DIY Book Scanner

Just an FYI on something I saw today. There is a new Kickstarter project that hopes to produce a DIY CNC milling system for under $400. I'm not sure if this thing will really happen, and they are taking a different approach by asking for donations up front, but I like the concept of an inexpensive DIY CNC machine. If this comes into being, I think it would be something others would want to use to make not only book scanners, but any number of other creations.

The Kickstarter project is at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/421 ... nc-machine

The main site is at http://www.mydiycnc.com/

I am not involved in any way with this project. I just thought others might find it interesting and possibly useful.

They have one over at http://bluumaxcnc.com/BluumaxCNC.html for $415 that basically complete
and its got a larger working area

And a CNC setup with a 12x12 working area over at http://www.zentoolworks.com/ $599.95
but you have to add Motor Driver / Power Supply

Wendel,
What would you anticipate using a desk top CNC machine to make?

I might make circuit boards possibly but off hand nothing else comes to mind.

Just wondering.
Ceeann1

Based on my experience with CNC (thanks to NextFab), the motor needs much more "oomph". I don't think this would be able to mill aluminum...

ceeann1 wrote:Wendel,
What would you anticipate using a desk top CNC machine to make?

Pinewood derby cars! With a desk top CNC machine, I'd build perfect replicas of the gullwing Mercedes and the Bugatti Veyron.

I also spent several evenings with a Dremel tool making a Kindle case by hollowing out two pieces of wood to hinge together to make a clamshell case.

But the best thing is being able to build items with much greater precision than can be done by hand and eye. I saw a video where Jay Leno was talking to these guys with a digitizer and a 3D printer to model a replacement part for a steam car. How many times have you pitched something because some trivial plastic part on it broke?

I have been wanting one for years, never have enough money, or space to put it,
there are a lot of PCB boards I would like to make for electronics projects, and
wood and plastic parts, also artwork I want to do and LOL I was thinking about
making a bigger CNC using a smaller cheaper one

<smiles>
We have some similar wishes and wants... I am in the process of getting the supplies to make an aluminum foundry. I have thrown away to many plastic things and figure I will make replacement parts from aluminum. Small scale of course... a back yard kind of thing. Some of the parts on the origami scanner could be made this way. I am thinking of making the lil plastic feet on those fold up chairs out of aluminum. I even saw a set of gears that I would make up out of aluminum. LOL... I would love to work in bronze as well and make a few tools.

I am around the full sized version of CNC machines everyday where I work. I guess I never really considered the smaller versions as anything but models.... LOL I really should know better. I know home casters have used moderate sized versions to shape foam and lightweight plastics for casting in lost foam/ wax molds. So its very cool!

I am aware of the pcb etching process with small CNC machines ... most of the rest is new to me... I love the idea of making models of high end cars. How would that be done? The programing must be horrendous!!!

I love hearing what all y'all would do with this machine. I am wondering too what would be made for a book scanner with the CNC machines in this scale.

Why not get one of these to start.
You could make parts for your scanners or at least prototypes.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxManA_BWcQ

http://store.makerbot.com/makerbot-thing-o-matic.html

fast reply from work....
At over a grand I could buy my foundry & equiptment, a table saw, a good router with table, and perhaps a couple of other things.... a early adoption 3d printer is not on the list... nice idea though... what would you make with the bunny printer?

You might be able to save money by using the facilities at Fablab ABQ in Albuquerque...