What should I build next?....

[elbarto241]

ive been wanting to get into my next project since my current mod [cynical: HTPC]] is on hiatus. i wanted something to do on weekends during the school year when i wasnt busy with school work. i was thinking either:

-a home built CNC (http://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx)

-a digital photo frame (http://www.instructables.com/id/EUDAPM2RU7EP287IJP/)

-or a WC box for my PC.

i still need to do more research on that CNC, i figure i can make most of the frame out of scrap aluminum and MDF board. the only thing im worried about is the prices of the electronic and motor parts, as long as its under 300 im willing to built it. if i do go for this i will start a work log and let everyone see my progress. once built ill glady do CNC work for forum members probably cheaper than shops.

for the digital photo frame i already have the LCD, just need that card reader which i think i can get for around 20-35 dollars. i can easily build a wooden frame for it and upload my pics and im done.

for the watercooling box i might buy a laing d5 variable pump and a 775 block for around 75 bucks and just make a encasing for the rad, pump, res, with some sheets and angle of aluminum. i think i can build the entire thing for around 125-175 bucks.

so i leave it in the hands the people, what should i build?

[calumc]

id say do the CNC id love to see exactly how easy they are to build

[.Maleficus.]

I'd love to have a CNC myself, and if it's easy I'd do it, so my vote is for that too.

[elbarto241]

im really starting to get interested in the CNC project. just found out the hardware list will cost around $150. i might be able to build it for less seeing as I have some of the stuff already. the electronics list might cost around $375-400. so if all goes well ill have a fully functional sub $500 4axis 4.2v CNC machine :D

gonna start looking more into the parts list and figuring out exactly what i need to buy, calculate the prices and see if i got enough green to purchase all the stuff :D

[NamesAreUseless]

so if all goes well ill have a fully functional sub $500 4axis

Wait...4 axis? I thought theres only 3? x,y, and z.

[xRyokenx]

Wait...4 axis? I thought theres only 3? x,y, and z.

You forget time. This thing can basically make stuff almost instantaneously. :D

[NamesAreUseless]

You forget time. This thing can basically make stuff almost instantaneously. :D
Heh? Time? I thought time is the 4th dimension, not axis.

Edit:
Oh...right...a CNC moves in a 3-dimensional motion, side to side , up and down, and forward and back. And also the time it takes to move around

[xRyokenx]

Heh? Time? I thought time is the 4th dimension, not axis.

Dimension, axis, same thing. 2D stuff is like flat things - two axises (?), 3D is three axises, and 4D or axises may as well be all three and time, lol.

[elbarto241]

lol. yall guys are funny. :D

[chaksq]

My vote is also for the CNC, I want to try this too.

[elbarto241]

in case anyone missed the link in my first post here it is:
http://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx

the guy has a series of videos that show you step by step how to build a CNC. thing that stopping me is the price of project. he estimated he spent around $150 on materials and he is still calculating the electronic side of it. i did a little research and found a kit from Hobbycnc (http://www.hobbycnc.com/hcncpropkg.php) for a $350 CNC kit. all things include it might be a little over my budget..

another project i want to throw in the salsa bowl is a PC gaming chair which arised from THIS (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10385) thread. a nice feature would be a sort of tray that could swap out peripherals so can i go from a keyboard/mouse to a flight simulator, then to a car racing setup. one thing that would be mandatory for this thing would be that it could all taken apart easily and put back together with out a sweat. it would suck if i built this thing in my garage and couldn't get it past the doorway into my house :D

[NamesAreUseless]

it would suck if i built this thing in my garage and couldn't get it past the doorway into my house :D

The real question is, can you move it at all?:think:

[elbarto241]

The real question is, can you move it at all?:think:

thats another issue, weight. i imagine the heaviest things would be the chair itself and the frame. and that brings up another issue, what to make the frame from? aluminum channel is my best guess.

but then again i could just throw the who thing on wheels :D

[NamesAreUseless]

but then again i could just throw the whole thing on wheels :D

Then maybe, the next issue is, can the wheels support it?:rolleyes:
And when you build it with a light weight material, another problem pops up,can it support your weight and can it handle all the hydraulics?

[elbarto241]

i probably wont put any hydraulics on it, that would totally blow my budget. Im pretty sure a thick grade of aluminum extrusion will be able to handle the weight. any one has any better ideas?

about the transportation problem i was thinking of designing it into sections that connect with each other, so if i need to move it i just disconnect the pieces. i was thinking maybe 3 large pieces: one for the monitors and PC stands, one for the chair, and one for the backing.

[rendermandan]

CNC would be sweet!!! I say deffinetly go for that.

[NamesAreUseless]

i probably wont put any hydraulics on it, that would totally blow my budget. Im pretty sure a thick grade of aluminum extrusion will be able to handle the weight. any one has any better ideas?

about the transportation problem i was thinking of designing it into sections that connect with each other, so if i need to move it i just disconnect the pieces. i was thinking maybe 3 large pieces: one for the monitors and PC stands, one for the chair, and one for the backing.

Just make sure the pieces that connect don't come undone.And,you'd need to do lots of welding http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x239/toastalicious94/emot-science.gif so, make sure the welds don't break.

[phooddaniel]

How's that CNC machine build going. I want to see pictures as you progress so I can post them to the buildyourcnc.com site. Contact me if you have any questions or need assistance.

[Crazy Buddhist]

I see a future of community CNC projects .. I always thought it pretty dumb that every person must own every tool .. with CNC thats plain crazy .. they may become the modern equivalent of the old communal bread ovens found throughout history in human communities .. one built on every block ;)

[Spawn-Inc]

CNC all the way! then you can make custom parts not only for yourself, but then you could charge other people and then make the other two.