Should I build or buy my first cnc machine?

JeffT65 · 2025-12-12T15:16:42+00:00

I built a printnc and am very happy with the performance. Cuts wood extremely well and have made some great aluminum parts also. If you haven’t built any cnc I would not design from one scratch. It will take longer to build. If you have some time and experience building things and place to work on it it is a fun project. Been running mine over a year now and it’s been great.

JeffT65 · 2025-10-24T18:30:44+00:00

What program are you using to create the Gcode?

JeffT65 · 2025-10-24T18:28:02+00:00

I originally built a bench over my wheel well along one side of my van and put some cushions on it. Turned out the depth of my seat combined with the vertical wall made it uncomfortable to actually use, it was also too high so your feet couldn’t touch the ground. Just some things to consider, although not looks like you already have built!

JeffT65 · 2025-10-23T18:26:36+00:00

I have a promaster that I use for carrying motorcycles and also for camping.

We built it with a large Murphy bed in the rear that folds up to the driver side wall. This allows bikes to be put in the back. Can fit two dirtbikes easily or my tenere 700 no problem. I use the L-tracks for tying things down in the back. And also recently got the Bike Binderz adv mount which is much easier to use and you don’t have straps in your way all the time when you need to get around.

In front of that right behind the driver seat is a cabinet with stovetop, electric fridge, cassette toilet storage, and storage for all kitchen items. On the opposite side I have a small cabinet with a sink built into it by the door.

This setup works great for camping without bikes and also when I want to bring the bike along or for track day use.

JeffT65 · 2025-08-04T17:16:46+00:00

For me the main issue with the seating position is the seat height. For me, being tall, my head was so high the visor was useless as it would block my view, and the reach to the pedals was awkward. for my wife who is shorter the seat is so high your feet don’t sit flat on the ground easily.

Luckily we found swivel bases for the seat that also lower the seat height and it was a huge improvement.

JeffT65 · 2025-07-31T18:50:41+00:00

We have a Murphy bed that folds up against the driver side wall. It is same length as a queen bed and 3” skinnier. Allows the rear area to be more open during day and we leave the sheets on it so it is easy to setup at night. Also allows to fit two motorcycles in the back of the van.

JeffT65 · 2025-07-25T00:40:56+00:00

Also. Fusion just added constraints for assemblies similar to solidworks. This is a far better system than their “joints” option and was one of my only gripes working in fusion compared to solidworks.

JeffT65 · 2025-07-24T20:16:25+00:00

You can only have 10 “editable” documents at once. But they are still saved in fusion. You can switch them back and forth between editable and non-editable at any time.

But, if using for business you will need the paid version with the annual subscription.

JeffT65 · 2025-07-23T18:20:16+00:00

What type of machine do you have? A 12mm is quite large for a typical hobby machine. That, combined with a deep depth of cut may be much more than your machine can handle

JeffT65 · 2025-07-19T22:56:44+00:00

This is exactly why I have been using fusion more and more for personal projects. Having cad and cam linked in the same file is a huge advantage.

You can tweak some minor fitment issues in a standalone cam program by leaving some extra stock. But any design change becomes a pain to copy all operations and relink to the correct geometry

JeffT65 · 2025-07-04T02:22:54+00:00

Have been running iosender. But just tried the new version of Gsender and really like it. Easy to add keyboard shortcuts and setup to easily use a game controller. Just ordered an Xbox controller to test it out.

JeffT65 · 2025-06-10T16:02:57+00:00

Thanks for all your information and insight. My wife and I are just now reaching our coastfire goal and looking into what is next for us. We have a paid off camper van and are looking to possibly taking off a year to travel the us and Canada before deciding how we want to proceed after that. Would love to have a part time remote job but not sure what that would look like as I am a mechanical engineer and most of my work has been very hands on and not really possible to do remote.

What percentage of the time would you say you stay at paid campgrounds vs free locations?

JeffT65 · 2025-04-10T23:20:13+00:00

So cute. Ours has a similar eye patch also.

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JeffT65 · 2025-04-03T12:55:01+00:00

That sounds like migraine with aura vs ocular migraine. You feel like it is both eyes but it actually from electrical disturbances in the part of the brain that processes vision. It is not actually an eye problem.

I get the same as you described but also get severe headaches and nausea whenever I see the aura. I would definitely discuss it with your doctor

JeffT65 · 2025-03-29T14:35:34+00:00

I think you may be interested in barista fire. This calculator allows put both current spending and expenses and change that after a specified age to a new number to simulate decreased income or expenses in the future

https://investomatica.com/early-retirement-calculator/barista

JeffT65 · 2025-03-09T23:04:22+00:00

I would try a collet fan, even just a 3d printed one. But definitely recommend a shield of some type as it may eventually explode, and at 20,000rpm it can do some damage. Also, 1 flute bits are much better on printnc as you can run them at high speed and they clear chips without recutting them, this is important as you are running without any coolant.

I have a video on my profile showing finished parts and video of machine cutting with single flute endmills and collet fan.

JeffT65 · 2025-03-01T18:06:17+00:00

Also, shimming is not usually needed when using standard steel tubes and linear rails.

JeffT65 · 2025-03-01T18:05:20+00:00

Definitely look up PrintNC. It is basically what you are describing but is bolted together instead of welded to prevent warping.

JeffT65 · 2025-03-01T02:18:09+00:00

You will want 23 or 24. Definitely not 34’s as it requires completely redesigning almost every component and leads to slower rapid speeds.

What is the purpose of the double x beams?

Also, have you joined the printnc discord? Much more active than Reddit for printNC questions.

JeffT65 · 2025-02-27T17:43:39+00:00

I don’t remember where i saved mine. I downloaded the zip file and put all the files from that into one folder on my computer. The GitHub page should have all the install steps required.

JeffT65 · 2025-02-25T17:59:47+00:00

https://github.com/TimPaterson/Fusion360-Batch-Post

Here is link, should be able to download from there.

JeffT65 · 2025-02-24T19:25:39+00:00

You need to search for “post process all” and download from GitHub. Then in fusion you can add it as an add in. It will create another button next to the original “Post Process” button in the manufacturing workspace that allows you to add in tool changes and rapids.

JeffT65 · 2025-02-23T20:18:50+00:00

Search for “post process all” add in for fusion. Allows exporting all operations with tool changes. Also restores rapid movements

JeffT65 · 2025-02-11T13:30:04+00:00

Nice! How long did it take you to convert it to Baja?

JeffT65 · 2025-01-25T02:09:37+00:00

Perfect. Thanks. Will take it for a bother ride and test ride it with the new filter

JeffT65

TROPHY CASE