One could just as easily say that measuring anything on a CNC priced below a Mori is also pointless.
I think we can improve a lot from where we are, without increasing cost and effort too much. We optimize this journey through measurement and quantification. I’m looking for the best path towards “better”:
- We have brilliant minds finding new ideas, but sometimes they aren’t quite able to express the magnitude of the improvements. One of the sand fill threads, for example, interests me, but to date, nobody cursed with nerdiness as I am has tried to quantify how much it might improve things. So it remains as a “I think it’s better” for now.
- Also, extending the sand discussion, we don’t know if there’s a minimal amount needed. Maybe there’s a maximum amount that starts hurting the system’s performance? What’s the optimal? Epoxy granite is a much bigger pain in the ass, but is the result worth it? Without measurements, we don’t know.
- Some folks are getting fantastic results from linear rails, but how much better? Can you get most of the effect (or even a positive effect) with harder wheels instead? Wheels would be a LOT cheaper and easier, if they gained most of the advantages. Nobody’s tried and measured, to my knowledge.
Already I’ve been able to make mostly-usable (though presently ugly) aluminum parts from a machine that others say cannot do so effectively. I look at @BartK and his work , or @Vince.Fab and his, and am impressed at the potential. Motivation enough.