Need Idea's for CNC mill

[golf nut]

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

Well, As I am loosing my job in Oct, I need to spend more time in my home shop. Powdercoating is a sideline, not enough work to sustain us. I have a little CNC mill here too, 14"X 8"Y6"Z travel. not large, but it is pretty accutate. Now, Im wondering what things I could make? I have had the mill for about 7 years now, and allways find it tough to come up with the ideas.

So, What does Canreefers want/need? The mill cut's Alum pretty well, but Acrylic and plastic it cuts awesome. I also have a router head attachment for it.

Throw some ideas at me.

Tell me about it, I have 20 of them and looking for another.

[whatcaneyedo]

I might be interested in the cut pieces for an overflow box as well at some point. I can do the cementing myself.

For myself I've made (all while laid off):
2 Kalkwasser reactors
Calcium reactor effluent chamber
Protein Skimmer waste collector with shut off device

[Mrfish55]

Look into the world of radio controll, there are obsessive scale addicts that will pay top dollar for scale components for rc cars and trucks, all perfect for a machine the size of what you have, I know alum rims for the trucks go for anywhere between $80-$300 for a set, I spend quite a bit of time on one particular forum, pm me if you want more info.

[mark]

flanges and lids for DIY reactors.

And here's a neat base idea

[banditpowdercoat]

Originally Posted by Mrfish55

Look into the world of radio controll, there are obsessive scale addicts that will pay top dollar for scale components for rc cars and trucks, all perfect for a machine the size of what you have, I know alum rims for the trucks go for anywhere between $80-$300 for a set, I spend quite a bit of time on one particular forum, pm me if you want more info.

Funny you say that. THAT"S why I bought my mill in the first place. I was making Carbon Fiber parts. I have a few RC/s here too.(3 nitro's and 1 electric) Way to much $$$ invested in them
But, like everytihng else, It is hard to compete with the Chinese import parts. Not much market in the "toy" department for really high end stuff.

[AndyL]

Reasonably priced kits to build another CNC

There's most of the bits n pieces in the garage for mine (just need the motors & drives) - 24x24 cutting area sliding gantry (3" channel construction), 4hp plunge router, skate bearing on angle slides; 1" acme screws... Yes I believe in overbuilding Unfortunately thats why it sits without electrics... Cuz I haven't found anything I can afford to drive the darn thing...

My .02 - Rebuild your CNC out of something water resistant... Add a water feed and a good quality diamond bit... NanoReefers seem to be willing to pay ridiculous $ for custom built tanks. Having those nice CNC cuts (use the right bit and your edges come out almost polished) and doing professional silicone work - takes a while to build up your rep - but in time could lead to an eventual semi-steady income...

[banditpowdercoat]

CNC nano tanks huh? Hmm. My mill is waterproof. I use a constant spray on the cutting tool. I just cant see the cost effectiveness of CNC cutting glass, just for a polished edge? Now, glass overflows.. I've allways wanted a full length CNC table, but never had the room

[AndyL]

Look at the rave reviews elite gets for his tank/sumps - those are all cut with CNC... It's the clean edges, smooth transitions (cuts you can't get with a scriber), accurate positions on the bulkhead sites - then add in the professional assembly, that's why he gets sales he does... There are lots of nice cuts you can do with a CNC you can't do scribing/breaking...

You've probably tried to add eggcrate to your own overflow top - take a hunk of glass, and draw yourself a nice slotted screen for the top of that glass - then ask yourself if you'd rather that or black eggcrate siliconed onto the top