Where Do I Go From Here? - 3D Printing: Build your Own 3D Printer and Print your own 3D Objects - page 202

You're already familiar with how to control a 3D printer with g-code. A CNC ma-
chine works the same way, but differences exist. When it comes to controlling a
CNC machine with a computer, you're also dealing with depth of cut. 3D printers
build up in layers, but CNC machines cut down into material, so the software
needed to do this is often more advanced than the Repetier software you learned
about in Chapters 5 , “ First Print with the Simple ,” and 7 , “ Creating a 3D Model
with Tinkercad . ”
There's a lot more to know about using a CNC machine than I can provide here,
but you'll be happy to know that dozens of topics and websites are dedicated to
CNC technology. If you're truly interested in expanding your skills, you shouldn't
find jumping from 3D printing to milling with a CNC machine too difficult. But
just as with 3D printing, you've got to start simple with a CNC machine and con-
tinue learning and experimenting to improve your skills with this powerful tool.
Note
You won't find too many CNC machines in the price range of low-
end 3D printers, and it's not uncommon to spend $2,000 to $10,000 on
a hobbyist-level CNC machine. Fortunately, there's an entire hobbyist
market out there dedicated to building homemade CNC machines. A
good friend of mine, Patrick Hood Daniel, offers a variety of kits and
plans if you'd like to try your hand at saving some serious cash. Point a
web browser to http://buildyourcnc.com for more information.
Laser Cutter
Lasers. I love that word. It just sounds high-tech.
Imagine for a moment replacing the milling bit in a CNC machine or the hot end
in a 3D printer with a powerful laser that can cut through wood, plastic, and oth-
er materials. Using a similar method of controlling the motors, you could focus
that laser beam onto the workspace and let it cut out shapes and letter curves in
whatever material you desire.
It may sound like science fiction, but it's a reality and it's called a laser cutter. Take
a look at Figure 11.3 and you'll see one of the more popular laser cutters from Epi-
log, called the Zing.