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The cantilevering arm looks as though it wouldn't have any real overall rigidity for carving or for rapid, accurate motion with any kind of resistance... But I
by l00sed 5y ago
The cantilevering arm looks as though it wouldn't have any real overall rigidity for carving or for rapid, accurate motion with any kind of resistance... But I really love that this made it to hacker news because I feel like "hacking" doesn't exclude non-software hacks and it's always awesome to see hardware for design and making alongside all the other software news.
The idea of open source robotic assemblies or mechanical assemblies is another cool, separate thing. Another cool project I came across was the AR-1, AR-2, AR-3 series of desktop 6-axis robots. The inventor/designer made all the assembly docs open-sourced and sells kits or specs to make your own.
- toss1 5y agoYes, this looks like a great learning device! It could also be good for prototyping controls for a more serious tool, and the pen tool and maybe even a light extrusion head might produce some good results. But cutting anything is, umm questionable. In general, a cantilevered configuration is inherently wobbly compared to a gantry configuration that rolls on parallel rails/beams at the outside of the workspace. Even a massive Bridgeport-style mill has issues vs a moderate gantry CNC mill (although uses a lot less shop floor space). All the force paths are working to bend the cantilever device, vs all the gantry geometry that works to minimize error. So, while it looks like a great effort and good for some things, if they want to offer any even slightly serious cutting capability, they'll need real work on the stiffness.