Maker Faire Bay Area 2023
Handheld CNC Router
Home: California, United States
I'm showcasing my DIY Handheld CNC Router project! It's a portable CNC router for precise 2D cuts on the go. Users move the router roughly along a pre-set path, while the bit adjusts to compensate for user error. Sensors detect the router’s position and orientation relative to the workpiece, then shift the cutting bit as needed. Unique to my design, positioning comes from optical flow sensors embedded inside the device – like those in computer mice. This simplifies its use and enables precise machining without prior setup. I've also implemented advanced control systems for stability and precision. While this started out as my Mechatronics capstone project, I am still developing the technology and hope to eventually bring open source Handheld CNC Router kits to the public.
https://www.cameronchaney.com/handheld-cnc-router
Additional Project Photos
Maker
Cameron Chaney
I am a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate from UC Berkeley drawn to the creative and electromechanical realms of engineering. I love working with my hands and making things do stuff.
https://www.cameronchaney.com/What Inspired You to Make This?
I have always been intrigued by the interaction between robots and humans. Robotics just becomes way more fun and interesting when you can be a part of it. At some point I had the idea of applying this concept to digital fabrication. I was imagining some sort of 3D printer or CNC machine that could actually work together with the user to create something. After playing around with this a bit more and diving into a couple rabbit holes, I ended up with something pretty exciting.
