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Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=12538		 Page 1 of 3
Author:  Otterman [ Tue May 06, 2008 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
Please refer to http://www.rolanddga.com/asd/products/scanners/MDX15/

There you will find an "affordable" scanning and milling machine for $3000 US. I just so happen to have that approximately that amount of money to invest, and was planning on enhancing my Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account, not Irish Republican Army, you Brits!). Bella's education investing is on track, so her needs are not pressing.

The main advantages of this sort of machine, in contrast to a 3D printer are: size (smaller), cost (somewhat cheaper), and quality (no ugly disfiguring layers).

Then Jonluke comes along, showing off his painfully pretty milled and machined parts, causing much scratchbuilding envy in my heart. Ouch! A deadly sin, but then again, I'm agnostic.

My efforts to build a "true" 6mm scale Armageddon pattern Medusa have revealed how craptacular I am with styrene, but I do know my way around computers. In this past I taught myself a few 3D programs (Sketchup, Ray Dream). So, would it not be logical to design the Medusa in CAD, then use the MDX15 to cut the piece?

And would it not help my dream of making more Starfire spaceships? The lunar Military Madness tanks? Could I not assist you, my fellows in your own efforts and dreams? Would our DRM or EW friends have any benefit of my new abilities?

Conversely, if I do this, where will the time come from? I have already forsaken most of my painting in terms of molding, casting, and scratchbuilding. Perhaps I would just split my time between CAD and molding.

Given these thoughts, what would you ask Otterman and his MDX15 to help you with? What would you be willing to pay me for my assistance?

Tell me your dreams!
Author:  illuvitar [ Tue May 06, 2008 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
I can't say "BUY IT" cause then i'd feel guilty and i hate that. :D
Author:  Otterman [ Tue May 06, 2008 10:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
But what would you want me to do with it? Pretend the good fairy what sits in the sky comes down and grants you a miniature wish for the CNC machine. What would you make?
Author:  vanvlak [ Tue May 06, 2008 10:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
Remember you also need tools (and would have to replace tools as well as they get worn).
Check the features it can reproduce and whether any particular shapes cannot be produced. For example, curvature or holes might be limited by tool sizes.
Ask about programing - although it is a scanner and machining tool, it might be useful to have a degree of programmability as well.
Make sure the scanner is not an optional extra!
Check whether there are any constraints on the material which is to be scanned: I know from experience that laser scanners have difficulties with metal, although if you undercoat it matt white it works better (after reading some more)ok, it's not a laser scanner but a piezoelectric one - there might be some size limitations therefore: if the scanner is too large to fit between the wheels of a Leman Russ, then you will not be able to get distinguishable wheels - still - ask, as I have no experience with this type of scanner. (still later) tip bulb diameter 0.08 mm - not bad at all, that should cover most model requirements, take care not to damage the thing though! The resolution now depends on the tool sizes, given in the accessories list. You cannot of course bore holes thinner than the tool diameter, for example!
Software - uses Dr Picza, a fairly standard scanning software package, and it also accepts 3d-CAD work, which is good - if you have the software, of course. I'd check what is included in the package. (later) it only includes the Roland software, so (probably) no Doc Picza - still, it appears to be usable without further stuff, although the latter could be useful.
Check the accessories list - tool prices! And with a kid around the protective cover is a must. Heck, with anyone around.
Author:  semajnollissor [ Tue May 06, 2008 11:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
So, Otterman, if you do buy one, can I send you CAD models for you to prototype for me?

Start making a price list.
Author:  Otterman [ Tue May 06, 2008 11:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
Sounds like you have been around the block a time or two, Van.

They offer leasing for $109 a month. I would certainly do the try-before-I-buy action.
Author:  The_Real_Chris [ Wed May 07, 2008 1:13 am ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
I guess people would want turrets or other conversion bits, maybe downsizing 40k models, umm doing models that are only in background, not in form. Could you do infantry with it do you reckon?
Author:  Legion 4 [ Wed May 07, 2008 4:30 am ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
Wow !  O-man Goes Big Time !!!  :D
Author:  Dave [ Wed May 07, 2008 4:50 am ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
John Bear Ross has an 4 axis Taag table top mill:

http://www.johnbearross.com/prototyper.html

I think he might be in Texas too, but I might only be coming to that conclusion because he worked for Reaper (which is definitely in Texas).

Anyway, the CNC ready version of the Taag mill will run you about 2k. It is a quality piece of machinery though, I've worked with one and a couple of its bigger brothers when I took an introductory ME course.

You would need three software suites to run it in-house: something to model in, a G code generator, and something to drive the mill.  That's the expensive bit unless you have an educational discount...
Author:  Moscovian [ Wed May 07, 2008 2:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?

(illuvitar @ May 06 2008,17:11)
QUOTE
I can't say "BUY IT" cause then i'd feel guilty and i hate that. :D

Not me - I would enjoy watching Otterman drive himself into financial ruin.


Go for it. :devil:

In the event that you didn't blow yourself up or disfigure yourself or chop off your hand, I might be able to assist.  Do you think that you would be able to produce some new masters from the 3-D drawings I sent you a ways back (you know the ones).
Author:  Otterman [ Wed May 07, 2008 3:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
What would you like to see made on the machine, Moscovian? Some new kind of Necron warmachine? Those Necron terrain pieces I keep toying with?

TRC - No idea about infantry, but that's an important point.

semajnollissor - What kind of CAD models do you have?
Author:  illuvitar [ Wed May 07, 2008 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
What would you make?
would depend on what you charge , but i'm thinkin i have a list. here is a start to one.

monolith
imp. drop ship
psi titan parts
new complete imperial buildings
 and of course the idea of shrinking 40k models is just awsome
Author:  vanvlak [ Wed May 07, 2008 3:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?

(Otterman @ May 07 2008,00:03)
QUOTE
Sounds like you have been around the block a time or two, Van.

They offer leasing for $109 a month. I would certainly do the try-before-I-buy action.

Let's say dragged around the block by the roots of my hair (no wonder I've lost most of that!)  :p
A trial period sounds good, if expensive. I'd say tan tracks and their wheels could be a problem, not to mention troops, again due to tool size restrictions. But for spacecraft, Monoliths, terrain and that sort of stuff it should be grand.
Author:  Otterman [ Wed May 07, 2008 5:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?
The first step will be to acquire a 3D program that can produce 'watertight' STL models that the various printers and millers can use, then teach myself. Next, produce some models.

Visit the local dealers for a demonstration (nice thing about Dallas, lots of machine shops and such). If they can produce a sample with sufficient detail, then arrange for a couple months' lease.

Edit - perhaps Blender? It's freeware. I tried it once and found it very un-intuitive, but there have been some major revisions since my try last year.
Author:  semajnollissor [ Wed May 07, 2008 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Should Otterman buy a CNC machine?

(Otterman @ May 07 2008,09:17)
QUOTE
semajnollissor - What kind of CAD models do you have?

Well, what kind do I need to have?

Once you figure out what software you'll be using, let everyone know. I have access to a weird variety of 3D CAD programs - AutoCad, IDeas, ProE. I'm not proficient in all of them, but they all have different export options, so I'm pretty sure I can get you the type of file that you'd require. That is if they export functions don't screw something up, which is pretty common.
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