The Maker Movement
3D printers were becoming trendy but were still quite expensive in 2015. Rather than buy one, I decided to create my own CNC machine that could both cut and print.
The Vision
The goal was ambitious: a multi-purpose machine that could:
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3D print using a standard extruder
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Mill and cut materials using a spindle attachment
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Engrave detailed patterns
The Reality
I didn't fully achieve the project due to time constraints and because 3D printers became super cheap soon after I started. By the time I was ready to finish, you could buy a decent printer for less than my materials cost.
What I Learned
Despite not completing the project, I gained invaluable experience:
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Stepper motor control - understanding how to precisely move axes
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G-code programming - the language of CNC machines
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Mechanical design - creating rigid, accurate linear motion systems
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Electronics integration - connecting motors, drivers, and controllers
The Lesson
Sometimes unfinished projects teach you more than finished ones. The knowledge I gained about CNC systems would prove useful in countless future projects, from designing parts for robots to understanding how prosthetic components could be manufactured.