Why do I want this thing?

[milner351]

I think a bridgeport with numerical control in the x/y axis would be able to build the lions share of stuff for this hobby? be cheaper, and take up less shop space.

[Orange65]

While it would be fun to own (and I would like a manual mill), a CNC is overkill. I prefer to pay someone to machine the parts I design- not out of laziness or being a checkbook racer, but because if they screw up, they fix it. If I am machining and screw up, if I can fix it, I do. Otherwise I buy a new piece of metal and start over.

My previous employer bought a couple of used CNC machines. One was good and worked well, the other had to be worked on more than it worked. You pay your money, you takes your chances.

[SuperBuickGuy]

I think a bridgeport with numerical control in the x/y axis would be able to build the lions share of stuff for this hobby? be cheaper, and take up less shop space.

umm John, I thought we had an understanding that we would not be talking about things automotive making fiscal sense

[Deaf Bob]

I used to run a "burn machine" for a tower manufacturer..
You know those base plates and gussets they build stuff with... I could torch (burn) up to 4 inch thick plate smooth as a baby's ass..
And do 3 at a time.. Seems all the rage nowadays is PLASMA CUTTING MACHINES..
I'd like to make brackets and form them..
Aaron, look in your email for a pic of what I'd like to make.. Cradles!

[SuperBuickGuy]

I can have that made in about 8 different ways.... let's see if my guess of number of ways is correct

1) grinder
2) torch
3) plasma
4) laser
5) cast - using a 3D printer output as mold
6) turret punch
7) CNC

oops... only 7 ways

[moparmaniac07]

I can have that made in about 8 different ways.... let's see if my guess of number of ways is correct

1) grinder
2) torch
3) plasma
4) laser
5) cast - using a 3D printer output as mold
6) turret punch
7) CNC

oops... only 7 ways

How about actual 3D printing with powered metals?

[SuperBuickGuy]

How about actual 3D printing with powered metals?

I don't know anyone who has that capability - but yes, there's another option