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I think before getting any kit (if I do) it would be very sensible to master the software first. Have to look at some NYCNC tutorials and such to ensure I don't

I think before getting any kit (if I do) it would be very sensible to master the software first. Have to look at some NYCNC tutorials and such to ensure I don't end up with an expensive bit of desk art.

gh02t 9y ago
I love that channel! And I understand completely, it's easy for tools like that to sit collecting dust unless you have the right combination of skills and interests. I usually tell people that a 3D printer is not at all worth it unless you're planning on designing and fabricating your own custom parts and you have a need to do so. I also have a basic CNC machine which I like, but of the big three maker machines (3D printer, laser cutter, CNC) I'd say the 3D printer is probably the one you want first because it's the most versatile. I mostly use the CNC for fabricating one-off PCBs and while I get a lot of use out of it for that most of the other things I could do with it I just do with a 3D printer. The CNC is a lot messier and more complicated, especially if you wanna cut wood or metal and if you want to do true 3D carves you need to do some proper CAM, which is a whole different skill set from CAD. Laser cutters have a lot of downsides, especially if you are looking into one at home. Smaller diode laser cutters/engravers are more accessible to someone at home, but they can have a hard time cutting acrylic, particularly clear acrylic. You can get fairly affordable CO2 lasers now in the $5-600 with good laser performance but apparently the electronics suck so you need to change em and focusing the beam is a pain (it's invisible). My main problem with lasers though is that they are potentially very dangerous. One mistake can leave you blind or on fire, which means you have to take a lot of care using them, adding hassle. Plus you need to manage fume extraction carefully, as laser cutting produces pretty harmful vapors that need to be filtered and vented. What I'm getting at is: 3D printer - minimal hassle, maximum versatility, good for home. CNC machine - medium hassle, medium-low versatility, kinda borderline depending on your use. Laser - high hassle, medium versatility, I'd rather go to a dedicated shop than deal with one at home. Side note, designing a DIY CNC mill is kinda hard because their mechanical requirements are actually quite extreme even at the low end. You'll end up spending a lot of time and money on it, especially when you can get a cheap-but-pretty-good mill from Aliexpress.
- alex_hitchins 9y ago
  NY CNC is great, the guy is so enthusiastic to share his knowledge it's great. Plus some of the machining projects he does are quite something. Also refreshing to get exposure to the business side of running a shop, pricing decisions etc. You are likely correct that it's better to get a kit even if on the cheaper end than go DIY. There is something about reusing parts that would otherwise go to landfill I really wanted to achieve. Perhaps I can find other uses for them, even if just mastering their operation with an arduino.

gh02t 9y ago

I love that channel! And I understand completely, it's easy for tools like that to sit collecting dust unless you have the right combination of skills and interests. I usually tell people that a 3D printer is not at all worth it unless you're planning on designing and fabricating your own custom parts and you have a need to do so. I also have a basic CNC machine which I like, but of the big three maker machines (3D printer, laser cutter, CNC) I'd say the 3D printer is probably the one you want first because it's the most versatile. I mostly use the CNC for fabricating one-off PCBs and while I get a lot of use out of it for that most of the other things I could do with it I just do with a 3D printer. The CNC is a lot messier and more complicated, especially if you wanna cut wood or metal and if you want to do true 3D carves you need to do some proper CAM, which is a whole different skill set from CAD. Laser cutters have a lot of downsides, especially if you are looking into one at home. Smaller diode laser cutters/engravers are more accessible to someone at home, but they can have a hard time cutting acrylic, particularly clear acrylic. You can get fairly affordable CO2 lasers now in the $5-600 with good laser performance but apparently the electronics suck so you need to change em and focusing the beam is a pain (it's invisible). My main problem with lasers though is that they are potentially very dangerous. One mistake can leave you blind or on fire, which means you have to take a lot of care using them, adding hassle. Plus you need to manage fume extraction carefully, as laser cutting produces pretty harmful vapors that need to be filtered and vented. What I'm getting at is: 3D printer - minimal hassle, maximum versatility, good for home. CNC machine - medium hassle, medium-low versatility, kinda borderline depending on your use. Laser - high hassle, medium versatility, I'd rather go to a dedicated shop than deal with one at home. Side note, designing a DIY CNC mill is kinda hard because their mechanical requirements are actually quite extreme even at the low end. You'll end up spending a lot of time and money on it, especially when you can get a cheap-but-pretty-good mill from Aliexpress.

alex_hitchins 9y ago
NY CNC is great, the guy is so enthusiastic to share his knowledge it's great. Plus some of the machining projects he does are quite something. Also refreshing to get exposure to the business side of running a shop, pricing decisions etc. You are likely correct that it's better to get a kit even if on the cheaper end than go DIY. There is something about reusing parts that would otherwise go to landfill I really wanted to achieve. Perhaps I can find other uses for them, even if just mastering their operation with an arduino.