Nomad o Shapeoko for engraving Stainless Steel?

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

316 is tough stuff which work hardens — can you use 303 instead?

Previous discussion:

Stainless Steel 316L

316 is a very corrosion-resistant stainless alloy, but also very tough to machine, even on full-size CNC equipment. It tends to work-harden if the cutter is rubbing rather than cutting, which means you must keep up a steady feedrate. I had a CNC Sherline mill for years but only machined the more common 304 stainless with it. Even there, shallow cuts to be able to maintain feedrate were necessary. You may be able to use a Nomad, but IMHO very small depth of cut (.002" maybe) with small cutter…