I started this in the fall of 2003. I finished in February of 2006. Done is a relative term of course.
The machine has been making parts all along. It has been making parts using CNC since December of 2005.
There are some convenience and safety features I want to enhance. Lots left to do is the point really.
What is CNC?
CNC stands for Computer Numeric Control. It is also associated with CAD, Computer Aided Drafting, and CAM, Computer Aided Manufacturing.
Manual machines require people to turn handles. These turns move the material into the cutters in the right way so that material is removed thus forming a useful part.
The point with CNC machines is to use computers that drive electric motors, typically, to do the handle turning. This improves the quality of a machined product and reduces the manual labor required. The computer controls the machine.
Manual machines are still used today and are perfectly appropriate for many applications.
Q: So Why Do This? A: To make things.
Cost might be a driver. I'm still adding up costs. It is debatable as to whether or not this little project saved any money. I figure I'm into it for $8K. $3k of that is the machine. Another $1k is the ball screws and the basic parts. You can get a serviceable CNC machine that will run for about $5k - $10k, plus shipping. Shipping is a big deal too. These things weigh between 2200 and 4000 pounds.
Go forward upkeep is a factor. You will be a mechanic if you own an old machine. Either that or you will pay for one. Having built the machine, I know I can fix it. This is personally important to me. I am generally self sufficient and I like it that way. This is not always good for my wallet mind you. But in a jam I don't like waiting for a service guy who is likely to screw it up anyway.
But I needed it in the first place because I am an inventor and builder by nature. I have good ideas all the time. But, up until now, I had no way to make anything. This is really the driver for me.
