“The creator (Dan Gelbart) demonstrates nitrogen-tight parts without bearings, and claims zero wear or lubrication needs.”
Builds 1 micron machines with air bearings, no lapping
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It's interesting to get more precise and accurate machines out of the ones came before. These days, if you want to get milling and grinding down to 1 micron without lapping using only your own expertise and some parts from eBay (air bearings and precision-ground slabs): this video The creator (Dan Gelbart) demonstrates nitrogen-tight parts without bearings, and claims zero wear or lubrication needs. #AvEclub
Recommendshi-v-rocknrollApr 2024
“If you enjoy absurd precision and accuracy, have a look at Dan Gelbart's older videos”
Custom air bearing mill and grinder reaching 1 micron
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If you enjoy absurd precision and accuracy, have a look at Dan Gelbart's older videos where he fabricobbles together a custom milling machine and grinder with air bearings that can work parts down to 1 micron. No lapping needed. this video PS: More power to the professors who go into business and reach "F everyone money". link
Cites ithliebermanJul 2019
“For a slightly more accurate CNC lathe and grinding machine (1 micron) that can be made "at home"”
Home-built 1 micron CNC lathe and grinder
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For a slightly more accurate CNC lathe and grinding machine (1 micron) that can be made "at home": this video
Cites itSAI_PeregrinusJul 2020
“Dan Gelbart built his own lathe with <1µm final part tolerance”
Custom lathe with under 1 micron tolerance
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Nanotech Systems (Moore's current name) make a high-precision drum lathe with 1nm positioning precision, with a 2600mm working area [1]. 1 part in 2,600,000,000. Dan Gelbart built his own lathe with <1µm final part tolerance [2]. Within a few thousandths of an inch isn't very impressive. I can hold 1 thou on a cheap manual lathe (Grizzly G0602 10"x22" working area), with a decent amount of care. Holding to tenths (1/10000") is impossible with the equipment I can afford though. [1] link [2] this video
Cites itJoel_MckaySep 2025
“there are some completed specialty CNC builds around.”
Example of a specialty high-precision CNC build
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Most do not understand how difficult these machines are to handle, but there are some completed specialty CNC builds around. "High precision air bearing CNC lathe and grinder" (Dan Gelbart) this video Cylo's Garage spent a lot of time exploring these designs. =3
