Jake Vickers wrote:
> Forrest W Christian wrote:
> 
>>I'm going to be using some off-the shelf enclosures (hammond 1593K) for 
>>my next couple of products.
>>
>>I'm having a problem finding someone to either machine the existing end 
>>panels or cut me new ones for a reasonable cost.   I'm talking 1-2K/year 
>>at this point.  Qty/run depends on cost.   Mainly just need a square-ish 
>>and 3 round  holes cut in one end panel.
>>
>>So, I'm wondering either who everyone else uses for this - or - if 
>>anyone has had any luck buying/building a smallish CNC router table or 
>>mill to cut their own.
>>
>>Other ideas would be welcome!  Thanks!
>>  
> 
> I built a CNC mill to do some work for myself. Started as carvings, and 
> I've used it to cut 300+ proto boards for myself. I've done 20-25 
> enclosures for serial port holes and what not and been reasonably happy 
> with the results.
> http://www.v2gnu.com/mill.jpg
> This machine is current in pieces - I'm changing it to an R8 taper to 
> give me a wider range of tooling, and I'm also swapping out the 46oz 
> steppers for some 150oz's I bought to allow me to do more serious steel 
> work. Machine wasn't too terribly hard to build, but I'm also 
> mechanically inclined so that is a factor.
> There's a few guys that sell plans to build your own, or you can buy a 
> cheap-o mill (most are good to .009 or so) and then purchase a 
> conversion kit to convert to CNC. Total cost to go this route would be 
> roughly $1300 or so, and then any 286 or better with a parallel port 
> will control it. I personally use my first Pentium computer I ever 
> bought to run my mill (yeah, I'm a pack-rat). I even added a 4th axis 
> and cut some gears to replace a worn out one in the speedometer for my 
> BMW bike.

Nice machine!

The Parker (80/20) pieces were selected for ease of initial adjustment? 
(they look lonely by themselves :)

D
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