Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Kevin Morgan" <prizes@...> wrote:
>
> Guys,
> 
> I do think a DIY CNC kit for under $500 is certainly possible. I 
> think I have under $300 in materials in my home built setup, 
> including stepper motors and DIY controllers. It is similar to the 
> ones that John Kleinbauer sells plans for.
> 
> I haven't seen anything like that so far though.
> 
> Kevin
> 
An under $500 CNC?  

Well actually, there is a british one, but it uses drawer slides and 
string wrapped aropund the stepper motor to move the axis.

As the saying goes, "Let the buyer beware!" Don't expect much, very 
light duty. You really have to take a good look at the specifications. 
As a business venture, there would be many compromises in accuracy, 
quality and power to get a kit under $500. 

Also consisder the level of difficulty in building the kit. What may be 
easiest for the manufacturer, can be a bear for the builder. Aligning 
the parts can be critical. (As in keeping those rods parallel or the 
drawer slides even).

A dedicated hobbyist selling the kits would probably be working for 
less than minimum wage. That will be fine for a while. But any true 
business venture must calculate for reasonable labor, packaging, 
overhead, insurance profit and support costs. Must not forget the 
support!

Is software included? There are some free CNC programs - anyone for 
Kellycam. Tne MaxNC has a proprietary software/driver that you are 
stuck with.

Selling plans would probably make a business more money. But again, 
there are ego driven business plans.

After having said all that, I can't wait to see it!

TANSTAAFL!*

Mycroft

*TANSTAAFL = There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch