Research and Development

Here, you will see the ideas, concepts, tinkering, design and development that happen at this "build your CNC" site. I welcome colaboration, suggestions and comments to any of these concepts and construction techniques.

If you would like to see these projects and others, please consider making a donation!

Upcoming projects:

redFrog Improvements - Springs for Z-Axis, more predictable advancement method for tape and reel including the removal of the plastic covering on the tape.

Laser Cutter/Engraver - Initiated Development.

Laser SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) - Initiated Development

Two methods of Stereolithography - On hold for further funding

3D Scanning and Probing - will make an attempt to use the Kinect to scan and use the CNC to move the Kinect sensor over (and maybe around) the object.

General Machine Improvements - Initiated Development

4th and 5th Axis Maching - Initiated Development

Better Interfaces from Computer to CNC - Initiated Development

Compact CNC Control

Lower Priced Electronics Across the Board for all Applications - Initiated Development

Designing the Desktop CNC

I will be designing a small CNC Machine to add to the line of CNC machine and routing kits on this website. I plan on making this machine in the 12"x24" routing range. This one will also be run on the roller chain drive system like the 4'x8'. The 2'x4' system will also offer the chain drive system. Since the CNC machine is smaller, the roller chain selection will also be smaller and lighter, especially the tooth size to increase the resolution. I like the roller chain mechanics since the backlash is virtually non-existent at the loads that I have been pushing the machine. The z-axis will still be run on lead screws since it is much more critical to have precision for tasks such as detailed pcb isolation routing. This machine has been developed and has been named the bluechick.

Pipe CNC Step 1: Linear Slide Mechanism Concept and Assembly

You are probably wondering why I am adding the pipe CNC machine in such an illusive section. I want visitors of this website to know that this machine is a work in progress and all of the bugs and concepts are not fully known yet. Anyway, this enables me to share some of the ideas that run through my head.

I am starting with the first video of the pipe CNC. I am going to first demonstrate the concept of how the aluminum angle of the linear slide fits in and connects to the pipe assembly. Then I will construct Read on...

Cerebral Meltdown

People with a desire to invent and tinker don't come around very often, but the guy that developed Cerebral Meltdown is truly a guy with tinkering ability. This website features many of Gabriels projects that use the same common materials and tools to do some very interesting things. It's worth a look.