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Desktop CNC machine for less than $400 on Kickstarter

By Rain Noe - January 10, 2011

in Tech | Object Culture

Today's the last day to get in on Stephen McGloughlin's Kickstarter project for a desktop CNC machine kit that you can actually assemble yourself and drop a Dremel into. Best part? You can spend less than $400 for a full machine and as little as $12 for the plans. As McGloughlin explains,

Born out of frustration with the lack of inexpensive, straightforward and easy-to-build CNC machines I designed a DIY desktop CNC package that addresses all the objections I had with available machines. To that end the electronics are designed to be inexpensive, modular and specifically to drive the most common of stepper motors (bought or scavenged).

The machine is intended to be built by the average DIY-er, either from scratch from plans, or from a full or partial kit. Components and parts are easily available and inexpensive and the design can accommodate recycled (scavenged) parts. The electronics can be driven by several freely available software applications.

The project has already soared past its $15,000 goal with $53,819 in the bank, so McGloughlin doesn't need more to make it happen; but this is your chance to pre-purchase an entire set-up for a measly $390, or throw in far less cheddar for the plans to build it yourself.

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lance edward

13 years ago

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Yeah its a god way to jump start your interest...its a nice machine and a great images....thanks
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Maximilian

13 years ago

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Unfortunately, it appears quite limited in its accuracy and what it can machine. Right now it even has a wooden base (metal one is still in development). My money would be better spent on a more capable machine.
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Marc Chapin

13 years ago

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I bought this DIY kit from zen toolworks- (http://www.zentoolworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=74) It is fairly easy to set up so I am up and running faster than trying to source all the parts myself. To me, it is worth a little extra cost to get something that I know is going to fit.
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DrSpiv

13 years ago

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This design (and many nearly identical to it) are available for free on CNCzone. Kickstarter is starting to bother me.
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