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Mike Winn is a first time CNC’er who has not only learned how to design and program his CNC machine, but he turned his hobby into a profitable business. As you can see from the photos below, Mike is very creative and produces some very high quality items on his machine. We discuss a lot of different aspects on CNC operation and product design, in addition to the following:
- Using a CNC machine to start a side business
- Using Amazon’s Handmade service for crafters to sell items
- Utilizing scrap wood to make items to sell. Sometimes old furniture that someone is throwing out can have good quality wood to make projects with little to no material cost.
- Making fixtures on and for a CNC machine
- Programs and applications for 3D design and CAM work
- Perils of running a CNC machine unattended
- Making CNC puzzles – Consider MakeCNC.com for already designed CNC puzzle files
- TIP – Using machining allowance to allow clearance with a roughing toolpath to make room for a finishing end mill.
- Using rigid foam insulation board for testing projects and when learning to use a CNC
- Importance of Dust Collection
- Making Edge-lit Acrylic Signs
- How to make a multi-color edge lit sign (See American flag sign below)
- Making Dominos on a CNC
- Use less expensive bits when learning but invest in good quality tooling when you are looking for the best output quality and performance.
Links
- Vectric Software
- Sketchup
- Amazon Handmade
- Fusion 360
- Amana Tool
- MakeCNC
- G-Wizard Speed and Feed Software
- Delta Dust Shoe
Where is the podcast
They player is on the site now, I am sorry about that. You can get it from Google Play, ITunes, etc as well
This was a great podcast! Of course I have enjoyed them all! Keep up the good work Eric!
Thank you so much Tony!!! I love doing them! – Erick
Great podcast! I’ve been enjoying listening to all of them. I don’t yet own a CNC but have been looking into the q.404. I have zero CNC experience and very little woodworking experience but I’m a creative coming from the photography world with a lot of experience in creative software so I’m really excited to continue listening and learning.