Show HN: Compass CNC – Open-source handheld CNC router (compassrouter.com)
I am Cam, and for the past two years I have been working on Compass, an open-source handheld CNC router that brings computer precision to woodworking while keeping the user directly involved in the process.
The idea started as my senior design project at UC Berkeley, with the goal of making a more approachable CNC machine—standard CNC machines are expensive, bulky, and remove you from the tactile “maker” experience. Compass solves that by combining a handheld router with real-time robotic assistance. You move the router roughly along a design path, and Compass uses four optical flow sensors (like in computer mice) and a 3-axis motion system to auto-correct for precision cuts.
What is different about Compass: - Open source: All plans, firmware, and CAD files are available on GitHub. - Affordable: The DIY build costs ~$600 in parts, and I am selling kits for <$800. - No external markers: The sensing technology allows for positioning without external markers, so no setup or consumables required. - Portable: Fits in a backpack and is not limited by a fixed work envelope.
We recently completed our first beta program and have just launched V1 kits for pre-order. You can find more info and the launch video at the listed URL.
17 comments
[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 44.2 ms ] threadI’m curious why Jupiter Notebook is involved.
On the flip side, it's just much, much slower than a stationary setup. You can't really push it quickly while retaining enough control to stay in the narrow range it can compensate for. Further, because it's less rigid, high feed rates produce nasty finish.
A little feedback: I found a video of this in action in the forum link, but it should be on the landing page. Also, photo examples of larger completed projects to judge accuracy are necessary. If none of your kits include the 3d parts (not the best choice IMHO), you should at least have a link to uploaded 3d files on a site where they can be ordered.
I am working on putting out more videos! Definitely aiming to address the accuracy and answer some other FAQ. As far as 3D printed parts go, tbh I'm just going that route for now because it's easier. Less hassle to deal with another manufacturer (or build out my own print farm, which is a whole other thing) and have to go through all the quality control that comes with that. Definitely planning on incorporating 3DP parts in the future, but saving that for when other stuff is more dialed in. Good idea to include a link to 3DP supplier.
Maybe I'm a complete dumbass but I could not find a video at any of the URLs on this post using Chrome under Sonoma.
I was introduced to the general concept when the Shaper Origin came out a while back. Here's my problem with the idea:
What's the use case?
Any xyz gantry router will run circles around this approach, by far. They will be much faster, more accurate and, more importantly, hands off. There's a lot to say for clamping the material and mashing the "go" button. The pattern shown in the video on the YT channel literally takes three seconds to cut on a gantry router. And you can swap material and push go again, very quickly (or cut as many as possible out of one piece of material.
For around $1K you can have a much more capable machine. Unless the use case is cutting/engraving on items that cannot be cut on a traditional router, I am not sure what these would be used for. Then the question becomes: How many of those projects do DIY hobbyists have?
The other question is one of accuracy and repeatability. Having done loads of CNC metal machining, CNC and manual wood routing, I can tell you that nothing beats a rigid xyz machine.
So, if someone has just one or a few odd parts that cannot be cut on an xyz router, well, maybe that's a use case. Other than that, why would anyone guild one of these rather than a gantry?
1.) Cuts that are not easy on a gantry. It would be very difficult to do a tenon on a gantry. You could do one side and then flip the piece. Or maybe you could have a special bed with a void for putting stock in that direction. Either way would be difficult to get just right. With the Shaper and their workstation this is a 60 second operation.
2.) Cuts in the real world. If your stock fits into a gantry, great. But if it doesn't then you're going to have to dismantle the thing to get it into your CNC. With the Shaper I've done inlays on-site, in hardwood floors, kitchen counters, on walls, and on a rough surface picnic table.
3.) Sneaking up on tolerances. Again, if you're batching out a ton of stuff you'll get your tolerances once and everything will be set. But when I use a gantry getting the tolerances just right takes a ton of time. On the Shaper you cut a pocket, test fit, bump the tolerance by a thou or two, recut, and re-fit. This is fast on the Shaper.
4.) Storage space. I don't have a ton of space. I have a small CNC (~15" x 15") for small stuff that I want to batch out, but I work out of my garage. I'd love to drop a 4' x 8' CNC in there, but it isn't going to happen. With the Shaper it all goes into a systainer box and sits on a shelf. When I want to do something big I lay some foam down on the driveway to use as a backer, drop the wood, lay out the tape, and go.
It's crazy pricey. But that's more because it's owned by Festool than any inherent reason. If you're the kind of prosumer who goes for Festool-grade tools then it's probably a decent fit.
I suggest you keep a small video on the homepage(maybe youtube video). Also your site took a little time to load because of huge images (especially github image is 11mb).
Very cool project.