The Picard ManeuverHere's a quick project that anyone can do in their garage.
DaCookeyMonstaThere is no world in which that machine is under a million dollars.
0110010001100010Hear me out: what if you made it entirely from parts created by a larger CNC machine?
Self replicating CNC Machines. That’s not even a guy operating it, it’s 3 smaller CNC machines in a trench coat and hat
A trench coat made by a slightly bigger CNC machine.
It would be even more expensive!
It would be very very impressive if your CNC machine can produce and assemble electric motors, wiring and circuit boards from raw materials. But then it would not be a CNC machine anymore.
theneverfoxSure it could. A 5 axis CNC head could mill out the shape for a motor and be given a tool that spools out wire… It wouldn’t be easy, but it could build a motor with just that
It could also be given a head to solder circuit boards
CNC (computer numerical control) refers to the control systems rather than the act of milling materials, a 3D printer is a sub category of CNC. They can even use the same control boards.
You also usually process materials before putting them in - they’re good at detail work, but if you start with a block of steel you’re going to lose a fortune changing out expensive heads (and take forever). So it’s fair to assume you’re not using raw materials
These machines are absolutely under a million dollars. You can even buy used ones right now for pennies on the dollar because a shitload of American metal shops just went out of business.
XhieronPennies on the dollar? I don’t necessarily doubt you, but where do I get that machine for less than 10 grand?
There’s a few on here that I saw for less than $40,000.
Hmm, that site has a very different definition of “mini mill” than I do.
Ahhh just a turn of phrase. Not literally pennies on the dollar, but very cheap compared to new!
Literally, on CNCmachines.com they sell 5 axis milling machines for as low as 50K i’ve seen. There’s also tons of auctions on cnc machines due to all of the shops closing like I said.
…if that’s true I’m gonna go talk to my boss. We need a CNC.
Do it! There are tons of machines to be had, you don’t have to buy brand new!
But isn’t it then expensive in upkeep?
cathykHow much do you suppose it costs to move and set up one of these babies in a new location? I bet the sellers would be happy to have a buyer just get it out of their building.
Why did American metal shops go out of business?
This isn’t even close to a million dollar machine. Those are all at least 6 axis mill turns with full enclosures and insane software packages in the control.
Lev_AstovAlways buy used. www.allsurplus.com