Keen to try out a handheld CNC router of your own? Wanna help shape the future of handheld CNC technology? Join the beta testing group!
I’ve recently acquired enough of the hardest-to-source parts to make 10 units - including custom PCBs, optical sensors, base plates, and specialized electronics. This will make the build much easier and more affordable than sourcing all the parts from scratch. If this is something that interests you, fill out this form and sign up to get cutting:
I’m super stoked for this next chapter of the handheld CNC router project. It’s been a blast messing around with this technology alone in my bedroom for the past while, but it’ll be all the more fun with a squadron of routers out in the wild. This is going to be an exciting next couple of months.
Congrats on reaching this milestone Cam! Could your CNC router setup be useful for drawing, drag knife, engraving, laser, scanning and other scenarios too?
Yeah, unfortunately I am also in California. The most expensive thing to ship by far would be the base plate. If you have a way of sourcing/making the base plate (maybe a handy low rider would be up for the task? ), I could just get you the electronics and hardware. That is lottt cheaper to send. I don’t know exact prices, but a quick search is showing around $20-30 for a 1-2lb package, depending on the carrier and shipping speed. Idk that might be totally off though.
Totally. I’ve used it a bunch for drawing just for testing, and it’s made to be modular so that you can throw on any tool you want. Drag knife, laser engraving, and laser cutting would be super doable. I’ve also thought about throwing on an inkjet printer head… Could be interesting.
I do have an 8mm aluminium plate here… You drive a hard bargain.
I am also saving up for the CoreOne at the moment, but let’s say it like this: If you can’t find enough volunteers, I’d like to take part in the beta if you can manage to send the electronics etc. I’d find a solution for the base plate and put the CoreOne on the backburner…
Hmm that’s a good question. The main considerations are stiffness and flatness. It might desire some reinforcements for added rigidity. You’re probably fine on the flatness front, as long as your stock isn’t super warped. You just want it to be flat enough to not snag or wobble on your surface.
I am interested. I can’t promise I will do what you want with it. But I am willing to put up the money to give it a shot. I have a decent amount of hobby parts. Is the plan for you to sell us the parts that are hard to get and the rest is up to us to source (with the links in the BOM or from our parts bins)? Or are you selling almost all the parts in a kit?
Sweet, stoked to hear Jeff!! The plan is to supply beta testers with parts that are hard to get as well as the stuff that is much cheaper to buy in bulk (i.e. one-off electronics components and fasteners). I put together a BOM for the Beta kits. Hopefully this makes it more clear:
), I could just get you the electronics and hardware. That is lottt cheaper to send. I don’t know exact prices, but a quick search is showing around $20-30 for a 1-2lb package, depending on the carrier and shipping speed. Idk that might be totally off though.
You drive a hard bargain. 
