Re: Grizzly G8689 mini-mill CNC retrofit kit

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "FIK" <vrojas@p...> wrote:

> I see one common theme among the messages on this group and it is

sort of like the snip below. IS everyone on this list trying to build
the absolute cheapest machine they can get?? I am missing something
but if you want good stuff everything I see asked for is available
retail, so the motive here is to get it done for free or cheap or
surplus....

John,
You asked a reasonable question that deserves a reasonable reply. I
only speak for myself. First CNC is just a pastime and not an end
into itself. I got interested in this as a way to change my visions
into reality. If this was a business I would have went out and bought
a 5 axis VMC, software and spent a couple of years getting a degree.
My resources couldn't support this so I had to choose another path.

The best way for me to learn is to do. To that end I built a machine.
The machine could have been built with drawer slides, ready rods and
steppers. That would have been enough of a system to allow me to
understand the the required hardware, electronics and software.
During this period I was for sure looking for surplus.

Once I was convinced it could work I bought a 6,000 pound comercial
servo mill with a blown controller and converted it. I've settled on
Rhino and Stlwork. I'm already thinking about Mastercam and 5-Axis
milling.

I would think most people would approach something this complex
gradually. I think if people realized up front what they were
commintting to they would take up knitting.

Roger