I donāt know what all yāallās circumstances are, but for me learning to machine metal was a complete game changer. Suddenly all those things you usually had to go down to the hardware store and try to find, or search online for you could make yourself. Or, between 3D printing and machining you could come up with your own design.
Prior to that I was an electronics guy, but once you get the remote, batteries, drives and motors working you were limited to off the shelf.
Then CNC changed everything again. All those parts that canāt be manually machined, like cogs, gears, precision components, all came into possibility.
In terms of this particular pastime, esk8ing, sure, they are fun to ride, but itās another level when you start building your own machines.
Machining parts from Delrin for ESk8 has worked quite well for me. From battery holders (no spot welding) to pulleys, Kegel inserts and various other items, Delrin has been great and is easy to machine. Machined part of my deck from HDPE and the enclosure from expanded PVC. All easy stuff to machine, probably donāt need anything larger than a desktop CNC. Also machined my own bushingsā¦ Itās been a lot of fun! Good luck!
Im a pro CNC machinist, i don`t know how much space you have but as soon as you setup a industry machine it will cost money. (space+electricity+coolant+maintanence) So the machine must be fed.
I personally have a DIY CNC machineā¦ i would suggest you to go that way if you don`t want to produce parts everyday.
I have a shapeoko 3 and have been really satisfied with its abilities for the price. They offer a few models starting around 1,500 and just announced this new model that looks really promising: Shapeoko HDM (PREORDER) - Carbide 3D
I started a new hobby by converting a manual machine to cnc. Which was fun and educational but also time consuming and frustrating sometimes
Anyway, if you just want to make parts or protypes without much hassle, buy a complete machine tool or diy kit.
A router is pretty great to make simpler parts, like a workbee or a shapeoko. @Lee_Wright plug:
Ive also considered an omio x6 router in the past but decided to go the diy way with a hobby manual mill, which would allow me to make more interesting parts.
That thing doesnāt look very DIY except for some pieces. Got a parts list? My DIY is almost there. I just need to have the plates machined to get her going.
. Sometimes I forget that upgrading the tools isnāt the goal.
