Re: Fab@Home

> A laser cut perspex CNC router with a syringe. It seems silicon
> sealer might have been the nearest to an engineering material it has
> laid down. Not getting overly excited here but I do like efforts
> towards low cost rapid prototyping.
>
> Graham
>

This raises the same question I have about the RepRap project. While it
looks interesting and maybe can duplicate itself, I have to wonder at the
utility of being able to make a wide variety of shapes from one or two types
of thermoplastic. Even the really expensive 3D prototype machines have a
very limited range of applications, which is part of the reason they are so
expensive. Seems to me none of these machines can make anything useful for
more than a conceptual model without at least some subtractive
post-machining. The example shown of the first RepRap component made for
itself looks like it could have been made easier from a chunk of plastic
with a drill press and a scroll saw. If all I want is a conceptual model
I'll content myself with a 3D virtual model and keep my $20K, or however
much it is.

It reminds me of a conversation with some friends at dinner once. He owns a
Bridgeport mill for hobby use and was telling his wife that a milling
machine is the only machine that can duplicate itself. She looked dubious,
so I added, "That's why every guy needs one, just in case he evern needs
another one."
--
Phil Mattison
http://www.ohmikron.com/
Motors::Drivers::Controllers::Software