There is a new machine in the stable. I really though it was going to be more of a toy than anything else. It turns out to be better than expected. Linux is now in the mix running Lightburn and connecting to the control. Its my first Linux CNC.
Assembling it was fairly straight forward. It started right up and ran a built in demo program built into the controller. I continue to be amazed at what has become available at a price point that allows for entry into the fabrication and marking business.
Yesterday I ran my first simple program and accidentally almost cut through the board. It was a pleasant discovery. These things really can cut through wood at a pretty reasonable clip. The smoke generated by it was a bit of a surprise. You don’t really want to fire this thing up in your dining room which of coarse I’m doing. It needs to be in a shop. I’ll probably have to enclose it and put some kind of ventilation on it.
Its been a few months now since I started putting my ideas together and working toward the goal of making a little shop. I am now familiar with several different pieces of software. There is now a machine that can be put to work. It should lead to faster development since now it is possible to be making something while tinkering with other things.
Now it is time to start coming up with product and marketing it. Hopefully with luck I’ll find a niche and be able to make a modest living marking and and fabricating small parts.