Maverick, the metal cutting CNC is DONE!

My very first metal cutting CNC rig is done, it is based on a standard chinese 3018 build, but has had a lot of extra work done on it. It has been significantly stiffened,  upgraded to a new controller that I can easily program rather than tbe Woodpecker POS that was in it originaly. Its also had the 200W spindle from my defunct ZenToolworks machine added to it.

If i add up the cost of the parts, and my time, then it was not worth it, i have probaly spent as much on the upgrades as the originial rig cost, but i have had months of fun and fustration, (and driven my partner around the bend with the mess), worth every penny.

I have ordered a floating engraving tool from CNCAid,  which i hope will give me simular pcb cutting capabilities as the Wegstr machines, if it does not, i will just give up and buy a Wegstr.


Now i have to learn how to use it, i have mastered CamBam, Flatcam and UGS Platform, but now i have to learn kicad, and Freecad too, to round out the package skills i will need. I have been an avid OpenSCAD user for years and use it for everything.

Anyway, once i get back from the trip im heading off on to hongkong, I will get cracking on FreeCad.

I have two other new projects now,  Bertha, is a 600mm x 400mm metal cutter, built using 4040 profike and using many of the techniques used in the Openbuilds OX design. Flash is a large format 600mm x 600mm laser engraver with a unique automatic lazer focusing system that uses a camera to focus for minimum spot size.