Book Image

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

By : Samer Najia
5 (1)
Book Image

A Tinkerer's Guide to CNC Basics

5 (1)
By: Samer Najia

Overview of this book

Until recently, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines belonged to the realm of heavy industry, but as technology becomes cheaper and smaller, these machines now can be used in home workshops. It’s not easy to get started, though, but thanks to this guide, you’ll be ready to take on a variety of projects in no time. A Tinkerer’s Guide to CNC Basics contains everything you need to get set up at home with computer-controlled machining and fabrication. Sparing you the theory, this project-laden guide helps you learn by doing. Once you’ve got to grips with the principles of CNC and installed the 3018 Pro CNC machine, you’ll gradually move from simple projects such as basic engraving to more complex milling and machining techniques. You’ll even learn how to upgrade your machine to accomplish more sophisticated designs. The plethora of projects in this book will keep you busy and give you the practice you need to get started with your computerized workshop. By the end of the book, your computerized home workshop will be one step closer to realization, and your machining skills will be taken to the next level.
Table of Contents (15 chapters)
11
Chapter 11: Building a More Capable CNC Machine

Getting to G-Code from a drawing

One of my other hobbies is model airplane building and while I have mostly focused on static scale models, I also enjoy building RC airplanes, but I like to do so from plans, and most of the airplanes I like are not readily available in kit form and the plans themselves are not always clear or easy to read. A substantial effort has to be made to transfer the drawing to electronic form, scale it correctly, and then reliably pass it on to the automation to cut the part. One common class of parts are fuselage bulkheads. For small-scale models, balsa is called for, while larger models would do fine with plywood.

Here’s the bulkhead from the scanned BD-1 blueprints. Note that there are no measurements, so you would have to use a ruler to take your own – assuming your drawing will print properly at full scale.

Figure 5.1 – BD-1 scale model bulkhead

Figure 5.1 – BD-1 scale model bulkhead

The first (full-sized) airplane I ever owned was a Grumman...