Get started with CNC machining using this hands-on, part-color guide that tells you exactly what you need to know without overloading you with useless theory Key Features Get started with the basics of CNC machining and set up your own computerized workshop Explore loads of do-it-yourself projects to practice what you’ve learned Take advantage of the potential of home machining thanks to the power of CNC Book DescriptionUntil 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.What you will learn Configure, calibrate, provision, and test your CNC machine Add a laser engraver to your machine for finer precision cutting Use the machine to fabricate new components for itself Explore the design impacts of carving on a rotary axis Adapt other machines for CNC Engrave opaque and semi-opaque materials Cool your machine with an air assist system Design and develop a customized laser mount Who this book is for This book is for tinkerers, hobbyists, and craft aficionados comfortable using hand tools, aspiring to accelerate or develop more complex and challenging projects. Before starting this book, you should be comfortable around basic shop tools, as well as have a basic understanding of computers. While the book will speak to the specifics around the electronics of CNC machines, the terms used, such as motherboard, USB, positive/negative terminal, and power supply should not be too daunting to understand.

An accessible, beginner-friendly resource to understand general CNC (Computer Numerical Control) principles and techniques for anyone interested in CNC woodworking and the future of these technologies. From the fundamentals of CNC to its machinery, software, tools, materials, and 2-1/2 D carving, this complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about your CNC router in a way that’s clear, approachable, and easy to comprehend. Also included are step-by-step CNC projects to apply techniques learned. The general principles and instructions detailed are applicable to a wide range of software and CNC machine brands, making this must-have resource a comprehensive and inclusive guide that any woodworker can use!

This book covers the fundamental principles and physical phenomena behind laser-based fabrication and machining processes. It also gives an overview of their existing and potential applications. With laser machining an emerging area in various applications ranging from bulk machining in metal forming to micromachining and microstructuring, this book provides a link between advanced materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. The interdisciplinary approach of this text will help prepare students and researchers for the next generation of manufacturing.

This unique reference features nearly all of the activities a typical CNC operator performs on a daily basis. Starting with overall descriptions and in-depth explanations of various features, it goes much further and is sure to be a valuable resource for anyone involved in CNC.

Metal cutting is widely used in producing manufactured products. The technology has advanced considerably along with new materials, computers and sensors. This new edition considers the scientific principles of metal cutting and their practical application to manufacturing problems. It begins with metal cutting mechanics, principles of vibration and experimental modal analysis applied to solving shop floor problems. There is in-depth coverage of chatter vibrations, a problem experienced daily by manufacturing engineers. Programming, design and automation of CNC (computer numerical control) machine tools, NC (numerical control) programming and CAD/CAM technology are discussed. The text also covers the selection of drive actuators, feedback sensors, modelling and control of feed drives, the design of real time trajectory generation and interpolation algorithms and CNC-oriented error analysis in detail. Each chapter includes examples drawn from industry, design projects and homework problems. This is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and also practising engineers.

This book, by a master craftsman who has devoted much of his life to teaching, is an exceptionally useful handbook in the techniques of sheet metalcraft. Presenting easy-to-follow and complete instructions on pages opposite to carefully executed drawings and diagrams, he makes it possible for anyone to learn the basics of this art form and to fashion objects which are at once beautiful and useful, and which display the individual expressiveness of the maker. Beginning with fundamentals, the author lists and pictures all of the necessary tools and carefully explains basic techniques for cutting stock, annealing and heating, pickling, shallow hollowing, raising, planishing, bending and shaping, leveling, soldering and welding, making molds, pattern making, and all of the steps and processes in the fine art of chasing. There follows a series of specific projects for making candlesticks, coasters, fluted platters and bowls, beakers, pitchers, serving trays, lamps, and a host of other articles in a wide variety of designs. A selection of thumbnail sketches for further exploration is included, and complete instructions are given for finishing and oxidation. The compact and graphic method of presentation makes this an extremely handy book, and the projects contained in it will engage the accomplished craftsman as well as the amateur. The approach is consistently from the craftworker's point of view, and the description of workshop methods are clear and direct and result from the author's lifelong experience in actual work and in instruction.

Some of the most creative artists from today’s maker scene discuss their process, workspaces and more in this inspiring guide to tinkering. The Art of Tinkering is an unprecedented celebration of what it means to tinker: to take things apart, explore tools and materials, and build wondrous, wild art that’s part science, part technology, and entirely creative. Join 150+ makers as they share the stories behind their beautiful and bold work—then do some tinkering yourself! This collection of exhibits, artwork, and projects explores a whole new way to learn, in which people expand their knowledge through making and doing, working with readily available materials, getting their hands dirty, collaborating with others, and problem-solving in the most fun sense of the word. Each artist featured in The Art of Tinkering shares their process and the backstory behind their work. Whether it’s dicussing their favorite tools (who knew toenail clippers could be so handy?) or offering a glimpse of their workspaces (you’d be amazed how many electronics tools you can pack into a pantry!), the stories, lessons, and tips in The Art of Tinkering offer a fascinating portrait of today’s maker scene. Artists include: Scott Weaver, Arthur Ganson, Moxie, Tim Hunkin, AnnMarie Thomas, Ranjit Bhatnajar and Jie Qi.

Proven guidelines for reducing thermal deformation in machine tools Written by global experts in the field of machine tool engineering, this authoritative work offers tested solutions for reducing thermal deformation in machine tools. Analytical expressions and design data for estimating the magnitude of generated heat and determining the thermal boundary condition are provided. The book presents remedies for decreasing thermal deformation from structural design and NC compensation technology. Computational methods for evaluating and estimating thermal behavior are also included in this detailed guide. Thermal Deformation in Machine Tools covers: Fundamentals in design of structural body components Estimation of heat sources and thermal deformation Structural materials and design for preferable thermal stability Various remedies for reducing thermal deformation Finite element analysis for thermal behavior Engineering computation for thermal behavior and thermal performance test

Getting Started with CNC is the definitive introduction to working with affordable desktop and benchtop CNCs, written by the creator of the popular open hardware CNC, the Shapeoko. Accessible 3D printing introduced the masses to computer-controlled additive fabrication. But the flip side of that is subtractive fabrication: instead of adding material to create a shape like a 3D printer does, a CNC starts with a solid piece of material and takes away from it. Although inexpensive 3D printers can make great things with plastic, a CNC can carve highly durable pieces out of a block of aluminum, wood, and other materials. This book covers the fundamentals of designing for--and working with--affordable ($500-$3000) CNCs.

This ultimate guide for tech makers covers everything from hand tools to robots plus essential techniques for completing almost any DIY project. Makers, get ready: This is your must-have guide to taking your DIY projects to the next level. Legendary fabricator and alternative engineer Chris Hackett teams up with the editors of Popular Science to offer detailed instruction on everything from basic wood- and metalworking skills to 3D printing and laser-cutting wizardry. Hackett also explains the entrepreneurial and crowd-sourcing tactics needed to transform your back-of-the-envelope idea into a gleaming finished product. In The Big Book of Maker Skills, readers learn tried-and-true techniques from the shop classes of yore—how to use a metal lathe, or pick the perfect drill bit or saw—and get introduced to a whole new world of modern manufacturing technologies, like using CAD software, printing circuits, and more. Step-by-step illustrations, helpful diagrams, and exceptional photography make this book an easy-to-follow guide to getting your project done.