A discussion started
here, that touched on a number of issues in the world of Handibot.
Brian shared a lot of the history of Handibots evolution and why rather than the $1k machine originally envisaged, it is now an almost $5k machine.
My personal agenda as an engineer turned furniture maker who uses CNC services but want to get a first machine into my workshop, is that Handibot is the closest thing to the solution I want but is:
A.Too expensive - my target would be $2k - $2.5k (yes the Kickstarter/intro price...but I'm not an early adopter!)
B. Not International - I'm UK based, so don't want to be reliant on
C. An evolutionary dead end - I accused this forum of being dead, but a few good people have cleared that up!)
so
As Handibot is Open Source, I wanted to see if I could build my own.
- The evidence is inconclusive that anyone has actually achieved this ( a guy was selling plates on UK Ebay after an attempt ,see end of thread
here- A Swedish guy has some Youtube videos up suggesting he is trying
hereAll the part models and BOM are available
here and build guidance
hereBUT you quickly run into problems, for example:
The Stepper/leadscrew are proprietary and not available. 3D printing market has made Nema17 steppes with leadscrew available but not Nema23 with quality bearing and 0.5" pitch leadscrew, so a redesign would need to address this
So why persevere? Well I believe the original brief for the Handibot was spot on:
- A reliable workshop machine needs to use proper profile linear rails to give rigidity and low maintenance. Open Builds have done some great things and currently the Workbee represents probably the best entry level CNC router at $1.5-3k. But all those skate wheels need careful adjustment and maintenance. Now linear rails have dropped in price a lot and increasingly designs on Open Builds mount profiled Rails on their VSlot extrusions..the future is linear rails!
- Small is beautiful,Most of us in Europe and Asia just don't have the space and large workshops you Americans seem to have. Whilst larger format CNC router have their advantages that is a considerable commitment of space. Where Handibot pioneered,
Shaper Origin follows and with great software and a European launch last month, it is tempting but misses a key advantage of CNC - it cannot work autonomously. I need that productivity advantage.
- The handibot has evolved as a design into a lovely package of CNC capability and the applications and additional jigs and fixtures have demonstarted how it can be used. Sadly small does not also mean cheap - the Handibot still has the same number of motors/rails/controllers as a much larger machine. Most hobby woodworking CNC routers come down to :
Frame= aluminium extrusion and plates
Linear motion = profile rails (or V slot in the past) plus ballscrews/leadscrews (or belts) plus stepper motors
Controller = Arduino and gbrl (or similar) plus PC or SBC like Rasberry P
Where the Handibot differs from the rest is the frame, where HDPE and Aluminium plates replace extrusions. Whilst in theory the Handibot design leverages CNC routing to make the plates, the complexity makes it an expensive process to get a one off set cut (I think, I am still exploring that)
Meanwhile, new designs throw up new concepts. Unsupported rails as seen on the cheap 3040 routers from ebay are terrible as they flex excessively. A new market entry
Onefinity have revived the idea by supper sizing them. I like the low part count of the approach but fear the addition of a 'stiffy' accessory suggest they still have some rigidity issues). Another to watch.
So trying to share and summarize - but the question is simple. Could I build a version of Handibot DIY to get the benfits at a reasonable price?
The payoff for the community would be more European and Asian makers taking the format seriously and contributing to the community.