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I see a comparison between "CNC retrofit" and "CNC from the factory" machines. What are buildings after all but big machines around us. CNC retrofits (even whe

by zxcmx 6y ago

I see a comparison between "CNC retrofit" and "CNC from the factory" machines. What are buildings after all but big machines around us. CNC retrofits (even when successful) tend to be never ending projects. This is partly because the kind of person who retrofits a machine is seldom satisfied with it. But also one tends to end up replacing the whole machine over time - the motion and way the machine gets used is different. The "wear cycle" is accelerated and new machine properties become important. Retrofits also are much more challenging to support than factory-supplied systems and tend to "frankenstein" very quickly. IOT windows might start making real sense as an aspect of a whole building design where they can be fit for purpose, designed for expected wear and usage and work harmoniously with other building systems. A truly native IOT window will involve the frame, the glass, the opener, maybe the shades -- and the rest of the building. We probably also need standardised "window sockets" around the frames, with standards for power and data connections to make installation, replacement and upgrade practical.

bsder 6y ago
> CNC retrofits (even when successful) tend to be never ending projects. This is partly because the kind of person who retrofits a machine is seldom satisfied with it. There are two primary reasons for the infinite refit: 1) No definite project for the CNC If you have a definite project, you have a deadline and want that project done. The project also has a monetary implication so you have a budget. I bought a Formlabs Form 2 for this reason. I didn't want to dork around with 3D printers--I needed to print parts. And it worked, we were printing parts within 3 hours of unboxing the machine. 2) Too stringent budgetary constraints A lot of people doing CNC refits are scrounging parts from EBay, swap meets, etc. Consequently, the project doesn't have a definite plan--it proceeds in fits and starts when a critical number of pieces have been found.
- tonyarkles 6y ago
  I’ll just throw this out here for people interested in 3D printers: the Prusa i3 mk3s was a very similar experience for me. I actually wanted the kit but no localish vendors had any, so I ordered the preassembled version. Open the box, set it on the table, load filament, and go! I’m probably ordering a Formlabs Form 2 for work in a couple of weeks because of some of their specialty resins, but did want to point out that around $1000USD can get you a workhorse if a printer! Another option that I’m also looking at is the Prusa Mini. We have a bunch of small parts to print, and getting an army of smaller printers to work in parallel looks like a significant speed improvement.
- sircastor 6y ago
  I had this problem early on When I wanted a 3D printer. I ultimately spent more time working on my printer than printing things. It was very frustrating. Whenever I talk to people who are looking at getting a printer I always ask them “do you want to work on a printer or print things?”

by zxcmx 6y ago

bsder 6y ago

> CNC retrofits (even when successful) tend to be never ending projects. This is partly because the kind of person who retrofits a machine is seldom satisfied with it. There are two primary reasons for the infinite refit: 1) No definite project for the CNC If you have a definite project, you have a deadline and want that project done. The project also has a monetary implication so you have a budget. I bought a Formlabs Form 2 for this reason. I didn't want to dork around with 3D printers--I needed to print parts. And it worked, we were printing parts within 3 hours of unboxing the machine. 2) Too stringent budgetary constraints A lot of people doing CNC refits are scrounging parts from EBay, swap meets, etc. Consequently, the project doesn't have a definite plan--it proceeds in fits and starts when a critical number of pieces have been found.

tonyarkles 6y ago
I’ll just throw this out here for people interested in 3D printers: the Prusa i3 mk3s was a very similar experience for me. I actually wanted the kit but no localish vendors had any, so I ordered the preassembled version. Open the box, set it on the table, load filament, and go! I’m probably ordering a Formlabs Form 2 for work in a couple of weeks because of some of their specialty resins, but did want to point out that around $1000USD can get you a workhorse if a printer! Another option that I’m also looking at is the Prusa Mini. We have a bunch of small parts to print, and getting an army of smaller printers to work in parallel looks like a significant speed improvement.
sircastor 6y ago
I had this problem early on When I wanted a 3D printer. I ultimately spent more time working on my printer than printing things. It was very frustrating. Whenever I talk to people who are looking at getting a printer I always ask them “do you want to work on a printer or print things?”