I want to be able to build an All in one machine to be able to 3d print, mill, and maybe laser cut (but its not 100% needed since the cnc can do most of the work). I have use for all 3 so I thought why not combine them?
I was thinking it would have interchangeable head pieces that would move on the XY axis and the base would move on the Z axis. I was thinking of making it big, something with a print/work area of about 50x50 cm (thats all I need anyway) and at that size it should still be small enough to not cause a big problem with its own weight). The base plate could also be interchangeable depending on the job.
It would have to be able to switch the type of job with buttons that change the commands in the boards automatically and maybe have some kind of safety so it doesn't work if for example the router head is on but the 3d printer plate is still attached.
My main problem would be how i'm going to setup the boards and the software, If I could use the same boards for the different jobs, how to program the software and calibrate it so it can work properly, how to get the cnc to start from the top not the bottom and basically work inverted etc etc. I'm a quick learner but iv'e never tried an electronic project like this before so I'm totally lost.
Would Ben be able to take a crack at it?