handheld CNC concept

I thought this was a really neat concept, and if developed well could be revolutionary for other types of tools.  At first glance all I can think of was "it's just a dremel, what's so special", right?  This is definitely a different approach to CNC.  The video will explain it better than I can;  in short is an automated dremel/rotary tool where the tool will only activated if placed in the correct area in space (and move the head accordingly to prevent over milling), which will enable the user to carve out the model "by hand" while being computer assisted. Basically this replaces mechanical motorized rails and bearings with human interface.

http://blog.makezine.com/2012/02/09/freed-a-handheld-cnc-milling-device/

another minor delayed update

Been busy working, but am about to move into an indoor shared workshop space.  I usually work in the backyard, having an indoor space will help me be more motivated in starting the new CNC project as I don't have to set up and put away my tools every time I work.  Probably won't get the chance to start until the new year, but soon! 

new CNC in the works

Just a minor update, but am about to start on a new CNC project.  As of now the new design and everything else is uncertain yet, but will be using most of the internal parts off the RedBlueCNC project.  Which also means unfortunately I had to take apart that CNC, so as of now the RedBlueCNC is no longer.  I will post updates as I progress. It will most likely be portable and (to a degree) modular like the RedBlueCNC, so in a sense this will be the spiritual successor of the RedBlueCNC.  Stay tuned.

window CNC

A neat little compact window drawing CNC machine!
http://tinkerlog.com/2011/09/02/der-kritzler/

Core77 Awards: Notable Mention

They announced the winners for the Core77 Design Awards.  RedBlueCNC got notable mention! Congrats to the winners!  Click picture below to watch the video presentation.

side project: xbox 360 wireless acrade stick

It's not CNC-related but may interest some as it is DIY-related.  Here's a project I've been working on, I used a hacked wireless 360 controller and made an arcade stick,  Most arcade sticks on the market (mass manufactured and home made) all look similar, more often looking like a box with buttons.  I decided to make it more elegant that someone with a nice interior living room, a stick that would compliment their furnishings rather than having it look like a video game controller. 

I won't get too much into details about the technicals: it's wireless, rechargeable (USB port for recharging), authentic Japanese arcade hardware (Sanwa), with a bentwood walnut top.  This one is prototype #3 and most likely a final model #4 to follow after personal feedback/testing.

It is a 100% working functional model, not just a mockup prototype.

Core77 Design Awards: finalist

The RedBlueCNC has been selected as a finalist for the Core77 Design Awards.  Winners will be announced mid-July, best of luck for all finalists.

Also summer weather is here and have been doing more projects, which means I need to get a CNC running soon unless I want to outsource my projects.  Soon I will plan my new CNC machine, not as modular as the RedBlueCNC, but designed specifically to meant my personal needs (vs mass market needs).  So stay tuned.

CNC art machine

 Pretty neat use of a CNC for art
http://pelang.ch/installations/positioning_systems/positioning_systems.html

positioning systems I - falling objects from pe lang on Vimeo.

update

Just thought I'd update since I've been out of commission for awhile. Post-grad stuff to deal with (finding a job, life, etc). But I'm still planning on something with CNC experimentation. I recently got an xBox Kinect, lots of hopeful hacks to do with that, maybe something to combine with a CNC.

Dyson Awards

The Red Blue CNC project is currently in the running for the 2010 James Dyson Awards. From over 500 entries internationally, this project is currently in the top 20 shortlist! Next step (top 15) will be announced September 14th, then the winners to be announced October 5th. Good luck to all finalists!

http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/