Is it possible to make DIY clone of MakerBeam [closed]

Question

Is it possible to make clone of http://www.makerbeam.eu/ of some easy accessible material like:

• wood
• plywood
• OSB
• MDF
• HDF
• others

Using any type of CNC machine to mill some holes and rails in those materials may give sufficient results e.g. to make a prototype of 3D printer of such "beams".

Of course it won't be as rigid and durable but for making prototypes it may be good idea.

Just for reference: when reading this http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2012/12/how-to-make-everything-ourselves-open-modular-hardware.html I've found this http://bitbeam.org/, this https://www.google.com/search?q=grid+beam&client=ubuntu&hs=zAr&channel=fs&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMIiLHdqf2MyQIVQZoUCh1cHwV1&biw=1215&bih=927 and this http://www.gridbeam.com/, and this https://www.tetrixrobotics.com/.

Answer 1

The main problem you will have with this idea is that the MakerBeam / MicroRax / 80/20 rails are extruded aluminum, not milled. It might be difficult to replicate the design in wood.

Beyond that, the wood will have roughly 1/10 the tensile strength of the aluminum and 1/20th the compression strength.

Answer 2

If you don't want to use prepared components, your best bet is using materials that benefit from economies of scale. Find one that suits you (it could be wood boards, steel pipe for plumbing or conduit, steel L or C sections, Aluminum extrusions for architecture, or plastic pipe) and then find where your local builders or tradespeople dump or recycle old material. You should be able to get it for cheap or free.

You will need to learn how to work with the materials you choose; but that is a basic requirement for trying to save money in this way.

A hand saw, a file/rasp, and a drill should be enough to get you started for tools.

Keep in mind that this puts you on a journey of learning to craft some type of material rather than experiment with 3D printing. If the 3D printing part is what's important to you, fundraise or work extra hours until you can buy a kit or a prebuilt printer.