Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Cheap CNC Machines for Robotics

Hi Andrew,

I started out with a similar goal -- I thought it would be helpful to be
able to make a few gears for a robot gripper that I wanted to build. So, I
researched CNC machines and immediately got hooked on the concept of CNC
machining. Well, considering that the gears I needed were probably less
than $10 it would have been a whole lot more cost effective to just buy
the gears - or even a whole robot for that matter.

On the other hand, it has been a fun adventure into CNC. I still have not
actually made anything for my robots, but it has been fun learning. I
estimate that, at my present pace, I'm still a year away from making
anything fancy.

I ended up with a complete CNC Mill/Lathe setup from grifftek. It was not
inexpensive; however, I feel I got the best value for my money. It would
be very easy to invest $5K to get started with all of this if you buy
ready made. If you want to build yourself, as this list is intended to
support, you can save quite a bit.

This forum is an excellent place to learn. I hope to build a small Gantry
mill 24"x24" someday in the future (yes, another project) and I am
collecting ideas.

Here are some links that may be of interest.

http://www.ica.com/cnc - My cnc site -- shows what I bought and how I
have things set up
http://www.icarobotics.com - my robotics outreach to kids
http://www.ica.com/ica/robots.nsf - shows some robots I have for
sale/trade (Except for the HERO 2000)
These are also some of the types or robots that I hope to build
parts for
http://www.ica.com/cnc/cncparts.nsf - This is a list of parts, based on
LEGOS, that I have selected as models to build in order to develop my
machining skills.
http://www.grifftek.com - Here is the guy that designed and built my
equipment

I would be happy to dialog with you as I do intend to get back to the
robotics once I develop some more skills with the CNC machining.

-Eric

p.s. feel free to contact me off-list and let me know what you are up to
on the robotics side.




"Andrew Werby" <drewid@...>
12/25/2002 01:38 PM
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Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Cheap CNC Machines


"BNH_2001 <bnh_2001@...>" <bnh_2001@...>
Subject: Cheap CNC Machines

I build robots for a hobby and I have come to a conclusion that I
need some sort of machine to make parts. I am not exactly sure what I
need so I came here hoping to find some information. I will need
something cheap because I am only 15 and I dont really have much
money. I have found some cheap machines for less tahn $2000 but I am
not sure if they are any good. Does anyone have any recommendations
for a cheap machine that can make 3-D parts? I will also need a cheap
CAD program to design my parts. If there is anything that I am
missing please let me know.

Thanks
BNH

[The Taig 2019LE goes for less than $2000 delivered and it's a very sturdy
and reliable machine for making relatively small 3d parts in metal. (I
hesitate to call it "cheap", preferring "cost-effective".) If you're a
student, which seems likely, you can get Rhino 3.0 for $175; it's an
excellent 3d modeling program, especially for the price. To convert your
3d
models (saved as STL) to toolpaths the mill can run, try the free version
of
VisualMill - it doesn't get any cheaper than that. Aside from that, all
you'd need is a computer or two and some tooling. See my site for more
details.]

Regards-

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com





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