Meaning of numbers

I'm looking at CNC as I believe that it is the future and I m not sure wether to jump in with a 'proper' mill like a Sieg or to play with a cheap one that would cope with a few nameplates and other, not to strenuous stuff.

Can anyone tell me what "3018' means?

Brian

Usually the work area 30cm x 18xcm but the small gantry machines don'r have much in the way of height (z)

Edited By JasonB on 02/09/2020 20:22:24

I thought it was the money you need to spend at a minimum to get into CNC

Thanks Jason, that makes complete sense. I didn't twig because I'm Imperial.

Andrew, clever answer!

Brian

Edited By Brian H on 02/09/2020 22:34:11

Be careful of those 3018 Gantry Machines. Many/most/all have no means to directly level the bed. You have to resort to tweaking mounting screws, in their clearance holes, all over the place. Most of the time you're chasing your own tail.

Unless you can do this levelling - or modify the machine so that direct levelling is possible (another job I have on the shelf) you won't get much accuracy. And forget any fine-line engraving.

Edited By Bandersnatch on 02/09/2020 22:53:20

Thanks Bandersnatch for that VERY useful information.

Brian

A useful source of info on the small gantry routers is MYCNCUK worth a look, you could be tempted to go for a home build such as this:-

All the aluminium extrusions and parts readily available and could be much more rigid (and flat) than the el-cheapo oriental ones. There are some designs on there for gantry machines that would probably be more robust than a Bridgeport!

John

Edit: forgot to put the link in

Edited By Journeyman on 03/09/2020 10:21:32

Many thanks John, I already use that site but have not seen that particular section.

Brian