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A new book that BYOAC cabinet builders might enjoy...
crashwg:
Congratulations on the book.
I have actually been looking into building a CNC router for a while now. I've been to a few websites including ones with forums and free plans and such and I must say that your design looks to be the most simple one I've seen yet. Don't get me wrong though, I mean that in a mostly good way. Judging only by your pictures of the finished product it looks to be something almost anyone could be able to construct with the right plans. That was the good part. On the other hand it looks so simply constructed that I would have fears of tolerance and repeatability issues. I would be interested in knowing what your machine was capable in that respect. Cut speeds would also be nice to know.
I am definitely considering buying your book although $30 seems a little steep. For $15-20 I'd be in for sure. Your design would definitely be a good starting point for people wanting to get in on the awesomeness that is CNC!
Again I must congratulate you on your project and book and hope that my post didn't come off too critical but more inquisitional as I intend.
GAtekwriter:
Thanks, all, for the kind words... and here are some specific responses to your questions:
fatfingers - the book is scheduled to hit bookstores the last week of November - Amazon.com will carry it, B&N, etc... it's not a self-published book, so it should be available anywhere you buy books.
bkenobi - Glad you like it! Nothing would prevent you from taking the plans (free to download from the book's website in PDF format) and doubling or tripling the dimensions. This would be easy to do if you're patient and willing to double and triple check all your measurements. Yes, the stepper motors are probably going to be one factor, but travel time will be as well. This machine uses lead screws for movement, so moving the router from the front of an 8' long tabletop all the way to the back would be fine with these motors, it will take much longer to cut/mill/drill anything... plastic and aluminum have been cut with this machine, so that material will affect the size factor as well because you'll have to change your bit speed and travel time to suit the material. People who have seen this thing fall into two categories - head scratchers ("what is that?") and jaw droppers ("You have your OWN cnc machine?!")
crashwg - The design IS simple... it has been refined over many years. Is this a professional level cnc machine that you'd want to use in a business? Maybe, but you'd want to make some modifications and pre-cut and pre-drill some replacement parts due to wear and tear. The thing is made of MDF, not metal, so it's obviously subject to different stresses. Tolerance has not been an issue... we've been 100% shocked by the reliability of the lead screw movement system, especially when cutting small items. Drilled holes are perfect. Edges are smooth... and we've cut some perfect 6" and 12" circles with this thing. I think the tolerance of the machine is all going to hinge on how well you cut and drill and put the machine together. If you take your time, make your cuts and holes right, you'll have a square machine that is very reliable. We do cover in the book some tips on how to make sure that things line up well, etc... but it all comes down to the builder. We can't be in the shop with you, so we stress taking your time, measure twice, etc... Not sure what Amazon.com will sell the final book for... cover price is $39.99 but most sellers won't charge that (hopefully). It's over 350 pages, plus all the extra content provided on the book's website - videos, full color/full sized photos, forum, etc... your post was fine and has many of the same questions I'd ask, so no problem :)
For me, I've been wanting to build small boxes (to give as gifts) that use dovetail joinery... I can do them with my router, but this CNC machine is so dead-on accurate with tests that I'm ready to start cutting them using my cnc machine... I'll try to remember to post some pics soon once I get the process down. Engraving and detail work on the box tops are also planned.
Silas (son of Silas):
Is this the same book? The cover looks very different?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Build-Your-Machine-Technology-Action/dp/1430224894/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257601972&sr=8-2
If it is i'll pre-order a copy today.
GAtekwriter:
Yes, but that's the placeholder cover a publisher sends in to Amazon before they've got the final cover. The actual cover is attached to my original post. Hope you like the book!
Jim
Silas (son of Silas):
I look forward to reading it ;D