Pocket NC was started in a one bedroom apartment in 2011 by Matt and Michelle Hertel. Inspired by how the 3D printing revolution was bringing manufacturing into homes across the world, they decided to embark on designing a desktop CNC mill. After working on designing and prototyping the machine in their evenings and weekends for over two years, the Hertel’s left their day jobs and moved the company to Bozeman, Montana.
The Pocket NC required another year and a half of work moving from Matt’s parents’ basement to a garage before it was ready for it’s Kickstarter debut in 2015. Upon launch of the campaign, the $70,000 goal was met within the first hour and was sold out within the first week raising a total of $355,000 from 280 backers making it the most successful Kickstarter campaign in Montana history. Pocket NC delivered all 100 units on schedule by March 2016.
Pocket NC has been shipping machines since 2016 now offering two versions of the desktop 5-axis CNC milling machine, the V2-10 and V2-50. There are now over 2000 machines worldwide.
Pocket NC V2-10
Pocket NC 5 Axis Desktop CNC Mill V2-10 can cut materials up to a hardness of G5 titanium although optimally cuts delrin, aluminum or softer steels. Travel is 5.0 inches/128.3 mm (Y), 4.55 inches/115.5mm (X) and 3.55 inches/90.1mm (Z). The machine accepts standard G code.
Pocket NC V2-50CHB or CHK
Pocket NC 5 Axis Desktop CNC Mill V2-50 can cut materials up to a hardness of G5 titanium although optimally cuts delrin, aluminum or softer steels. The V2-50 has a 50,000 RPM spindle which requires an air supply.* Travel is 5.0 inches/128.3 mm (Y), 4.55 inches/115.5mm (X) and 3.55 inches/90.1mm (Z). The machine accepts standard G code.
There is the option to choose the V2-50CHB with an NRR-2651 NSK Spindle (this is the original V2-50) or the V2-50CHK with an NR-2551 NSK Spindle. Please see this article for more information on the differences.