Ultimate Home Digital Fabrication Workshop
After spending an entire weekend checking out the latest maker tech at World Maker Faire New York, I have one question. What would it take to build the Ultimate Home Digital Fabrication Workshop? I’m lucky to have access to a variety of machines at work and my local makerspace but nothing beats having a dream workshop at home.
Ultimate Home Digital Fabrication Workshop
3D Printer (FDM): Ultimaker 2 : $2,499
3D printers have captured the imagination of makers across the world. The Ultimaker 2 is a high end printer that remains open source and now has US distribution and support. Check out the review at tested.com. Budget alternative: Printrbot Metal Simple ($599).
3D Printer (SLA): Form 2 : $3,499
If your projects need detail that an FDM printer can’t provide, a home SLA 3D printer can create parts ready for investment casting. Check out the review at tested.com. Budget Alternative: Shapeways.
Laser Cutter: Glowforge : $2,000
A laser cutter at prosumer prices opens up a world of possibilities especially coupled with the promise of smart software coupled with material sensing cameras. Check out the review at tested.com. Budget Alternative: Ponoko.
Small CNC: Othermill : $2,199
Which CNC you need depends on the project but the a small micro-mill works great for precise work like circuit boards or jewelry. Check out the review at tested.com.
CNC Router: Handibot : $2,795
A portable CNC router that can be placed on top of the workpiece.
Large CNC: X-Carve : $1,399
Larger format CNC that can still be stored away.
Cutting Plotter: KNK Zing Air : $449
Handle home decoration and paper projects like a champ. Blade cut edges are better for archival work like photos where laser cut edges might deteriorate over time. Budget Alternative: Silhouette Cameo ($299).
Total Cost: $14,840
My personal picks weight cost, size, portability and versatility for home use. With the final cost of the Ultimate Home Digital Fabrication Workshop approaching that of a small car, I’ll continue to pursue the budget options on my teacher salary. (Though as Lisa Fetterman CEO, Nomiku said at MakerCon, “You only need one kidney.” If you have different picks for your Ultimate Home Digital Fabrication Workshop please include them in the comments or contact me on Twitter @DesignMakeTeach. If you’d like to donate a machine for my workshop or send me a demo unit to check out, let me know.
Thanks for this handy list. I noticed that you selected the Glowforge Basic (which I’m very close to purchasing) but wondering what the limitations of the Class 1 laser (basic) will be compared to the Class 4. Since this will be for a mobile create/make studio that may visit schools.. I feel its a safer choice.. but what would a home fabrication place (or a mobile studio) be giving up my choosing a class 1 laser.
My understanding, please verify, is that the lasers are identical between models. Having the opening in the Pro model that allows the pass through of longer materials, changes the classification of the laser. Class 4 requires eye protection. Operations/liability wise you are better with the “basic” in my opinion. Buy the filter but be prepared to do external venting.
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