High precision air bearing CNC lathe and grinder
Why Hacker News recommends it
Cited as a marvel of absurd precision in home-built machine tools, and a pointer to Gelbart's other videos.
What it is
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.
Recommended by 2 HN commenters across 2 different months, 2019 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Recommends paypalcust83 · 2020-04 · on “Hand Scraping a Truly Flat Plane (1908) [pdf]”
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
Recommends hi-v-rocknroll · 2024-04 · on “My Homemade Metal Lathe Project”
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 hlieberman · 2019-07 · on “Kern Microtechnik: Accurate CNC Machines [video]”
For a slightly more accurate CNC lathe and grinding machine (1 micron) that can be made "at home": [this video]
Cites SAI_Peregrinus · 2020-07 · on “FAA issues emergency directive on 2,000 Boeing 737 NG, Classic planes”
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 Joel_Mckay · 2025-09 · on “Building the most accurate DIY CNC lathe in the world [video]”
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