The Hub

I'm the proud new owner of a "new to me" Fireball Meteor CNC machine. It feels really odd to have a computer in the shop but I guess I need to get used to that. Fortunately for me, I am well versed in CAD, unfortunately not so much on the CAM side of things. My 3 kids are all experts and are steepening the learning curve dramatically, this would be overwhelming if they weren't helping.

So far I'm using the Fusion 360 personal use version and it's working out well. You can see in the photo my first CAM test, which went well apart from burying the tool up to the collet on the first attempt. I am learning quickly about Z axis touch offs and tool touch offs. That is a resonator guitar cover plate design in plywood. I'm currently waiting for a 220v 3hp spindle to show up so I can ditch the router. The ultimate plan is to cut out the metal tops, backs, cover plates, bridges etc for the metal resonator guitars I build. My kids helped me setup feeds and speeds templates for the different materials I plan to cut (stainless, mild steel, brass, bronze and wood). I'm currently drawing the 14 fret resonator neck in CAD so I can CAM it and do a test neck on a 2x4. That should be exciting.

My mind is going bonkers thinking of all the opportunities this thing opens up for me. I'm pretty excited and equally overwhelmed by it all.

Ok, no real point to this post, just thought I'd share.

James