Well, I've already posted in the mentor/tutor area, hopefully I'll get a taker on helping me learn/get experience on real machinery. That's one half of the equation. As for #2 -
I'm interested in starting to churn out my own R/C helicopter parts. I'm tired of seeing really bad designs and seeing thousands of posts with complaints (and easily created improvements) - and nobody filling the void.
I'd like to start making them myself. I've got basic abilities in AutoCad from years ago, and I'm going to start learning Rhino (it's been suggested this is best for doing 3d design, which I think is necessary in the CNC world for the type of parts I'll be making.)
The real question boils down to what kind of machine I'll need to work with.
My lack of experience with this kind of equipment has me lost. Here's a couple of typical parts that would be nice to be able to make (or change/improve..):
http://www.align.com.tw/shop/product...oducts_id=1016 http://www.align.com.tw/shop/product...oducts_id=1010 http://www.align.com.tw/shop/product...oducts_id=1011 http://www.align.com.tw/shop/product...oducts_id=1007 http://www.align.com.tw/shop/product...oducts_id=1354
Just a few examples, basically a lot of aluminum parts (with steel being an option would be *nice* but not necessary..)
I've been told by people who really don't have much experience that a 4-axis mill is what I'd be looking at, especially if I wanted to do CNC eventually (I do..)
Does this sound correct? Am I barking up the right tree? It'd be nice to be able to use the machine to also cut out frames (CF mostly) and various other parts like that too. Maybe Delrin, various plastics, etc.
If you could give me any direction, it would be very much appreciated. I just need an idea of *what* to start researching, so I can learn more. It's hard right now because I don't even know what to search for.
Also, hopefully somebody will take me in and help me learn, I'm offering to pay material expenses and do work (in my free time) for whoever is willing to help me learn. Hopefully somebody in Hawaii will bite!
Cheers,
David