$500~ CNC machines on Amazon- are they able to make knife scales parts and blades?

It looks flimsy but you don't need much more to machine wood or micarta.
The machine uses Mach3 so any gcode generated for Fanuc (sans custom headers) will work, fusion 360 probably has a Mach3 specific post processor.
If your 3d contours can be machined from the top, you need no more, if you need the head to carve at an angle you will need a 4th axis.

Pablo
 
PEU said:
It looks flimsy but you don't need much more to machine wood or micarta.
The machine uses Mach3 so any gcode generated for Fanuc (sans custom headers) will work, fusion 360 probably has a Mach3 specific post processor.
If your 3d contours can be machined from the top, you need no more, if you need the head to carve at an angle you will need a 4th axis.

Pablo
Click to expand...

Would it work for machining carbon fiber and stainless steel?
 
Yes, it would work on carbon fiber. I've got a small desktop CNC somewhat similar to that. The one I've got is more like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/164096161750? for $500. They do a nice job of engraving on unhardened steel. It does take a good bit of knowledge to use them. The one you linked to says it does not support Mach4, but does have some type of software. The Mach3 they recommend doesn't seem to be included. Mach3 is the older version of Mach4, but I think can still be purchased. ACtually there is now a free version of Mach3 for non-commercial use: http://www.yara-automation.com/new-free-mach-3-screenset/

Where I buying a new desktop CNC I'd go with the ebay listed, same price, is 4 axis, and the controller will work with LinuxCNC which is free and well supported. It will also work with Mach3, and not sure, but I "think" Mach4.

When you export gcode from fusion360 you need to have at least some understanding of gcode and how to "tweak" it for use. Gcode and CNC is a whole new world of learning, but it's fun and useful.
 
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There is no free version of mach3 or mach4, what Ken referenced is a screen set for mach3, like a theme, but you still need the mach3/4 license. If a machine works with mach3 will work with mach4 with the appropriate drivers. Without a license you can run only 500 lines of code, not enough for any CAM generated toolpath.

Pablo
 
I didn't think there was a free version of Mach3 either, only bootleg copies around. Then I saw that page and didn't look that close. I don't use Mach3, my CNC did come with a copy of the program and "claimed" it was a legal copy, but don't think it was. I went with LinuxCNC, a VERY good program that I liked better than Mach3. Mach4 is a whole different game - it's a GREAT program. A buddy of mine did the coding on the program and I looked at what he was doing while coding and really liked it. BUT - LinuxCNC is free and works just fine.
 
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