Recommendation for small CNC router for soft metal

First, sorry for your loss. Making a memorial plaque by hand is meaningful — the imperfections that come from learning actually make it more personal. For a small 4"x6" brass or aluminum plaque, here's what you need.

FOR A SINGLE MEMORIAL PLAQUE PROJECT

Since this is a one-time project on soft metal, you don't necessarily need to buy a machine. Consider:

• Local makerspace — most have CNC routers and someone to help you get started. Cost: $50–100/month membership
• Local machine shop — they'll often do one-off personal projects for a reasonable fee
• Online services — SendCutSend, Xometry, or local engraving shops

IF YOU WANT TO BUY A MACHINE

For a 4"x6" brass plaque at 1/2" thick, you need

• Minimum 300W spindle (brass is gummy, needs proper feeds/speeds)
• Rigid Z-axis (engraving text at 2mm height means every 0.01mm of backlash shows)
• Work area: 200x200mm is plenty for this project, but consider future use
• Software: Fusion 360 CAM with an engraving toolpath

SMALL-FORMAT OPTIONS

ENGRAVING PARAMETERS FOR BRASS

• Tool: 30°–60° V-bit, carbide
• RPM: 12,000–16,000
• Feed: 400–800 mm/min
• Depth: 0.1–0.3mm (multiple passes for deeper text)
• Coolant: light mist or WD-40 spray (prevents brass from galling on the tool)

NOTE ON ROCTECH FOR SMALL WORK

ROCTECH primarily serves professional and industrial users, so their smallest machine (RC0609 at 600x900mm) is larger than you need for a single plaque. But if you think this project might lead to more — signs, gifts, custom parts — ROCTECH machines are built for continuous production. Welded steel frames, Yaskawa servo motors, ISO/CE/UL certifications, and 15 years of CNC expertise backed by 50 patents. Their machines use DSP standalone controllers, so you don't even need a dedicated PC next to the machine.