CNC
Working the Plan
I am sort of crossing the line between metal working and wood working with the HB2 project.
Building the machine is very much metal working and electrical. I just throw in the electrical without further classification. Building the HB2 bench was definitely wood working. I could have built a metal bench and many CNC gantry routers are mounted on metal benches. No problem with that. I am a qualified weldor. I believe either platform is serviceable in my environment.
The HB2 will be able to do some work in light (soft) metal. I do not consider HB2 to be a primary metal working machine. That is more suitable for CNC mills. I explained that elsewhere in my ramblings. Projects for the machine will be primarily wood or plastics. That is why I plan on posting projects from this machine over in “Sawdust” in TEDEX. I expect a lot of sawdust!
The HB2 will exceed the cost of my Powermatic 2000 table saw. That makes it important for me to plan on getting substantial use from both machines and perhaps a few more sawdust makers…
I am using my fully employed years to build up the major tools I would like to have when I don’t have to work so hard for income. By then my plan is to have the shop be at least self supporting. Metal or wood chips… I will be there in the middle.
The drawback at the moment is that the projects that can be made on these machines are on hold. The Lord willing, I will have enough time on my biological clock to enjoy my plan. If not, I am having a great time working the start-up plan…
Bench Builder
I busted more than my butt this weekend. All my body parts are complaining today. I built a new workbench for HB2 and the muscles and nerves are telling me my exact age. My PN/CMT (plus the over 100 degree temperatures) created some serious arm and leg cramping about bed time. I know better but I like making things so much that I am willing to take the “hit”. 🙂
Here is a picture of the project bench. Not bad for only $75.00 total cost, not counting the pain and suffering. Notice I am smiling (I think). The full story is over in THMS.
HB2 Lives
This is the first package of materials for the construction of the HB2 CNC router project. There is a full description of this first shipment in my The Hobbyist’s Machine Shop web site.
Look in the Site Tools drop down menu and select “What’s New”. Scroll down in the pop up window until you see the “HB2 Construction” link.
This is the first of what will likely be many articles on the construction of the HB2.
It is finally out of the dream and scheme stage and into the build phase.
Update 7/6: Drill Patterns all cut and trimmed.
New Page About HB2
I just published some new ramblings about the HB2 project. Check out HB2-Stepping Up in the “Special Articles” sidebar.
~ Dan’l
Cold Cathode
I have been experimenting with cold cathode lighting for use with the Lithophanes. This is just a setup on the work bench. This looks like it will be a superb method of displaying these carvings. This picture layout is a bit crude but you can see all the parts. Two bulbs on the foil and the high voltage balast in the small shiney box (with ears). It is potted with black tar-like material. The systems is actually powered by a 12V DC “wall wart” power supply off camera.
