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High precision air bearing CNC lathe and grinder

4 videos recommended on HN
YouTube
2 HN users recommended this demo2 months2019–2025 score 2
Years with an HN recommendation, 2007–2026

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

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.

“If you enjoy absurd precision and accuracy, have a look at Dan Gelbart's older videos” (HN, 2024)

2 recommendations · 3 citations · Demos · advanced

5 Hacker News comments

From the HN archive; up to 20 kept per video, favoring different commenters. Recommendations first.

@paypalcust83 Apr 2020 Recommends
on HN thread 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
Builds 1 micron machines with air bearings, no lapping
@hi-v-rocknroll Apr 2024 Recommends
on HN thread 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]
Custom air bearing mill and grinder reaching 1 micron

Citations, criticism and jokes

@SAI_Peregrinus Jul 2020 Cites it
on HN thread 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]
Custom lathe with under 1 micron tolerance
@Joel_Mckay Sep 2025 Cites it
on HN thread 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
Example of a specialty high-precision CNC build

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