MochetVelo Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) The interest in 3D printers has sparked a similar line of "3D Cutters"; essentially desk-top CNC milling machines. The prices are in the $2k range. Here are some examples: https://www.inventables.com/technologies/carvey https://othermachine.co/ https://glowforge.com/?utm_source=adroll&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=web%20rt The first two will cut metal with milling bits . The Glowforge uses a laser to cut softer materials. Perhaps they could be used to reproduce brass plaques. Any other potential uses in vintage cars? Phil Edited January 23, 2016 by MochetVelo (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzBob Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 All three of these are very nice and impressive machines. One has to keep in mind is that these are limited to plastics, wood, sheet metals, engraving etc. You would not be able to do any serious machine work with them. Another consideration is the size of work that can be accommodated. Bearing these limitations in mind, very cool desktop machines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Do you have any idea how many cars since 1970 have small plastic pieces that break ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laughing Coyote Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Actually I have one and I use it quite a bit. Mainly for engraving aluminum, but I have used it for cutting out aluminum pieces that I designed. Some pieces were 1/2" thick. You take lighter cuts, not like a full size mill. They do work pretty good and hold tolerances. I bought a 2D software program that you design the part in and it will convert it to G code so you can cut. They also offer a 3D software program so you can do 3D stuff. This is what I have. http://www.taigtools.com/mmill.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzBob Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) I agree, one can do some pretty impressive work with these bench top / desktop machines, one just has to be aware of their limitations. As laughing Coyote stated, just take lighter cuts when working on harder materials. These types of machines have the potential for replicating numerous parts for vintage cars. As you mentioned, decorative plaques, instrument panels, dials, small gears etc. just to name a few. Would be fun to have one just to "play with". Edited January 21, 2016 by AzBob (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Standard Eight Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 (edited) Technology has allowed manufacturing to again become entrepreneurial. Here is a great example inline with this post. A local Pittsburgh startup has developed a "desktop" size combination 3D printer / laser engraver / CNC. This device uses interchangeable heads for different media and for different tools. One of these would be great to play with and see what one could create related to old cars. http://www.boxzy.com/ Edited January 23, 2016 by Butler Old Stone House (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 I see lots of startups selling the various machines. I would like to see some startups actually making and selling antique car parts that are better/cheaper/quicker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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