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

Enclosures

If you are anything like me, the one thing you don’t relish is cleaning up after you are done with your project. I always want my machine to be right where and how I left it, ready for the next task, but I also know that an organized workbench also means better focus on my task at hand. And, with CNC, we really should attend to the debris that results from our efforts. This debris can contaminate surfaces we are working on or with, and inhaling any of the dust (or fumes) is not particularly healthy. As a result, we really should consider putting our machine in an enclosure to at least control where the debris and dust go and limit how much cleanup we need to do. This chapter deals with deciding on and either assembling or buying an enclosure for the 3018. I like to have enclosures for many of my machines. A number of my 3D printers live under a hood to allow heat to be retained and noise to be dampened; still others have a cube frame permitting all the working parts...