Difference between revisions of "Mini CNC Mill Drive"
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| − | *a Blackfoot | + | *a Blackfoot, Shopbot, Tormach, etc. |
== Pledges == | == Pledges == | ||
Revision as of 23:48, 24 November 2014
This is to get the ball rolling for the acquisition of a mini CNC mill/router for Bloominglabs.
Contents |
What could we do with it? (The sales pitch)
First, what are the realistic capabilities of a CNC mill we could afford, and how does it compare to the laser? Like the laser, it would be limited to fairly thin/soft materials. However, it would add the ability to cut, deeply engrave, and shape aluminum and other soft metals to the list. It would also do a much better job at 3D shaping than the laser.
The cost per minute to run a CNC mill is also potentially less than the laser, and the machinery is less fragile overall.
Environmental
A CNC mill would require a dust/waste collection system.
What do we want?
There are a lot of DIY and kit CNCs around. The one I'm leaning toward is the Shapeoko 2, in "full kit" form from Inventables.
Why the Shapeoko?
This machine is:
- affordable
- intended for hobbyists
- desktop-sized, but expandable
- open-source hardware
- upgradeable (with fairly large community support)
Why not the Shapeoko?
This machine is not:
- big
- powerful
- a Blackfoot, Shopbot, Tormach, etc.
Pledges
- $100 Daniel
Overflow == upgrades
If we get more money pledged than we need for the base purchase of the mill, we might be able to put that money toward buying tools (end mills, router bits, etc.) and motor upgrades (router rather than Dremel-style motor) for the kit.
Current Purchase Status
- Get pledges totaling our goal
Owners, Usage, and Safety
Bloominglabs will be the owner, donors receive a tax deduction. We are an awesome group and all play well together, I think we can craft usage guidelines as usage evolves.
