Hello everyone, bespoke spectacle maker in London pulling my hair out.

[AndyUK]

Welcome to the forum! Enjoyed watching the video - you've enlightened me, I had no idea that you could get bespoke frames - although I feel slightly sorry for your arms with all that filing!

I think if I were you I'd be looking at small used machines aimed at the pro-hobbyist / small production, something like a little Tormach, or an older Boxford from a college, or alternatively a pre-converted (or converting yourself) mini-mill (Sieg X3 or similar). All of these would nicely fit into your working envelope, and give you plenty of scope for more materials in the future.

I'd be keeping clear of the 'maker' type machines, X Carve / Shapeoko / Workbee - after having read up on machine design for a while, none of these strike me as particularly well thought out, and they don't appear to be using high quality components. I wonder how many of them will be around in five years time. Having said that, by making CNC affordable and accessible, they have gathered a decent following... Maybe I judge them too quickly.

[Worshipfulspectacles]

Welcome to the forum! Enjoyed watching the video - you've enlightened me, I had no idea that you could get bespoke frames - although I feel slightly sorry for your arms with all that filing!

I think if I were you I'd be looking at small used machines aimed at the pro-hobbyist / small production, something like a little Tormach, or an older Boxford from a college, or alternatively a pre-converted (or converting yourself) mini-mill (Sieg X3 or similar). All of these would nicely fit into your working envelope, and give you plenty of scope for more materials in the future.

I'd be keeping clear of the 'maker' type machines, X Carve / Shapeoko / Workbee - after having read up on machine design for a while, none of these strike me as particularly well thought out, and they don't appear to be using high quality components. I wonder how many of them will be around in five years time. Having said that, by making CNC affordable and accessible, they have gathered a decent following... Maybe I judge them too quickly.

Thanks for the reply.

I had no idea about bespoke frames till my partner, a dispensing optician, told me the people she used for the service were in their later years. I was a cabinet maker for 15 years and looking to start my own furniture workshop. The cost of doing so in London would've been very high, so I spent a couple of years setting up a small spectacle workshop and working out the process. The optical world is very insular and not very forthcoming, working out the process was easy enough, sourcing hardware and machinery not so.

Coming from the bespoke furniture world I was amazed that bespoke eyewear isn't really a thing. The majority of our customers have interesting facial geometries (big noses, little noses, wide pupil distance, massive heads, tiny heads), and can't find suitable frames off the shelf. My big challange will be getting a suitable apprentice to train up to help with the workload.

As for the CNC, I've seen a Boxfords pop up on ebay and thought they looked suitable. Am I right in understanding the majority of them need converting to work with the likes of Mach3/4?

I've had a direct message of a reputable forum member who has offered thier services, thinking this will be the best route tbh.

[AndyGuid]

I've had a direct message of a reputable forum member who has offered thier services, thinking this will be the best route tbh.

Definitely the best route if the member's name has a musical connotation and hails from God's country.

[JAZZCNC]

Definitely the best route if the member's name has a musical connotation and hails from God's country.

Ee-ba-Gum Tha's ony gon sus'd it old lad...

[AndyUK]

As for the CNC, I've seen a Boxfords pop up on ebay and thought they looked suitable. Am I right in understanding the majority of them need converting to work with the likes of Mach3/4?

I've had a direct message of a reputable forum member who has offered thier services, thinking this will be the best route tbh.

Yes, they would need conversion, but there is plenty of information out there.

I didn't know if this was in aforementioned forum member's remit, so preferred not to assume. But if this is an option to you (which it would appear to be!), you'll end up with a far more capable machine than any other option at comparable price points. Plus it will be new with expert support.