| Hobbyists get into CNC for many different reasons. It | | | | The Entire CNC process - I fall strongly into this |
| really has a lot to offer as a hobby. There are many | | | | category. I started into CNC because of a problem, but |
| challenges to it and that is what draws in many people. | | | | stayed because I love the whole process of it. I like to |
| This is not something you do just to pass the time. | | | | design things. I like to build things. I like to make money. I |
| There is a result in mind. | | | | like the challenge. I like the whole enchilada. That is |
| Some people make it to Hobby CNC through a side | | | | what I want to share with you. |
| door. They come from areas like Combat Robot and | | | | What personal attributes will help you with CNC? |
| RC Modeling. There are many small, precise parts in | | | | I get this question a lot. How do I know if CNC is right |
| these hobbies, which CNC is perfect for. There are | | | | for me? Guess what, I have seen it all. Many types of |
| also many enthusiasts that like to customize things so | | | | people show up in CNC. Here are some common skills |
| they need a way to make unique parts that they can't | | | | I see often in the field. |
| get anywhere else. | | | | Computers - Do you like working with computers? If |
| Here are a few elements that have brought people | | | | you said yes then that will help you out. CNC is really |
| into the CNC Fold: | | | | computer intensive work on the front end of the |
| Electronics - There are many electronic components | | | | process. |
| you can build yourself. Do you like to solder together | | | | Software - Can you learn multiple software |
| power supplies, cooling fans, drivers and processors? | | | | packages? If you said yes you probably have a |
| CNC would appeal to you. | | | | flexible software mind. That will come in handy. |
| Design - Do you like to think about things in your mind? | | | | Shop Skills - If you have skills in the shop, you will be |
| Then conceptualize them into a computer. Do you | | | | ok. It doesn't really matter if it is metalworking, |
| have a little inventor inside of you trying to get out? | | | | woodworking or anything else. Being comfortable |
| CNC would appeal to you. | | | | getting your hands dirty will help. |
| Manufacture - Do you like to make things in a process | | | | Engineering Mind - I usually think of this as a |
| fashion? Step by step, process by process. Do you | | | | problem-solving mind. Trying to isolate things and pin |
| like to optimize and test and make processes more | | | | them down. If a problem come up, you test different |
| efficient? CNC would appeal to you. | | | | ways around it. Keeping track of things will help. |
| End Design - Do you have a result or end design in | | | | Artistic Mind - Can you imagine things? Think of the |
| mind? This is what happened to me. I knew where I | | | | products you create. Guess what, creating is very |
| was. I knew where I wanted to go. I then used CNC | | | | important. Using you mind and thinking of unique |
| as a bridge to get there. If you have an end design in | | | | possibilities will help. |
| mind that is repetitive, then CNC would appeal to you. | | | | Crafty Mind - I don't mean in a devious way, more in a |
| Money - Do you like money? Boy is that a question. | | | | building way. Can you take things apart and put them |
| Many hobbyists get into CNC to make some extra | | | | together in your head? Can you see a finished product, |
| money or start their own business. Yes, you can make | | | | and then back track the processes to make it? You |
| parts and sell them. Guess what, after you design the | | | | will be well served if you can play with things in your |
| part, you never have to do that again. You can just call | | | | mind. |
| up the program and make some more. Months and | | | | "Wait, wait, wait," you might say. "I don't possess all |
| years later…forever. CNC appeals to people | | | | these skills." You don't have to. Having some of these |
| who want to make money. | | | | skills will only help you on your quest to learn CNC. |
| Challenge of Building a Machine - Some people just get | | | | Again, I have seen all types of people get into and |
| bored and want a project to work on. Building a | | | | succeed in this field. Your desire to learn and get out |
| machine that does something appeals to them. Think | | | | there and do it will be the deciding factor. |
| of the Model Builders, Woodworkers, Metal Workers | | | | Ivan is active in Hobby CNC and DIY CNC. CNC Book |
| and any other type of builder you know. CNC appeals | | | | is one of his expertise. |
| to the builders of the world. | | | | |