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Lessons Learned

With the right approach, you can create a functional and accurate CNC machine that meets your specific needs.

Learning from Mistakes

Building a CNC Machine is a thrilling but complex task requiring electrical expertise, technical knowledge, precision, and problem-solving skills. People who have worked on similar projects often agree that facing challenges and missing seemingly minor details is usual. In our own experience, our mistakes had substantial consequences, leading to moments of panic, and ultimately resulting in us accomplishing less than we had initially anticipated. In this section, we will identify and discuss the most crucial mistakes we made, reflecting on the lessons we learned from these experiences

Time Management

Time management is a crucial aspect of any project. The team initially had a period of up to 10 months to complete the project. This perception of having abundant time led to a relaxed attitude in the initial stages. The team spent an excessive amount of time on project exploration and finding without a structured approach.

Design Issues

The design oversight issue occurred when we initially proposed building a single-spindle multifunction CNC machine with a quick and innovative attachments system. Despite our belief in its uniqueness, the review board perceived it as generic and recommended a different approach. To meet their suggestions, we had to conduct extensive research and modify the design from a single-spindle to a two-spindle multifunction CNC. While the modification was ultimately satisfying, it led to an increase in our budget and required additional time.

Safety

Safety should always be a paramount concern when constructing and operating a CNC machine. It's easy to overlook essential safety measures like adequate shielding and ventilation while concentrating on the machine's functionality. In our case, as we neared completion of the project, debris from the engraver started flying all over, posing a significant safety hazard. It became crucial to address this issue promptly. We had to develop shielding and a shop vacuum access mechanism to ensure the safety of both the individuals operating the machine and the machine itself.

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