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If you want parts, outsource the manufacturing. If you want a new, expensive hobby, look into CNC machining. Don’t expect cheap parts, though. > I am willing

If you want parts, outsource the manufacturing. If you want a new, expensive hobby, look into CNC machining. Don’t expect cheap parts, though. > I am willing to go into the mid 4 figures for a good product(s) that can help me with both bar furniture trim, aluminum fittings, and laser engraving. Mid 4 figures is about where you’d end up with an entry level 3-axis CNC, workholding accessories, tooling, and all of the other accessories you’ll need to set up the machine and cut aluminum correctly. That budget is way too low for 4-axis and laser engraving. I’d outsource the parts and start with a small $3-6K hobby CNC from a known brand (Bantam or PocketNC for example). Learn the basics of machining, CAM, workholding, and other basics on small parts on a small machine, then decide if you want to go bigger. > and it's tough to wade through the many, many hours of semi-honest use/reviews when I have the day job and fam. If you don’t even have time to research and learn the basics, you definitely won’t have time to learn how to properly operate a machine and CAD/CAM. I think you’re underestimating the work that goes into even basic CNC machining.

levinb 5y ago
Thanks - that sounds like the General Aviation adage "If you want to build; build. If you want to fly; buy". However, so much of the work seems to be building experience in the software and getting good at speccing the parts. How do you get good at even ordering a part so you don't waste tons of time and money?
matt_the_bass 5y ago
>If you want parts, outsource the manufacturing. >If you want a new, expensive hobby, look into CNC machining. Don’t expect cheap parts, though. This 1000%. If you’re at the point that you think you need custom machines parts for a brewery, then you probably need an interior designer (if these are aesthetic) or a brewing consultant (if these a functional). I’m all for hobby cnc’ing! I have a probotix and LOVE it! But until you are a “machinist” don’t count on cnc being more than a hobby, not critical path. > If you don’t even have time to research and learn the basics, you definitely won’t have time to learn how to properly operate a machine and CAD/CAM. I think you’re underestimating the work that goes into even basic CNC machining. Yup. Time is money. If this is a commercial enterprise, get a professional solution. If this is a hobby project, explore your hobby any way that is interesting to you.
- matt_the_bass 5y ago
  Also, I’ve never seen a brewery with a cnc machine. There is likely a business reason for this.

levinb 5y ago

Thanks - that sounds like the General Aviation adage "If you want to build; build. If you want to fly; buy". However, so much of the work seems to be building experience in the software and getting good at speccing the parts. How do you get good at even ordering a part so you don't waste tons of time and money?

matt_the_bass 5y ago

>If you want parts, outsource the manufacturing. >If you want a new, expensive hobby, look into CNC machining. Don’t expect cheap parts, though. This 1000%. If you’re at the point that you think you need custom machines parts for a brewery, then you probably need an interior designer (if these are aesthetic) or a brewing consultant (if these a functional). I’m all for hobby cnc’ing! I have a probotix and LOVE it! But until you are a “machinist” don’t count on cnc being more than a hobby, not critical path. > If you don’t even have time to research and learn the basics, you definitely won’t have time to learn how to properly operate a machine and CAD/CAM. I think you’re underestimating the work that goes into even basic CNC machining. Yup. Time is money. If this is a commercial enterprise, get a professional solution. If this is a hobby project, explore your hobby any way that is interesting to you.

matt_the_bass 5y ago
Also, I’ve never seen a brewery with a cnc machine. There is likely a business reason for this.