I tried learning CNC in a week to save a 20-year-old Apple Xserve

Makera thinks their new desktop CNC is able to be useful for noobs like me. Is it?

And can I fix my Apple Xserve mounting issue by the end of the video? How about a trip to Canada? All that and more in this video.

Thank you to Makera for providing a Z1 Ultimate Kickstarter Bundle for my use and review in this video. They have not paid for the video in any other way, nor do they have any say in the content of the video. See my sponsorship policies here:

Some of the things I mentioned in this video:

- Makera Z1: https://www.makera.com/pages/makera-z1
- CNC Machining Conversation with Sean Hodgins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz3-YUBSBhU
- Sean's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SeanHodgins
- Husky 27" Tool Storage Cabinet: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Tool-Storage-27-in-W-x-18-in-D-5-Drawer-Gloss-Black-Rolling-Tool-Cabinet-H27TR5BLK/319376602
- Husky 26" Hardwood Tool Cabinet Top: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-26-in-Hardwood-Tool-Cabinet-Top-for-Rolling-Cabinet-HOCN260001/203949843
- Xserve Mounting Bracket: https://www.printables.com/model/1713195-intel-xserve-rackmount-spacer-bracket-805-7385
- 3D Printed numbered tool holder: https://www.printables.com/model/1186525-18-cnc-bit-holder-with-collar-bits-carvera-air

Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geerlingguy
Sponsor me on GitHub: https://github.com/sponsors/geerlingguy
Merch: https://www.redshirtjeff.com
2nd Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GeerlingEngineering
3rd Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Level2Jeff

Contents:

00:00 - Is CNC harder than 3DP
01:23 - Beginner CNC with Sean Hodgins and a Tormach
07:18 - Setting up a desktop CNC
09:06 - Firmware update and too tight a cable
10:21 - Inside the machine
11:08 - Power consumption at idle
11:22 - Workholding
11:43 - Top Clamp Tutorial
12:49 - Measuring sound and power in use
13:10 - Air cleaning and vacuum performance
13:37 - 4-in-1 tool is not great
14:10 - CAM and Makera Studio
15:14 - Setting up toolpaths
16:44 - Setting up the job
17:50 - Making chips
19:56 - E-STOP
20:19 - Not great, not terrible
20:26 - 2nd time's a charm
21:42 - Count your fingers, it's finishing time
22:02 - Installing the Xserve rackmount
22:46 - Lessons learned