Thread: Incredible DIY Tool-Building Site

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While researching my next big prop, I stumbled across this site.

http://www.contraptor.org

I have often dreamed of owning my own computer-driven routing table (for making elaborate signs and tombstones), but could never justify the cost. Well, here is a way to build that, a plotter, or even a CNC Router for only a few hundred dollars (as opposed to a few thousand). I'm thinking I could even make a large-scale hot-wire cutter...

Cool, brings out the Tim Allen in me!

Originally Posted by LV Scott T

I have often dreamed of owning my own computer-driven routing table (for making elaborate signs and tombstones), but could never justify the cost. Well, here is a way to build that, a plotter, or even a CNC Router for only a few hundred dollars (as opposed to a few thousand). I'm thinking I could even make a large-scale hot-wire cutter...

I have too! Tombstones are one of many items I could see being made on these.

I'm planning on building one myself based on a design called "Joes2006". So far, I've finished my controller that I purchased from HobbyCNC.com Next, I have to start on the table.

The router itself is big enough for a 2' x 4' cutting area. Search youtube for some videos from others that have built this.

Actually, you can search sites like CNCzone.com as well. There are many people who have built smaller sized routers using hardware store items such as ball bearing drawer slides for linear motion of the three axis.

This is totally cool, thanks for posting! Keith

I've been playing with a Cricut I got on Black Friday (and didn't set up until last week). It's "jailbroken" - I have a program (Sure Cuts A Lot - EDIT: Having trouble with Sure Cuts A Lot. Check out my post here for details SECOND EDIT: Don't buy Sure Cuts A Lot, details here) that lets you use it as a plotter that can use SVG files instead of buying the horribly expensive cartridges for it. I've mainly used it to cut vinyl for signs and decals, and one of the ideas I had for it was to use low-tack wall vinyl as a mask on Styrofoam to mark tombstones, either to carve by hand, or maybe to even lightly spray acetone onto it to "etch" it. I'll have to experiment with it sometime (I didn't buy any low-tack vinyl or stencil film this time around).

Have you looked into these guys? http://www.8020.net/ I love their stuff!

Originally Posted by Xane

I've been playing with a Cricut I got on Black Friday (and didn't set up until last week). It's "jailbroken" - I have a program (Sure Cuts A Lot) that lets you use it as a plotter that can use SVG files instead of buying the horribly expensive cartridges for it. I've mainly used it to cut vinyl for signs and decals, and one of the ideas I had for it was to use low-tack wall vinyl as a mask on Styrofoam to mark tombstones, either to carve by hand, or maybe to even lightly spray acetone onto it to "etch" it. I'll have to experiment with it sometime (I didn't buy any low-tack vinyl or stencil film this time around).

Thats sounds like an awesome alternative to CNC. The fact that you can "cut" any design really makes this perfect for haunt signage, and tombstones. I'll have to look for a CriCut on sale, what model are you using...

Nosferatu, et al. Here's something else to sink your teeth into. A junior-size 8020 clone I saw at MakerFaire last year
http://microrax.com/

- Hook

I was really interested in this. It looks cool, but I don't think I would try to construct such a thing >_<

Originally Posted by Nosferatu lives

Have you looked into these guys? http://www.8020.net/ I love their stuff!

This is the same stuff that allscare uses. I think that these could be some amazing pneumatic props. The ability to change them around is great!