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

[Darcy Whyte]

Where to get a milk crate?



On Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 1:09 PM, <bentfork at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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>>
>
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