The creation of an open source CNC router designed specifically for rough cut wood slabs.
Press coverage link: http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/hill_country/dead-trees-get-a-brand-new-life
This project will be the creation of an open source CNC router specifically designed for using rough cut wood slabs. The unique feature of this CNC router design compared to others is the table top. It will be made from evenly spaced 2x4's mounted to a slotted iron frame. The 2x4's will provide an ideal securing surface for rough wood slabs, and allow material to be loaded via forklift.
Drought in the central Texas area has devastated the trees in the area, killing more than 500 million trees state wide. We have partnered with a tree removal company which has now given us access to a huge amount of timber resources that would be destroyed otherwise. A working prototype has been constructed and a new design has been made. The new design will allow for greatly expanded production and size of material that can be used. This new machine will allow for massive wood slabs to be loaded via forklift. The CNC would then be capable of cutting joints, curves and designs into the rough wood slabs. We are making the best of a bad situation. As the saying goes, "if life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Life has now handed us tremendous timber resources that would otherwise go to waste. I have come from the IT industry and now I find myself a woodworker....fate.
The final open source CNC design and implementation details will be freely redistributed online in order to accelerate the innovation of the technology. Any pledge of $25 or more will receive a video of the construction of the CNC machine as well as the final CAD design plans - everything necessary to build your own CNC machine. We have no goal of mass producing the CNC machine at this time....this will be an interim step to a possible mass production design.
We are overworked and underfunded. Every pledge will help. Thank you for joining us in this project which is sure to be an adventure in engineering and art!
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
The router table must be square and true insure machining accuracy. Vibration of the table must be kept to a minimum and additional bracing may be necessary to address vibration issues. Matching motor power and speed to the material to be machined will be a real challenge due to the nature of rough cut wood slabs. Loading and unloading of material must be rapid and easy - adjustments will need to be made accordingly. Some of the components will be sourced from China and Japan, which can lead to delays due to prolonged shipping times. We are well equipped, experienced, and highly motivated to overcome all difficulty that may arise.
9
Backers
$290
pledged of $10,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on November 9, 2012.
Funding period
Oct 10, 2012 -
Nov 9, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 0 backed
- Sam Faix 81 friends
- Website: naturereborn.com
Pledge $5 or more
1 backer
Thank you! We'll mail you a thank you card and list you on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $15 or more
0 backers
A wooded refrigerator magnet created by the CNC router with an artistic, intricate design. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $25 or more
6 backers
A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $60 or more
1 backer
The military option. A US armed forces or patriotic rustic plaque. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $75 or more
1 backer
Rustic plaque featuring Thomas Edison quote as seen in the video. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $100 or more
0 backers
3" thick cutting board. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2013Pledge $200 or more
0 backers
Large panoramic wildlife carving in rough cut wood. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $500 or more
0 backers
Rustic end table. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
Rustic wood slab coffee table. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $1,500 or more
0 backers
Butcher block table with 6" thick solid oak slab as seen in the video. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $2,000 or more
0 backers
Rustic wood slab book shelf with intricate wildlife scene carved into the top as seen in the video. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers
Rustic wood slab desk with intricate wildlife scene carved into the bottom as seen in the video. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers
You dream the wood slab furniture piece, we will make it reality. A DVD video showing the creation of your custom project. A DVD video detailing the construction of the router, and a copy of the final plans. You will be listed on our website as a founding donor.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013
