I am looking to build a AR4 MK2. I have a 3 axis CNC capable of cnc'ing aluminium. I would like to ask if it is possible to CNC the aluminium parts on a 3 axis cnc or will I need a 5 axis cnc?
I would like to CNC my own parts partially to learn how to use my CNC (as I have only done basic wood parts on it so far) and to lessen the costs of the build as I am in the UK so will have to pay shipping + import tax on the aluminium parts kit. So being able to kill 2 birds (learning + price) with one stone would be great if possible.
My budget is ~£1000. Perhaps this budget is unrealistic. If anyone in the UK has built one, I would appreciate if you could give an insight into total build cost (incl. shipping + import duties etc.)
Also, seen some other people cnc'ing their parts with Delrin which also looks interesting.
I could always 3d print it, but of course that would reduce rigidity and repeatability of the arm.
Any advice on my situation would be appreciated. Thanks.
I ended up just buying a kit. My lacklustre CNC skill would have made this a long multi-month project if I tried to CNC it myself, but If I build another one I would definitely try to CNC it myself, especially once I have more CNC experience.
Hi, I'm new here. I'm based in Ireland and UK and I'm planning to build AR4. Just like you, I have my own CNC machine and 3D printers, but I'm trying to find CNC service to make them. I'm waiting for a few quotations right now.
Im not 100% sure which parts are processed on the 5 axis machine. I believe the J6 housing is done on a 5 axis and the others I think can be made on a 3 axis but im not for certain on that.