This page last updated July 20, 2005

Project Description
Started yet another project in July of 2005. This is my attempt to create a machine from scratch that will accomplish much of the work required that I use a CNC hydrocutter (that isn't mine) for. Hopefully, I can come up with a low-cost and viable design that will take over that workload (mostly for my personal aircraft designs) and maybe make some money on the side doing odd jobs like CNC machining foam plugs, aluminum pieces, etc, etc...

I need another project like I need a hole in my head, but hopefully this one will turn around some side benifits for me...

Budget: $800
Design Time: 1 month
Build Time: 1 month

By these estimates, I should have my machine up and running by end of September 2005.

Misc Information
When I first started researching what I would need to create this machine, I became overwhelmed with the information available. I mean, what newbie knows the difference between something simple like a stepper motor and a servo motor. What does closed loop system vs. open loop system mean? Why the heck are there 4 wires on some steppers, 6 on some, and yet 8 on others?! Bipolar... Unipolar... Sounds like a bunch of mental illnesses to me! Ahhh... Relax though. The answers are out there. Rest assured it will take some time (on the order of a week or so) to digest it all.

These questions along with many more will be answered here on this site to hopefully help out some other newbies out there. Keep in mind that all information may or may not be correct as I'm still learing too, and it's my best guess/interpretation of the mounds of data out there on the web that I could get to. If someone "in the know" see's an error, or can better elaborate a point I'm scarcely trying to make, then by all means e-mail me and set me straight. I'll get any corrections posted up here on the net as soon as practicable.

The problem with the web is that there is an abundance of mis-information out there that looks genuine enough... Well I suppose that it's genuinly mis-leading, if that makes any sense. I'm trying to put only facts up here on this site, but my opinions will be preceeded by the words "My opion is" or "In my opinion". Take those for what you want as they are worth every cent you paid for them :-)

In closing, feel free to drop me an e-mail to chat about anything you see on this site. It's always fun to bounce ideas off someone else. Everyone usually learns something in the process.

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