Recent content by kquiggle

Here is a sort of update: I have not made any significant progress on the build. As the saying goes, "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans." So unfortunately, the project has been pushed back by some higher priority issues. I'm hoping to get back to it one of these...

Perhaps someone else will find this method useful : I'm working on what may well turn out to be the longest time for a Webster engine build - I started years ago, but had to shelve the project for a number of reason. However, the project is back off the shelf, and I recently found myself...

Look here for more information and other versions of the spreadsheet : Academy of Lagado - Tools - Spring Making

I'll add another vote for Onshape. The free version does require you to make all of your work public (any one can copy it, but only you can edit it). I publish most of my work for free anyway, so making my OnShape work public is no big deal. The stuff I don't publish is not worth copying (and...

Several comments : Bridgeport type machine - I would love to have one, with ot without CNC, but just not an option for me as my shop is in the basement with limited access. OneFinity and IndieMill - both nice machines, but more toward the router end of the spectrum. Not saying that's a bad...

Lots of good posts to mull over. I especially appreciate the comments from people who have already made the decision with either a good or not-so-good result. The posts on a cheap cnc/laser engraver confirm what I suspected - not all that helpful for the direction I want to go. While I knew I...

Mike - Well said. I'm guessing we are all coming at this from different levels of experience and with varying preferences, so the background information you provided is quite helpful. Stan - Awesome post! There is definitely a lot of what the advertising weasels call "puffery" in the...

Mike - your comments on software are helpful to me. Of course I know that a CNC mill is going to require software tools, but in focusing my attention so much on the hardware side I think I have neglected the software side of things. Perhaps you could tells us why you chose CamBan, and the pros...

Strangely enough, reading about the problems with DMC2 does not necessarily put me off of considering. For those who don't want to take the time to read the referenced sub-reddit, the gist of it that some early adopters of the DMC2 are having problems with parts that have not been de-burred (and...

The DMC2 kit does look interesting, although I have some concerns about ordering a from what looks to be a near start-up operation. There is a sub-reddit that is worth looking at for anyone interested in more information on this: r/shariffdmc I'm OK with a kit build (in fact I enjoy the...

Stan - thanks for your very extensive and interesting post. I have already read it twice and I plan to read it again - lots of good information there. A couple of comments : My OS preference is actually Linux, but I also have extensive experience with Windows so I'm willing to put up with it...

molekel - If I had a spare 15 or 20 grand in my pocket to spend on a hobby, then I would be looking at Haas and the like. Sadly, my budget is much more limited so I have to look at more modest options. It's pretty obvious that I won't be hogging 1/4" DOC on 12" titanium cubes on these small...

ninefinger - On the software side, I have pretty much concluded that I will have to go with Windows (although I am already experimenting with running on WINE in Linux, but I have an older PC I can re-purpose if necessary). I have updated my spreadsheet to add Genmitsu on the low end and Bantam...

I have started to put together a spreadsheet comparing various options. So far I only have the Nomad 3 and the Taig 5019DSLS. I welcome suggestions for additional additional makes and models, but please keep in mind that I am looking for turnkey solutions only priced around $3k. Suggestions for...

Scott - from the Carbide website (Nomad 3 - Desktop CNC Mill) : Spindle Spindle Collet ER-11, 7mm max cutter diameter (collet not included) Spindle RPM 9000 - 24000 RPM Spindle Motor 130W Brushless DC Motor As I understand it, the original model (Nomad 883) was more limited, and the...