I'm using CamBam, you import your dxf or other vector format drawing, then it exports gcode. It is really easy to use, even for a novice like me. I have used a few other Cam programmes and like cambam for its simplicity and flexibility.

At the moment, it is really difficult to find time to set up the machine. Hence the lack of progress. But everything is sitting there waiting to go. Pretty **** poor excuse, but I am getting told off by my boss if I spend too much time doing projects which aren't work related. And getting in early to set it up requires me getting up early.

BigWig, why shouldn't I drill that hole with the router? I don't know much about machining, so I'm keen to learn. I know it will be slightly out of round, but I don't see that as much of a problem.

 

about drilling that hole, with diameter is it?
what size and type of cutter are you using? eg. 4mm high speed steel 4 flute ball nose end mill.

and dont drill with a ball nose, or end mill, use a slot drill (2 flutes)

dan

 

The entire g-code is based around a 2.4mm end mill (not ball nosed), it is a carbide bit and we have a ---- load of them. The hole, is 2.4mm in dia. which leaves a bit more than 1mm of material either side of the drill hole.

As for using a slot drill, we don't have any in work. What is the advantage of using that bit? I am keen to learn, although this isn't a skill I need to do my job, it is fun making stuff.

 

I cut some samples out of some scrap plastic I had laying around. I'll take some pictures when I get home. I'm thinking there will be two primary designs. One being as shown in this thread cut out of 1/8" black plastic. The other option will be a rectangle with rounded corners and "HMT" engraved into it. The stuff I have engraves white which I'm not really keen on due to the fact it gets dirty really easily. I'm going to most likely look into some combination of red/black.

 

do you plan on selling these after you make them?? if so i want one

 

I have to talk to Xenocron first. Most likely I won't be selling them but hopefully some sort of HMT sponsor will sling them. Pictures up in about 15 minutes.

Click it. It will bring you to a web album with shitty high res photos.

 

i like the solid ones that are 2 color.

i wouldnt mind selling them. PM me your ideas

 

i like the 2 tone ones to, personally i would want the white and black one its pretty badass

 

the white and red solid ones are sweet!!

 

Man looks good, I want one of those rad and white. So your selling them?