Fabrication Lab Equipment Proposals

CNC Mill

Proposal for justifying the machine:

The biggest one: People keep asking for it. Just about every time the CNC gear is brought up, 'can it cut metal' is nearly always one of the first questions and I'm sick of saying 'no'.

It would be nice to have experience and be able to show, then allow, people to use a machine such as this. Plus giving libraries, schools something to play with and experience to evaluate if the machine is suitable for their own needs.

The second, internal reason, is part of the Precious Plastics project. Peter has needed to make custom brackets, gears and hardware just to get the project off the ground. Between the welder and a machine like this, we can make this happen quicker and solve more problems quicker without having to get custom parts made.

This is something that the mill, unmodified, can used for right away with only minimal experience. Fully CNCed with basic tooling we can even make things like metal gears as well as customize cheap ones to suit.

The ultimate goal with regard to the PP project would be able to make completely custom things, such as dies for the extrusion machine.

And of course it can be used for making parts for the xcarve, Multicam and other machines around the place.

Two machines as an option. There are others, but these are easy to get anywhere in Australia plus are on sale until the 18th (Friday:)

A2 Vacuum Former

The need for a Larger capacity former has arised from the successful prototyping / testing of smaller units. Andrew Schulze has began planning for the construction of base units, including structure and various hardware components needed & is now looking to purchase suitable pump / tank to complete.

Timber Handling Equipment

As part of expanding the capacity of the Fab Lab to conduct works on timber goods, here are a few items that would enhance its operation.

* Table Saw - Requirement for a machine that is capable of ripping / cutting large sheets quickly & accurately down to size.

* Band Saw - For more complex curves / ripping shapes.

* Table Router - Small version is on loan - will need to do some OH&S on this ...

* Woodwork Bench Vice - Has been aquired, will need installing & made operational ...