Multimachine

Introduction

The Multimachine is, physically, a multipurpose machining tool for metal. Its framework or scope is much greater - it is an open source project that is closest to the the one-stop shop for learning the skills to become an effective machinist. The project takes one from scratch - explainng many simple techniques that lead to advanced machining - based on proven techniques from history. As such - the Multimachine provides a firm foundation that is an essential prerequisite for anyone attempting to add computer numerical control to the package - for ends of post-industrial digital fabrication. If there were a series of steps for creating a digital fabrication facility - implementing the Multimachine would be one of them - because of the breadth of topics covered in the project.

The book, which should be studied carefully and read many times over - describes how to make the Multimachine - cheaply. It is clearly an appropriate technology approach. It even goes as far as describing the construction of a basic manual drill and temporary lathe from a wheel rotor - and even touches on the need for casting - such that with about $100 of infrastructure - one can build an entire machine from scratch. This work clearly hints at the possibility of closing the gap between the developed and developing world - in that it exposes the possibility of advanced machining starting from scrap metal casting and basic tools.

It should be said that while the multimachine can perform wonders - it is only as magical as the hand of the operator. Mastery of various skills is required - and the Multimachine documentation is perhaps the most integrated source of all this knowledge to be found in any 80 page manual.

On a personal note - yesterday I was stuck with a $100 bill for getting a motor coupler lathed at the local custom fabricator. I was upset that such a simple piece should cost so much - when I have the skills to do it myself. In desperation, I picked up the Multimachine manual - knowing that it's time to build the machine and start doing my own heavy-duty lathing. by reading the book, I have a pretty solid idea of how I could build a temporary lathe from a wheel rotor of a car - using a simple workpiece holder design - found in the book.

See Also

Open Source Lathe

The Global Village Construction Set
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Agriculture	Tractor	Seeder	Hay Rake	Well-Drilling Rig
	Microtractor	Soil Pulverizer	Spader	Hay Cutter	Trencher
	Bakery Oven	Dairy Milker	Microcombine	Baler
Industry	Multimachine	Ironworker	Laser Cutter	Welder	Plasma Cutter
	CNC Torch Table	Metal Roller	Rod and Wire Mill	Press Forge	Universal Rotor
	3D Printer	3D Scanner	CNC Circuit Mill	Industrial Robot	Chipper Hammermill
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Materials	Aluminum Extractor	Bioplastic Extruder
Transportation	Car	Truck
Key	Design	Planning	Prototype	Almost done	Full Release