I am looking to make a few things but one of them is cut custom 19" server rack panels that would bolt on to a server rack. I was looking at milling machines which is still an option but I am not sure I need that much to cut circles and squares in flat aluminum that is probably around an 1/8" thick or a touch thicker. I could see myself also using steel but unlikely. Now the versatility of the mill for other things is a bonus but if there is a better tool for the job I am all ears.
What I would love to have is a CNC mill (?) that can do 11"x20" which for a server rack would cover up to 6U panels. Most of the time I see anything with 11" is more like 40+" inches in the other direction which for other things is great but there is a cost to having a bigger machine. Most of these even used on fleabay is probably $7k+ for a decent machine, then most of them are probably 5k Lbs or more if I have one that big.
Now what I would like is more of a table top version of a milling machine, CNC would be nice but honestly if I have to do it by hand....awe shucks. Now I would like to be able to see the exact "cuts" so a digital readout would be way preferred. Maybe I have the wrong tool for this job but why I started this thread. If a milling machine is my best bet any good machines that has:
1. I only have 115V power and would be one of the best paper weights ever if needed 220V/240V/480V....so another problem for a bigger machine.
2. I would prefer it not be really heavy, over 400 Lb will cause a big problem. The lighter the better but I understand heavier machines might not have as much deviation.
3. 19-20" wide cutting area wide as your standing in front of it and hopefully 6" deep (this would at least get me to a 2U size). If there is nothing that wide then I will have to turn the panel sideways which will increase the workload and risk of a mistake on my part.
4. Be nice if the machine was upgradable, such as can add CNC functions later if it doesn't have it now....but this is not a must
Maybe I am dreaming but what brands would you look at? I have seen JET, WEN, and a few others such as WEISS but since I am out of my element have no clue what is china junk and what is worth my money. I am a cry once buy once person for the most part.
WWYD