this post was submitted on 16 Oct 2023
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NY bill would require a criminal history background check for the purchase of a 3D printer::Requires a criminal history background check for the purchase of a three-dimensional printer capable of creating firearms; prohibits sale to a person who would be disqualified on the basis of criminal history from being granted a license to possess a firearm.

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[–] PoliticalAgitator@lemm.ee 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It would, but it would also require more expense and skill and the "gun control is pointless because people will just make their own guns" lie works best when you can imply there is minimal cost, experience, effort and risk.

[–] cactusupyourbutt@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

since a cnc is computer controlled it should be about as hard to learn to use a 3d printer

making the model and instructions for the cnc may be more complicated, but you can share those

[–] PoliticalAgitator@lemm.ee -1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Your gut feelings are not facts. CNC machining -- especially of hard metals and complex shapes -- is significantly more complicated and expensive than desktop 3D printers.

You can't just buy a $200 CNC frame, stick a palm router in it and come back an hour later to an AR-15.

[–] wizardbeard@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 1 year ago

Not that you're saying otherwise, but it's not anywhere that simple to make a gun on a 3d printer either. It's at least not considerably easier than making one clandestinely using any of the myriad options that have existed without 3d printing.

[–] MrSpArkle@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There are companies that sell small CNC machines marketed for the purpose of producing firearms. At that point all you need is the gcode and the stock.

[–] PoliticalAgitator@lemm.ee -1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sounds like you shouldn't have any problem answering these questions then:

  1. What does the machine itself cost?
  2. What grades of metal is the spindle able to cut and what is suitable for a safe and reliable firearm?
  3. What tool heads are needed to manufacture each part of a gun?
  4. For each of those tools, cutting that material, what is a good RPM and feed rate?
  5. Do any parts require precise realignment as part of a tool change or when changing the orientation of a part?
  6. How much stock is required for a semi-automatic rifle and what does it cost?
  7. What have you personally manufactured and on what machines? Regular old mills and lathes are fine.

Alternatively, you could go on record saying that absolutely none of those things matter for gun manufacturing.

[–] MrSpArkle@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

All of the answers to these questions are easy, and they all begin with a G.

G-code answers most of your technical concerns.

Google could have helped you find your other answers.

And the Ghost Gunner is what I found:

https://ghostgunner.net/product/ghost-gunner-3-deposit/

Why so incredulous about something that is obviously possible?

[–] PoliticalAgitator@lemm.ee -1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What grade and type of metal is required for a gun? GCode.

Best of luck with your gun.

I'm aware it's possible to CNC gun parts and have never claimed otherwise. But isn't it just fascinating how all the people insisting its how easy and cheap it is have never actually machined anything?

[–] MrSpArkle@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It’s entirely possible the linked product comes with instructions on what material to put in the machine. It’s entirely possible they might even sell the required material.

Based on the reviews and videos of the product your skepticism is unwarranted. You’re just being a dick.

[–] PoliticalAgitator@lemm.ee -1 points 1 year ago

This isn't skepticism, this is actual experience machining parts.

At no point have I suggested that CNC machining gun parts is impossible nor that no desktop printers are capable of it.

I have very specifically challenged people who appear to have no experience machining parts but nevertheless insist it's no more difficult than printing your homework.

It's a lie that's used to undermine gun control and you're repeating it verbatim.