One More Vote for a Metalworking Thread (CNC & Hand tool

[northsiderap]

This is the most basic controller circuit I've found... That and a few servo motors leaves me to figure out the programming side...

http://www.geocities.com/pfaudette/CNC_Router.htm

 

[gyraf]

a few servo motors

Stepper motors. Servos are not that easy controllable..

No programming needed - use an interpreter like e.g. Master5 from Artsoft for controlling your stepper-drivers directly from PC parallel (printer-) port.

That software will import standard .DXF Autocad R12 files, and export the needed G-code.

Jakob E.

 

[pucho812]

Anyone here do laser engraving?

looks like a nice alternative but have never seen any front pannels like that....

 

[gyraf]

Igor (user IJR here) made his own laser engraver, using a surplus surgical laser :shock:

try a search..

 

[kruz]

I think some of the Steffen units are made with laser engraving.
Still.. i think that laser can't cut holes in the panels.. but i could be wrong

 

[Marik]

The main problem with laser cutters is that they leave slightly tapered cut. The thicker the material, the more taper. Although it is OK with most applications (i.e. face plates, etc.), it is not good for higher precision parts.