Like many people, I'm fascinated by the possibilities of having my own
CNC/laser cutter/3D printer. And like many, I don't have the budget to
either acquire a professional machine or the budget for the divorce fees if
I did ;)

I really liked the look of the ShapeOko (horrible name!) project at
www.shapeoko.com. The designer used the MakerSlide v-rail system for most
of the design, and the resulting 3-axis CNC is nice and 'clean' looking.
Apparently the brave can turn it into a 3D printer, which is something I'm
going to have a crack at once I get CNC working.

Anyhoo, the demand for these kits outstripped the original supply
capability of the inventor, but Inventables have stepped in to take care of
fulfillment. The way Inventables works is that they need X number of orders
by Y date to "start the factory". The target is 150 kits, and they've taken
120 pre-orders this week -- which is, quite frankly, amazing to me.

I went for the Mechanical Kit ($199) as I already have a Dremel and
Arduino, and I can source source the NEMA 17 stepper motors stepper motors
locally. It's not a bad deal for $199.

Inventables are at www.inventables.com if anyone on the list is interested.

I have now connection to either the inventor or Inventables, BTW.....just
someone who's excited about this project :)

-m
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