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Pocket NC 5-axis

Alexander

Ultra Member
Administrator
I looked at this machine a few days ago. It is a bit of a novelty because of its extremely limited machining capabilities. I'm not saying I don't want one because I do. But I really expect more for $4150 canadian. Did I mention I want one?
 

PeterT

Ultra Member
Premium Member
I've since read/heard a bit of scepticism from people who (at least appear to) have CNC experience, either through their job or home CNC conversions. They think the little fellah was groaning petty heavy on what was pretty light passes of the aluminum engine block. Another suggested that there isn't really hobby level 5-axis control software out there to support the full capability. IE. inferring he either has to write custom code or work with an existing vendor to provide this capability, or leave (hobbyists) to buy big boy $$ software. Does this sound right to you? My knowledge kind of ends with CAD, the CNC side is Greek to me. But it is cool. Maybe the first iterations mini-machines will be buggy like first 3D printers, but hopefully might invite similar ventures.

ps - when you say you 'looked at'... you mean the real thing or the video?
 

Alexander

Ultra Member
Administrator
When I say I looked at it I should have said I looked at the kickstarter page and watched the video. I don't have much experience programming 5 axis tool path. I do have over a thousand hours experience setting up 5 axis jobs and trouble shooting problems with tool path. The most important part of true 5 axis machining is the computer aided manufacturing software. It is not realistic to manually program the g code to run this machine. So the software for programming will be important. I think the machine is just too light. There is allot of aluminum parts and the capabilities look more suited to an educational tool than anything useful in a shop.
 

Mphenley

Member
Moderator
Premium Member
This looks to be very much a "small hobby" machine, not suited for any industrial or even small scale commercial applications. Rapid prototyping or craft work with plastic, wood, or aluminum seems to be the target. That said, looks to be an interesting foray into small scale multi-axis CNC maching.
 

Mphenley

Member
Moderator
Premium Member
Rick, I'd appreciate one, actually... I'm setting up an embedded CNC box and I'd like to try a few different software packages before I settle on one.
 

Richard Tymko

Active Member
I haven't visited this group for a while, but... I have had one of these for just over a year now. I have no machining experience but to me, it is quite a solid machine and I love it. Just now getting into the 5 axis stuff. Mostly 3 axis right now. Quite a learning curve though.
 
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