Hi, first off I would like to say hello and thanks to the forum contributors for this great resource.

I am looking at doing some thin graphite work. By the looks of things I could use a turning center but, I might get by with a 2.5 axis cutting system. I wondered if building such a device would be feasible for this type of work?

To date I am looking at thin stock, not exceeding .125 for laminate assembly - None of my materials will exceed 12" square inches. I am also interested in a turning center or lathe as well. I don't know if this it is a feasible direction to look into, but I figured I would ask just the same.

Thanks in advance for your help on this.

I have built many CNC machines and converted a few as part of a Special Interest Group in the VALLEY Metalworkers club. The basic question you have to add is what do you expect to allow for the cost of construction.

On average a CNC mill has a cost of over 2,000 dollars US, and a simple turning lathe averages a cost of 1800 dollars.

If you want further information contact me off line.

Yours is a more complex question than you might think. A lot of the cost has to do with your own skill set.

Do you know anything about mechanical systems? On a homebuilt CNC, they're not very complex, and can be easily built from available materials, including MDF and common pipe.

Do you know anything about electronics? If so, you can build your own drivers -- if not, this half will be the expensive part of the project. A set of easily available driver boards can cost around $80-100 for the machine (3 axis, 1 driver per axis) and you can save money by getting a kit. Fully assembled and tested circuits will cost more, obviously.

There are people on this forum who have built entire machines for under $100, by judicious use of their own skills and "scraps" they had in their workshops. Others have spent thousands of dollars for amazing machines that rival, and sometimes surpass, commercial units.

-- Chuck Knight

Thanks Chuck New to the forum and loving it. You gave the simple answer I was looking for. I am a very clever fabricator and am going to build a machine. Thanks again
JK

good to hear your into fab, i really think thats the true spirit of the DIY'er!