When we talk about CNC machines, we always mean computer-controlled routers. Of course you can do other types of automatic cutting, eg. With a laser or water jet, but how do you add computer control to other types of saws? [Andrew Conseiro] recently put together a post mortem video of this demo CNC scroll saw. He didn't actually do it gracefully, but we found his approach interesting and hope this isn't the last idea we see.
Those who have used scroll saws in the past can immediately see the challenge of this design: A router or laser beam can cut in any direction, and a scroll saw can only cut in one direction. If you try to make sharp turns with your scroll saw, you will break the brittle blade. To get around this limitation, [Andrew] comes up with a cool turntable which can be seen in the video after the break.
By combining the movement of the gantry with the rotation of the table, it prevents the blades from turning too tightly. Or at least that is the theory. While the machine worked fine with the pointer, [Andrew] never got to the point where the machining could be trusted. The positioning error seems to build up until the machine moves the work piece in such a way that it breaks the blade. However, the concept certainly works; At the end of the video, he shows some of the parts he managed to cut off on the machine before throwing the blade away.
We've seen DIY scroll saws before, this is Hackaday's first computer controlled one. Some will no doubt say that there is no point in building one, but now that laser cutters are at such a reasonable price, we really like this design and how much thought has been put into it. At least we think this is the best doodle bot ever. Continue reading “CNC Scroll Saw Makes Promising First Cuts”
