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High precision air bearing CNC lathe and grinder

Dan Gelbart · 646.2K views · 2015-03-06 · 10:35

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Overview

Dan Gelbart shows his home-built air bearing CNC lathe and grinder, which reaches about 1 micron accuracy. He demonstrates the machine and its parts.

On Hacker News

Cited as a marvel of absurd precision in home-built machine tools, and a pointer to Gelbart's other videos.

Recommended by 2 HN people across 2 months · HN mentions 2019–2025

Topics

Woodworking, metalworking & workshop skillsMechanical & precision engineering3D printing, CNC & maker projects
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air bearingscnc lathedan gelbartdiy machiningmetrology

What people said

hi-v-rocknroll · 2024-04 · Recommendation

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. [VIDEO] PS: More power to the professors who go into business and reach "F everyone money". [LINK]

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paypalcust83 · 2020-04 · Recommendation

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): [VIDEO] The creator (Dan Gelbart) demonstrates nitrogen-tight parts without bearings, and claims zero wear or lubrication needs. #AvEclub

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Joel_Mckay · 2025-09 · Reference

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) [VIDEO] Cylo's Garage spent a lot of time exploring these designs. =3

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Sources

Video by Dan Gelbart, played through YouTube.

Data and selection notes

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