Hello Everyone, I am new here and have done some research on a CNC build but before I continue I know I should ask a potential project busting question.....The only place I can have my CNC would be the loft, but it is not sealed and is open to seasonal temperatures i.e. possibly below zero on the coldest winter nights and 30+ on the warmest summer days......perhaps I have been burying my head in the sand and am being naïve but is this a deal breaker or anything I can do to get around it? I leave the question at that, I cannot temperature control the loft in any way.....any suggestions? Thanks, Rob
Obviously you wouldn't want to be using it during the temperature extremes but you shouldn't have any difficulty protecting it during those times. Have you considered building a styrofoam housing to surround it during the extreme cold spells? A small electric heating pad (or even an incandescent light bulb) should have no problem keeping it warm enough if you have decent insulation surrounding it. Another option would be using quick connects on all the electronics so you could disconnect and bring them inside during the cold spells. Beyond that, all that's left to worry about would be humidity and while that may eventually take a toll, it should be a ways out in the future.
Thanks, Rick that certainly keeps the flame alive. I did wonder about the "moving of electronics" when I am not using as a possibility. I did also think about some sort of insulated box but wasn't sure. Don't really want to go down the road of constant electrical input used by a pad or bulb but I see where you're coming from, even a small heat source would work if insulated..... I think humidity should not be a problem as I have had items stored for a number of years without a problem in that direction but I could find a way to test that to be sure. All food for thought and my CNC dream lives on......feel like a big kid when I think about it! Thanks again. Rob
I'm not sure what is available in your part of the world but here in order to prevent pipes from freezing, stores sell thermostat plug units that kick on around freezing and shut off when no longer needed. If placed inside the enclosure, it would greatly reduce the amount of energy used but if you are in an area of extremely expensive electric power, even a few minutes per hour may still add up to a noticeable sum. Disconnecting the electronics may be the most cost effective solution.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Soda-Can-Heater/ This is what my dad uses to keep his shop warm. His is much bigger and there's a solar panel for the fan to move the heat around. The problem with tools that go from cold to hot is that they sweat then rust. That all said I don't really think there's much problem with an ox and rust. Bob
