Gauging Interest in the CNC Machine

Since we may be contracting 3rd party to make PCBs and supply parts for the CNC, I'd like to gauge how much real interest there is in buying one of these machines, when we're done.

Keep in mind that this is not a commitment, just think to yourself to see how serious you would be, and comment yay or nay.

Update June 8th, 20122:

Ok, just counting heads.  So far it's 17 people.  Let me know if I missed anyone.

My personal budget for this is $1000-$1200, so any higher, and I'm out, but of course would continue to do my best to get this done for everyone!

Here's a list of "yays" so far (again no commitment assumed):

Dany Thivierge 
 Monroe
 Ellison Chan
 Kevin Bouchard 
Eric Tweet
Eoin
 yovio
 John C. 
Fred
Ruwan
 Raversspesh
 924aussie Alan
 Terry 
arashi
Dave C
 Nick Joyce
 Andrew Adams

Drive System Survey

Franco Scipioni has set up a survey to gauge interest in which system we want to have on the system.

Access the survey here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2SRRRWT

To summarize:

Servo System:

  • has rotational encoders to allow exact motor control
  • position encoders, so that tool head can be positioned precisely
  • uses DC motors
  • requires development or use of a custom circuit board to drive the motors
  • more expensive solution

Stepper System

  • no rotational encoders, so will not allow exact motor control
  • position encoders, may still be possible
  • uses stepper motors
  • no custom circuit boards needed, motor systems easily available
  • cheaper than servo system

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Replies to This Discussion


ModeratorPermalink Reply by Ruwan on June 11, 2012 at 9:10am

Count me in, if we plan to write the software ;-). I used to write CAD/CAM software too. Infact, I wrote couple of applications/plugins to optimize the tool path, and to optimize the material utilization (nesting, bin packing.. ) for shapes.. 

Permalink Reply by kscheck1000 on June 10, 2012 at 12:15pm

Count me in!

Permalink Reply by Thomas on June 10, 2012 at 1:19pm

Yes, also one for me!

Permalink Reply by Wesley Chuen on June 12, 2012 at 7:44pm

Count me in.  

Permalink Reply by Chris East on June 13, 2012 at 4:38am

Hi All,

Im in Adelaide Australia and I would like to be in for a kit but with an option to buy the heavier equipment locally if possiable as the freight costs will probably defeat the purpose of going DIY.


I will check the freight prices as it progresses.


Great work everyone,

cheers

Chris

Permalink Reply by Bob Byroad on June 13, 2012 at 4:40pm

I'm in also!


DeveloperPermalink Reply by R_Lefebvre on June 13, 2012 at 7:27pm

Would LOVE to have one, but I don't have $1200. :(

Permalink Reply by Ellison Chan on June 13, 2012 at 7:30pm

Trying to get it below that. Still early days yet.


DistributorPermalink Reply by Dany Thivierge on June 21, 2012 at 11:48am

Just posting to keep this alive... I know we are all busy, Kevin doing exams, and Monroe planning to go to the moon! :) hehe 

Just wanted to see where we are, what we need to move to the next step.  

(can you tell I am a project manager in "real" life!)  hehe

Permalink Reply by Ellison Chan on June 21, 2012 at 12:01pm

Yeah, me too(was), but this is not real life. ;-)

So, RD and I were doing a few PM exchanges.  He's going to spend some time to convert the UHU board to SMD, and Eagle files.

I'm still waiting to hear from my guy at SOC Robotics about making a populated board for us.  I think if RD is successful in the Eagle files, my guy will be more conducive to making that board for us.


DistributorPermalink Reply by Dany Thivierge on June 21, 2012 at 12:30pm

Hey I am pretty fast at soldering too... I solder and test 40-50 APM2 per month! ehehe

I know it is quite a few boards to solder and specifically test (the hardest part) but if we are stuck with no one to assemble them for us I offer my service and time! 

Soldering iron is always hot around here at Canada Drones! 

:) 

 

Permalink Reply by R. D. Starwalt on June 25, 2012 at 4:40am

It is good to know there is another electronics builder in the group. I too offer my services for those not experienced or confident to solder *through hole* technology.

SMD tech requires a few tools/skills I do not yet have but am slowly acquiring.

Dany, once we settle on a servo/controller or stepper/controller, we should both at least get the electronics working far earlier than the actual machine. I am considering buying two stock UHU from EAS just to evaluate them. I have most of the parts on-hand from my recycle/salvage efforts.

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