Guy Creates Cheap 3-D Router Fab With Everyday Shop Tools

(((Most "fabs" are additive fabs, meaning they add goop on in layers to create complete objects, while a router is a subtractive fab, meaning it chews solid stuff away while under computer control. And this guy goes out, scores some bolts, nuts and plywood, and creates a working router in his home shop. It's pretty far from a sci-fi wonderment RepRap fab that can automagically fab itself, but the fact that these router machines, which used to cost tens of thousands of dollars, can be assembled almost by hand now... And they work... Well, just look at the ease and fluidity of that! There's something exhiliratingly sinister about it. This is the freakiest how-to video I've ever seen.))))

Link: Instructables How to Make a Three Axis CNC Machine (Cheaply and Easily).

intro

"How to Make a Three Axis CNC Machine (Cheaply and Easily)

"The idea behind this Instructable was to fulfill my desire for a desktop sized CNC machine. While it would have been nice to purchase an off the shelf unit the issue of price as well as size proved prohibitive. With this in mind I endeavored to design and build a three axis CNC machine with the following factors in mind:

-Use Simple tools (needs only a drill press, band saw, and hand tools)

-Low Cost (this kind of got away from me however with everything bought off the shelf the cost for all parts is under $600 (significant savings could be made by skillfully sourcing some pieces))

-Small footprint (30" x 25" footprint)

-Usable working envelope (10" X-axis, 14" Y-Axis, 4" Z-Axis)

-Relatively fast cut rate (60" per minute)

-Small part count (fewer than 30 unique parts)

-Easy to source parts (all parts available from 4 sources (Home Depot + 3 online sources)

-Ability to cut ply-wood (Succesful)

Let's get started..".

http://www.instructables.com/id/EBZ3QQVF3HY3SL2/?ALLSTEPS

(((And look, when he's done, it works, whining all the way... dang!))))