[Lab] Marauder project (around 400 bucks and counting)

[bentfork at gmail.com]

This looks interesting, and a good starting price point.

 I've been wondering why no one is using milk crates as the base for devices
similar to this.  A maker bot could easily fit into one (or two stacked)
milk crates.  They are reasonably available, and be machined nicely, and are
very portable.



On 6 June 2011 12:02, Darcy Whyte <darcy at siteware.com> wrote:

> You may remember the Mantis project. There's a build going on in Toronto
> and in Ottawa but those projects are not making much headway.
>
> I believe the problem is that the Mantis cutting format is small and the
> machine is not generally attractive enough to motivate someone to get
> through the complexity of making it (despite the low cost of the machine).
> Also a few gaps in the bill of materials and the build logs doesn't help.
>
> So I started my own design (working name has been Marauder but anyone can
> suggest a name). There's a page for it at
> http://mambohead.com/maraudercnc/. The page is still sparse but I'll have
> pictures and drawings soon.
>
> Here's what's different:
>
> -I picked a higher price so it could have real bearings and do real work
> (instead of being just a learning experiment). I'm attempting to come up
> with something less than 500 bucks (including everything but the computer).
> I figured, if someone wants a simple CNC, 100 bucks is too dreamy. So the
> base design needs to be more functional.
> -it's still a cool learning experiment
> -It will easily accept a dremel as a spindal (and of course a plastic
> extruder). I'm working on a YAG laser too but so far that's over 1000 bucks
> extra.
> -The format will be 12x12x2 (I might make a 12x9x2 option and of course
> people will probably scale the machine a bit if they have a specific job for
> it).
> -It will be totable (I figure if people can tote their cat in a box, then
> we can get a CNC into that format)
> -It will have a door for dust and noise control.
> -MDF + acrylic = easy. Well, the acrylic is harder to cut I think but
> people can just use MDF for everything.
>
> Parts for prototype are on order. If anybody wants a hand in this, you're
> welcome.
>
> If anybody wants to make one, let me know. So far I've had two people
> express interest.
>
> I think this project will increase the audience of CNC machines and be a
> benefit to the community.
>
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