Even if it is affordable, I still think it’s going to have a crazy learning curve.
2 Likes
That is w&at i want the end game!
When you reach the point where subtractive machining takes many hours or days of intricate multi-axis machining, additive really takes off. I had structures which started as single slabs of aerospace aluminum and were machined away to less than 5% of the original mass. Multi hundred thousand dollar assemblies. The equivalent replacement for that thing (previous employer) is additive manufactured now, and is in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Yes, both are done on big, expensive machines.
The improvements in manufacturing processes are stunning.
We used to joke about flying our prototypes.
Today that happens.
6 Likes
I like to throw my bad protoypes out of the window also
11 Likes
My son-in law has just finished two parts that weigh around 30kg that started as 400kg blocks of aluminium! The test piece was in laminated timber.
7 Likes
Quite impressive seeing a machine that size home made cutting steel like that. @Tokoloshe when you going to try some steel on yours??? 
2 Likes
Never, because I am not a crazy Dutch guy…
Also, in the last video I wasn’t impressed by the cutting of wood… it was really, really badly aligned etc. Still fun.
2 Likes
For as smooth as he flattened the slats in this video I would say he has that fixed
2 Likes
Once I hit my stride I’m going to vibe code 5-axis CAM and it will be free.
10 Likes
Awesome, and thank you for hanging out!
3 Likes
4 Likes
@jamiek energy. 
4 Likes
5 Likes
EstlCam 13 has a neat hybrid joint feature with finger joints for strength, and mitered corners for a clean exterior look.
8 Likes
The result is quite pretty to look at, but those miters look like they take forever
2 Likes
Sure, for very fine miter step down. Hopefully @christian-knuell releases an update that removes (or significantly relaxes) the current 0.5mm max limit for Miter “Step height” . Personally have some projects where I’d like to make much coarser miter steps (1/8" +). Currently using .STL to create such CAM toolpaths, but, would be neat if tweaks to this new fingered miter combo feature could work for regular miters too.
1 Like
I’ve been mucking around with free form 3d print stuff of late - made a couple of finger splints and have been thinking about some neat grilles for the non existent LR4 project. Just when I had what I thought was a nifty concept for (The Peter Plates), this happened - check out the earlier video for more detail of the radio project - but the thermoforming is neat.
5 Likes
6 Likes