The Hobbyist's Guide to CNC

"So, is the book for you? Confused about the differences between controller software? It’s for you. Feeling overwhelmed in trying to wrap your head around the components of a home shop CNC machine? It’s for you. Trying to decide between building your own system or purchasing? It’s for you." - Digital Machinist Magazine, Spring 2023Once the exclusive domain of commercial manufacturing, it is now possible for hobbyists to buy, build, and operate small and affordable CNC machines, bringing this powerful production capability to the hobbyist's garage or home shop.For those wishing to join the legions of owners of new hobby-scale CNC routers, mills, lathes, and laser cutters, learning how to select and operate their machine presents a bewildering array of options, techniques, terms, and concepts vital to successfully transforming ideas into CNC machined parts.Dennis Grant, author of the critically acclaimed Autocross to Win, comes to the rescue with his new book, The Hobbyist's Guide to CNC. Aimed squarely at those with little to no machining background, Dennis teaches basic CNC concepts and vocabulary, walks you through the components of the machine, and introduces you to CAD/CAM software and manufacturing design. For those looking to convert a manual machine, he discusses how to build a CNC controller, how to select drive motors and other machine components, and how to run the software needed to bring the machine to life.Based on his extensive experience building and operating his own machines, The Hobbyist's Guide to CNC is full of practical, honest, and occasionally funny advice on how to select a machine, get it running, and using it to convert your dreams into physical parts. If you are looking to buy your first CNC, convert a manual machine, or if you've already bought one and are feeling overwhelmed, Dennis will guide you through the process of becoming a successful CNC machinist. Read more