Category:Vulcan

Argument

Cost

Perhaps most compelling, but in practice least valuable is the significant reduction in cost. While I believe we can bring down the cost, it will come at some convenience and a lot of time.

Standardization

The project can standardize both what tools, modules and components we expect to be available.

Experience

The process of building the lab gives the owner the experience in using the tools and an understanding of fabrication techniques.

Deep Knowledge

The builder will know how all the machines work which give a much better sense of how they can be used, what their limits are and how to maintain and fix them.

Rules

1. Cost calculation is based on new parts. Recycle and repurposed were possible, but if I say it's $50, you can buy the parts new for $50.
2. All software is open source
3. Summary of any project should include cost break down and time breakdown
4. Power is limited to two 110v 20A circuits
5. When stored, lab should fit into 3'x8'x8'
6. The core shop should be completed in about 1200 hours, see timing below

Timing

The core lab should take about 1200 hours. Specifically, it assumes that someone building it can invest 2x1hr sessions and 2x5hr sessions. The idea being that someone with a full-time job can put in 2 evenings and either 1 long weekend session or two shorter weekend sessions. A large time investment, but achievable. And if you can't do that, it will just take proportionally longer.

That 2x1hr + 2x5hr is also going to be important for dividing up the work. Things that need to set or dry can be setup and left. And the 2x5hr session should fit back to back, so no assumption that something completed at the end of one will be dry at the start of the next.

Not included in here are print and mill times. Though there should be some consideration for how long these take. Both so that someone can keep an eye on them and so that we don't schedule 2 weeks worth of printing in one week.