Learning - Remote control CNC over internet.

[SirSmash]

So I got an idea but I'm not entirely sure this would actually help people learn how to use a CNC machine.

I used to have a computer here which I let anyone use remotely over the internet. Purpose being they could try out things with this system, regedit, msconfig, whatever really as the system would automatically reboot when the user disconnected and would restore all the settings.

What I'm thinking is I have a Proxxon MF-70 I converted but it doesn't get used much because it's tiny. If I setup remote access again and attach a webcam to the CNC machine I could let people mess around with the machine. Granted I wouldn't have any material on it to mill but you could at least see how the things work. You'd get a live video feed on the website with remote control of the computer.

My problem is if your not seeing something being made I'm not sure anyone would learn much from it. You could see how Mach 3 works in relation to the mill so you might learn something from that but you'd never actually know if the part would have come out correctly.

So what do you guys think... is this something worth setting up?

Edit: Probably should have noted that I'll also need to allow file uploads on the website, probably have them go to "my documents" or something so you can run your own code.

[OnyxInc702]

I think that would be very useful, even though it wouldnt create anything u could still get the jist of what and how to use it! if u do decide to set it up pls send me a link so that i could try it

[advt001]

If you could figure a profitable way to do setups and let the users cut foam parts there just may be a demand.I do appreciate your kindness in offering the use of your equipment to others.

[SirSmash]

Finally got back to this, took a long weekend to attend a convention and wasn't paying too much attention here.

Anyway, I'm not really too concerned with it being profitable. I mean if it costs a few bucks here and there but people learn that's fine. I guess I could set it up so generally the website lets you mess with the machine but you could setup a reservation if you actually wanted to get a part made. In that case I can put some machinist wax on then let the person have a go at it and mail it over if they like. Shipping would be cheap within the United States as anything made would fit in a small flat rate USPS box and the wax I can re-melt if the person doesn't want the part.

I guess I'll mess with it in the morning, the biggest problem I can think of is that people would be able to close down Mach 3 and use anything on the computer. Maybe I'll have to use Linux as then I can set up the system to load a new Gnome session at every login, I'll have to see how EMC2 works with that. If not I guess I can have it reboot when someone logs off.