Need Idea's for CNC mill

[michika]

Photo boxes, filtersock holders, custom grates for overflows, acclimation boxes, feeding stations, really unique nano and pico tanks, etc.

[lastlight]

yes i'd def be interested in a custom overflow machined from black acrylic. Can your machine read any vector formats such as EPS or AI?

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by lastlight

yes i'd def be interested in a custom overflow machined from black acrylic. Can your machine read any vector formats such as EPS or AI?

2 dimensional cuts in thinner material is more efficient using laser cutting. I got mine done for my tank for $24 including the material.

[banditpowdercoat]

WOW, theres some things hehe, I guess I gotta find a supplier for acrylic


Yes, Laser is more efficient, but I dont have one .

My machine reads whatever I code into it LOL. It runs in G-code. I make my dwgs in Autocad .dxf then convert it. Not familiar with Vector n stuff. All self taught on this, Thk god for Google HAHAHA

[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...