like many projects, his build never got finished, but it was looking pretty cool!
He's also got a much cooler shop than me.