A hobbyist milling machine is not a grand affair like the machines you find in large CNC workshops such as Cam Machine. Most likely you will choose a desktop machine for making metal or wooden objects as a hobby. There are many considerations when choosing a hobby mill machine and one of those is how many axes to choose. The more axes you choose, the more complex work pieces you will be able to complete, but a complex machine will be a more costly investment. Below is a look at the different options for your new milling machine.
1 axis Hobbyist Milling Machine
A 1 axis machine is the simplest type of machine you can select. The simple axis of your machine however does not have to be straight, and it can be rotational or curved, rotation by a specific number of degrees being possible. A one axis machine is not a common choice, as there is very limited use of what you can make with it, but they can be useful for simple projects and for beginners.
2 Axes
A two axis machine is a far more common choice, even for beginners, and allows for two separate and independent types of movement. A 2 axis machine is present in a printing machine, where the head for printing is mounted on one axis, and the paper will move along the other axis that will be perpendicularly situated. Plasma cutters can also be 2 axes machines, and such a machine is a good choice if the work you are carrying out is strictly 2D.
3 Axis Hobbyist Milling Machine
A machine with 3 axes is very common, and a very popular choice with hobbyists. Here you will typically find the x and y axes parallel with the floor, and then the vertical z axis. This type of configuration is not too complex, but allows for the creation of a wide variety of 3D parts and artwork. A 3 axis machine can also have one rotational axis, and this would commonly be a lathe. A 3 axis machine is the perfect choice for when you are starting out in CNC. They are not too complex for beginners, and they are useful and not too heavily priced.
4 and 5 Axes
Machines with 4 or more axes are the most complex and therefore the most expensive. Machines with as many as 7 axes exist, but these are not for the average hobbyist. The more axes you have on your machine, the more creative you can be. However, you need to bear in mind that software for such machinery is also expensive, and can cost thousands. As a general guide, a 3 axis machine is probably the best investment for your new hobby. You should always bear in mind the safety measures that you will need to take when working with CNC machinery, and even a 1 axis machine can cause harm when not used correctly. Searching online for guidelines on how to use your machine is essential, and online training courses can be a godsend for the budding CNC enthusiast.
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