If you are a hobbyist/modeler/custom-builder.
I would love to make one of these!
Better to rent at various Maker Shops.
Here is something I found a couple of years ago.
Its a homebuilt cnc table w/ co2 laser.
The build on everything is very well. The table build would be very much the same as a router.
http://www.nilno.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi
A buddy has a Chevalier CNC mill and a 16 inch lathe.
I make aftermarket parts for Vespa scooters on the CNC.
At home I have a RU-31 mill and a 1962 Southbend 10k lathe.
Those I use for tinkering.
Great fun to work metal.
There are people who have DIY automated manual mills, such as Grizzly’s.
Maybe find yourself a used mill and then convert it over.
Youtube is a goldmine.
You might find this guy informative
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRcZL-xSVg55-na811vMgGA
I’ve seen pretty decent work done on machines made using drawer slides from the hardware store and PVC pipe. Good enough to route signs and make artsy things, and pretty cheap if you’re willing to shop eBay and put some sweat equity into it. You can always upgrade the mechanics and move the motors and electronics onto a bigger and better machine.
I am toying with the idea of creating a CNC to handle 4x8 plywood and then developing cut files that will cut the parts for a 4v or L4 dome (https://simplydifferently.org/Geodesic_Dome_Notes?page=5#L4%20Icosahedron%20Dome).
The idea would be to cut the struts from 3/4 plywood, hinge the triangles using regular door hinges, assemble the triangles to create a frame, cover the frame with screening and assemble the triangles into a dome. Once assembled, the custom fitting of doors and windows would need to be done to finish the framing. If the dome is large enough, a second story can be added but with the right hardware, the weight of the floor would be transfered to the outer shell via eyebolts.
Once the framing is completed, spray the exterior with a thin layer of Grancrete, the flow of the spray would be stopped by the screen. From there, add rebar and chain link fence and shotcrete/grancrete the exterior to create the thin shell. If an even thicker shell is required, bricks can be added to the exterior for additional mass. Foam insulation could then be sprayed on the inside. From there, finish the interior as normal (well, as normal for a dome).
I know there are other techniques for building a dome but this seems to me to be the least expensive, lower cost method for assembly. Done correctly, could be done by one skilled individual and one helper. Other techniques such as the monolitic dome method are designed to meet other criteria and seem to be more expensive.
Google “DIY CNC mill”. Lots of designs, kits, parts, and software out there.
I’ve been slowly collecting parts to build one based on a tabletop milling machine.
bump for later perusal
Anyone interested feel free to PM me in regards to CNCs. Been doing it for 20 years now (geesh) and have made a few of my own.
I helped build one from a kit. It was used by a high school robotics team I used to coach. This one used a router rather than a Dremel. I think it had a 3-4’ cutting area.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/DIY-CNC/info
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/info