Make has an article on an impressively low cost desktop CNC router built by Norbert Heinz, largely from scrap parts.
Using dirt-cheap chipboard, an Arduino, motor breakout board, angled aluminum, and a few gears and servos pulled from a tray-style computer CD drive, Norbert Heinz has created an unbelievably inexpensive CNC router — the total cost for Heinz was around €150 (or about $160 in US dollars).
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During testing, the machine was able to engrave wood, glass, plastic, aluminum, and Depron foam with ease and surprising precision
The project page has complete instructions and source code, and there is a detailed Youtube video showing the construction and operation of the machine.
(Score: 2) by dbe on Saturday November 07 2015, @11:47PM
Thanks for the laugh, "if your soldering iron is powerful enough, no need to use a candle" is mythical :)
Awesome demonstration work.
Cheers
-dbe